A2U2 members and friends,

I had such a wonderful time on Sunday worshiping together and receiving our Star Words for this 2025 year! I’ve got my word up on my office bulletin board–confidence–and I’ve been pondering what it might be asking of me as we crest into the second week of January and this new year.

I normally love a fresh start each January, but the political backdrop of this year and the challenges to come have me feeling more fear… dragging my feet a bit… not quite ready to engage back into the world of news after a break in December. I’ve been thinking about what my role is in these times, and the role of a congregation like ours.

This Sunday we’ll embark on a worship series focusing on just this question to take us through the inauguration: The Role of the Church in These Times. What is our role as a church in this world? What is our role as a Unitarian Universalist church in this world? Inspired by writing from Adam Russel Taylor, the president of Sojourners magazine, I’ll introduce a three-part framework that answers this question… The role of the church in these times is to be a balm, to be a bridge, and to be a beacon.

We’ll begin this week with a balm. What are we doing to be a balm to those in need of comfort? To soothe, care for, and bear witness to the struggles of those who come through our doors and who we encounter out in the world? Where do we sometimes falter? How does a congregation balance the call to comfort the afflicted with the equally important task of afflicting the comfortable?

After worship we’ll embark on this year’s New to UU class and dive into Unitarian Universalist history and theology. More questions and more exploration! I look forward to our time together.

May you find warmth on these cold winter days and may the fire of your faith in life burn bright amidst the howling winds of hatred and chaos. All of us need all of us to make it. I am with you in care.

See you in church,

Rev. Tara