Hello UUSSers~

For this new fiscal year, UUSS will be exploring theme-based ministry. Each month, we are all invited into thinking about the theme in a variety of ways. Ministry Teams, Advisory Committees, classes, programs, the Board, the Staff, each and every one of you is invited into considering the month’s theme. This might include things like asking check-in questions related to the theme, exploring quotes, sermons, poems, and music on the theme, and including chalice lighting words in our meetings and gatherings with the theme. We look forward to seeing how creative folks can be with engaging with the themes throughout the year so if you have an idea for other ways the congregation can engage, let us know.

This coming Sunday we’ll mark the beginning of this year with an In-Gathering service and a Gathering of Waters ritual. Our first monthly theme is Covenant-the promises we make to one another about how we want to be in relationship with each other as we engage in building the beloved community.

Today we share an excerpt from a poem by Rev. Marta Valentín, from her book, A Long Time Blooming.

In gatherings we are stirred
like the leaves of the fall season
rustling around sacred trees,
tossed hither and yon
until we come to rest together,
quietly, softly . . .
We come to gather strength from each other.
We come to give strength to each other.
We come to ask for strength from the Spirit of All That Is and Is Not.

Spirit of the ¬circle that is Love,
as we twirl in this dance that is life
we give thanks for reminding us each day
of our task of ministering to each “other”
with a searching glance,
a safe touch,
a generous smile,
a thoughtful word…

Thank you for reminding us
that we are always building our beloved comunidad.

Thank you for reminding us
that through our covenant with you
we covenant with each “other”
and are made whole.

Amen. Paz. Blessed Be.

Rev. Marta happens to be on the cover of the new UU World. She had only just arrived in New Orleans when Hurricane Katrina hit. She has recently been hired to be the Unitarian Universalist Association’s Professional Development Director.

We look forward to seeing many of you on Sunday… Don’t forget to bring a bit of water for the ritual and then stay for the picnic!

In faith, Rev. Lynn and Rev. Wendy