The theme for this month is, of course, HOPE. Every UU church in the country will be doing a variation on this theme that fits the holidays so well. From the hope born of Thanksgiving to the bright hope that the birth of Jesus brought to the world.
Hope is not a popular subject these days. As progressives who have lost our world, our sense of safety and well-being, the days have been filled with an anxious review of what the tweets said today. Or more deeply, which building blocks of democracy are wobbling today? Where is hope for the future? When I feel that way, at my best, I recover by going on a walk in the splendor of Colorado’s style of nature, spend time with some children and elders, and go out and gaze and gaze at the stars. There is where I find my compass. It then points to the bright future rather than grubbing along in the dark and muck of “how awful it is,” and how awful HE is. It also reminds me that we have been here many times before and not only survived, but transformed as a result. The stars remind me. The services that I am leading reflect these holiday and hopeful themes. I invite you to, especially, come to the Christmas Eve Day service of carols and candles and readings. As Christmas Eve falls on a Sunday this year, this annual service will be held on Sunday morning at the regular 10:00 a.m. time and not in the early evening as in the past. Please use that evening time to be with your families in joyful celebration of Christmas. Peace, Rev Barry Bloom
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And now there is that nip in the air that warns us of what is coming. Many branches are bare. The colorful excitement offered by golds and reds and yellows on the hills has passed. Except down here on the plains, some colorful relatives still stand proud.
I enjoy the changing seasons. I find it stimulating, even exciting at times. I don’t know what it would be like to live in a one season area. I don’t especially want to find out! I hope you are following the information and invitations that President Julie Miller is sending out. Right now it is about gathering your input about who/what you want your next minister to be. At their best. Talk of cottage meetings and surveys fill the air. Please participate as best you can. The more that your wishes are known, the closer the reality of landing the person who most embodies those values. It was good to see many of you at Scott Clugston’s Memorial Service at the Congregational Church on Oct 23. I am sure Karen and family appreciated your presence. The choir and I certainly did. The services this month are primarily about happiness. What do we need in order to be happy? How much is enough for us to be happy? What role does gratitude/thankfulness have in our happiness? All to help us mirror this month’s UU theme of “Abundance.” And as a warm up to Thanksgiving. I hope you are all feeling hopeful and optimistic in spite of whatever ailments and darkness comes. May we be grateful just as long as we have life! Peace, Rev Barry Bloom |
From the minister
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