Happy Thursday, friends –

Pictured above is a classic image of May in Maine… a big pile of wild foraged fiddleheads. I am part of A2U2’s food co-op, and one of my jobs is measuring and weighing bulk foods that we order. This month that was 10 lbs of fiddleheads. While I didn’t take any home because my partner thinks they “taste like dirt,” I appreciated their beauty and wild nature as I worked.

Fiddleheads are one of the first wild edible plants available in springtime here. But with any foraged plant, there are things to be careful of. There are some fern look-alikes that are toxic. Taking too many from any one crown will damage the plant. You must be sure to cook them before eating. They’re a little complicated, but delicious to those with the palette for them.

As I was weighing and bagging these green treasures, I was taken by my reverence for the plants. They weren’t even coming home with me! But knowing each spiral had been found, harvested, bagged, and delivered to us made them something to be treasured. In a way, my monthly time measuring and bagging grains and produce is becoming a spiritual practice. I’ve always been a healthy eater, but I’ve never been so connected to the food I’ve purchased as I am now. It is nourishing both my body and soul.

I hope you might find nourishment this long weekend to come, whether from delicious food, time outdoors, an opportunity to rest, or a visit with a loved one. For spiritual nourishment, join your A2U2 Worship Committee on Sunday morning for service. They’ll be reflecting on resilience, something we all need a healthy dose of.

I am out of the pulpit this weekend and return to the office on Tuesday. Then I’ll be leading services all four Sundays in June. Until I see you, may your days be blessed.

In faith,

Rev. Tara