The Wheel of the Year turns. The light and warmth of Summer have passed, and we now enter together in the darkest part of the year. Many of us feel the pull to gather with family and friends around the hearth fire, and to turn our focus inward. Come explore what gifts this time of sacred darkness has to offer.
When we face tragedy or even difficult moments our instincts tell us to become protective of ourselves and our family, keeping others out and yet our history shows us that those who survive with strength and determination are those that are open to receiving the love and support from their community. We will explore connection as the path through challenges.
Together we will delve into faith as an aspect of consciousness and reflect on how we can help ourselves, and each other, along the path of transformation. Julia will draw from many spiritual, physical and metaphysical traditions to lead us in an exploration of transformation within an intentional community. This will include a look at beliefs, ideas, motivations, as well as some practical tools to help us along the way. Hoping to have a part two of this service in the spring to continue this work and discussion, so there may be homework?!
Catherine Stevens and Gaye Symington will be co-leading a This I Believe/ This I Wonder service on October 12th, beginning at 9:30am. Both Catherine and Gaye are members of MMUUF and approach theTIB/TIW service to as a way to explore an aspect of their spiritual journeys and invite reflections from the fellowship. They both live in Jericho.
Catherine plans to focus on Love as the center of the shared values of Unitarian Universalists as well as wondering about the many uses of the word, and sometimes the difficulty of loving. Gaye plans to reflect on the UU emphasis on seeking truth. Having been raised attending a church with a shared creed where congregants expressed their beliefs in unison, she now is more comfortable in a faith tradition that values the journey of learning and reflecting together, honoring different beliefs within a shared framework of values.
During times of uncertainty, how do we propel ourselves forward? Mary Beth will offer a personal take on what it takes to feel empowered enough to take your first step into the unknown.
Mary Beth McNulty (she/her) is a member, worship associate, religious education teacher for middle schoolers at the First Unitarian Society of Burlington. She is an educator, playwright, and enthusiastic napper. Originally from rural Virginia, she now lives with her family in Burlington.
