December greetings to you!

I hope you enjoyed the first snow of the season and found a moment to relish its nourishing silence or catch it glistening in the sun. I appreciate the ways snowy days force me to slow down (I know this is hard for many of us), plan more carefully, move more intentionally, and surrender to the forces of nature much greater than myself and my agenda. I am also finding the long dark evenings quite nourishing for my spirit. I acknowledge this is not the case for everyone, and am grateful for it. There are many gifts of winter if we ease up and look for them. 

This is some of what we’ll reflect on this Sunday together, more broadly. The second week of our series What Do You Fear? Insisting on Hope this Advent brings us to “When We’re Running Out of Hope, Love is at Work.” We may ask ourselves, of our lives, have my efforts made a difference? Is what I bring to this world enough to matter? Because some days it doesn’t seem like it! This week in our series is about cultivating a gritty and resilient hope that is not easily diminished by our doubts and fears. That allows for, even relies on, our connections with others. That sometimes, we have to ease up and look for. I wonder… 

Is our hope solely dependent upon outcomes, tangible proof, or positive change?

Can we practice hope even when we don’t see the fruits of our labor?

Who holds hope for us when we can’t? 

I found hope this week in the Portland High School students marching in protest of ICE. In our weekly multifaith vigil outside the Cumberland County Jail. In our group organizing for trans liberation. None changes an outcome immediately. But they matter. 

Reminded by the pastoral message–hope that trembles is still hope–we’ll practice holding hope for one another when we lose our way and listening for Love’s nearness. It’s never far. 

I hope to see you for a day of community and cheer on Saturday for our Holiday Artisans’ Fair, and a time of deepening and connection in worship on Sunday, where we’ll also joyfully welcome 10 new members into our A2U2 community! Another sign of hope. Until then, may you be well.  

In faith, 

Rev. Tara