My heart is aching. Not necessarily because of the election, though I am worried about that. But more over how the election is affecting so many in the congregation.
We’re not unusual in feeling anxious. The American Psychological Association is concerned that this election cycle is a source of significant stress most people in the country. But I want to be there for all of you, my beloved UU Saratogians, and we need to be there for one another during this fraught time.
Simply being together and connecting with one another is probably the most important thing we can do. If you find yourself spiraling a bit, please reach out to someone and connect–in person if you can. I invite you to connect with me here.
Come to the service this Sunday. It will be a special service that will let us honor the beloved ones in our lives who have died. Bring a photo or memento of someone and for the duration of the service, we will put them together in an altar of remembrance. You are invited to bring mementos of lost pets as well. All species of critter and of love are welcome here. We will listen for the lessons these beloved ancestors have for us for today.
There will also be several opportunities to gather this Wednesday in the immediate wake of Election Day.
Beginning this Wednesday morning at 8:30AM, a new weekly adult religious exploration series called Braver/Wiser begins. Ron Harrower and I will host this weekly opportunity to gather together to explore ideas and feelings, renew our spirits, and learn about Unitarian Universalism and one another. Perhaps especially in the immediate wake of Election Day, it could be reassuring to share together for an offering of courage and compassion.
This Wednesday happens to be the first Wednesday of the month, and that is when I host another adult religious exploration series called Leaning Into Meaning. This will be another opportunity to honor the many and complex emotions and anxieties that we are experiencing, and to explore the resources that Unitarian Universalism as a liberal religious tradition offers. Wednesday at 5:30 in the sanctuary or online.
Finally, Side with Love with UUA staff and other UU leaders will host an online gathering Wednesday night called Forward Together: Anchoring in Community Post Election. Follow the links to register and attend online. I have registered and I invite you to join me in the sanctuary for this one-hour event at 8:00.
Lots of us are feeling a bit broken, a bit fractured, and bell hooks tells us that “Rarely, if ever, are any of us healed in isolation. Healing is an act of communion.”
Take a breath in, and let that breath out easy. Take a walk and drink in the trees and the feeling of fall in the air. Listen to a poem of hope. But especially, just reach out and connect. We need one another.
Faithfully,
Rev Joe