Dear church,

I hope this note finds you cozy, warm, and well. What a few weeks we have been through. It touched my heart to be together in a full sanctuary last Sunday and share many hugs, tears, and even laughter. It is a beautiful thing we are building together, this community of faith, justice, and meaning-making. What a gift.

Some of us are exhausted and exasperated by election-talk at the moment. We’ve had an emotional response and our nervous systems need a break. Others of us have been numb and are just beginning to thaw out and feel something. Wherever on that spectrum you are, you are right where you need to be. May you remember you aren’t alone. We make our way forward, imperfectly, together.

This Sunday your Worship Committee will lead the service and invite you to reflect on the role of empathy in our lives. May it be a balm to your spirit. After worship, at noon, there will be a Trans Day of Remembrance Vigil at the Equality Community Center downtown as well as our monthly A2U2 Queer Community Conversations group in 7/9 (& Zoom) at 4pm.

Next week I will be out of the office for ministerial gatherings in Connecticut and California. I’ll return in time for a fun and nourishing all-ages Thanksgiving Sunday worship celebration on the 24th which Emily and I will lead together! Mark your calendars.

Until I see you, keep carrying the flame.

Yours in faith,

Rev. Tara