Dear friends,

I am wishing you, a few days belated, a blessed Earth Day! The daffodils are in bloom on the land we steward on Allen Avenue. Trees are in bud… my car has been covered in pollen… and we’ve been gifted with some warm, sunny days. The spring thaw is finally underway. May you find moments outside in nature this week, even if very brief, that nurture your spirit.

Coming up in just a few days we have some wonderful opportunities to dive into the spiritual practice of learning, transformation, and joy through justice. On Saturday, at A2U2, from 9:30am-4pm, we are hosting an event called Building Beloved Community Beyond the Binary. A2U2 is a satellite location (in partnership with Brunswick UU and First Parish), along with congregations across the country, and will be streaming in fabulous workshops and a keynote speaker–Trans Dad–from the host site in Syracuse, NY. It’s going to be an amazing day of learning, growth, and queer JOY! Whether you’re queer, trans, or a straight/cis ally, you are invited. Come for the whole day or just an hour or two. You can register here and learn more by reaching out to John Howard, Naneen Chase-Ortiz, or Julie Harrison. They are our faithful planning team.

On Sunday, you will be led in worship by my colleague and dear friend Toben Cooney-Callnan, who serves as the Lifespan Director of Faith Development at the UU Church of Brunswick. Toben’s service is entitled “Trusting from the Margins” and he’ll reflect on the role of allyship in the fight for trans and queer liberation. You won’t want to miss it!

I will miss you this weekend as I travel to Chicago for the baptism of my godson. I even have a little bit of what my generation calls “FOMO” … fear of missing out! Anticipatory jealousy of the fun you’ll have together. I’ll count that as a great thing.

With love to you each.

In faith,

Rev. Tara