As the Season Shifts…
Dear UUCP family,
As we step into September and await the arrival of fall’s (hopefully) cooler temperatures, I am filled with a renewed sense of hope and excitement for the journey ahead. The changing seasons remind us of the beauty in transformation, and it is with this spirit that I share with you the latest news from our beloved congregation.
Recently, the UUCP board held its annual retreat, and I am happy to report that our time together was both invigorating and inspiring. We spent thoughtful hours reflecting on our goals and vision for the year ahead, and we are excited about the many opportunities for growth and connection that lie before us.
This month, our Sunday services will be enriched by five exceptional speakers, each bringing a unique perspective and depth to our exploration of important topics. In honor of Labor Day, Chasidy Hobbs will provide an update on the anti-union sentiment in Tallahassee and its impact on academic freedom and educators. UUCP member and board member Claire Helton will lead our ingathering and water communion, where we come together to celebrate our unity through the symbolic mingling of water from. All are invited to bring a small container of water from your home or recent journeys. Ruth Spears, also known as Chief Iyanifa Osunfemi, will describe the history and rituals of the Ifa/Orisha spiritual tradition, which originated in West Africa thousands of years ago and was brought to America by enslaved people. Dr. Lusharon Wiley, executive director of the Equity Project Alliance, will discuss the organization’s work in Escambia County, bringing people together to discuss issues ranging from social injustice to arts and culture. And finally, Tricia Wessel, lead organizer of JUST Pensacola, will provide an update on the important and evolving work to address the systemic problems in our community as we begin a new justice cycle.
As the season shifts and we prepare for these enriching experiences, I encourage each of you to embrace the opportunities for connection and learning that September brings. Whether through our engaging Sunday services or the many other ways we come together as a community, let us welcome the fall with open hearts and a shared commitment to our UU values.
Thank you for being a vital part of our congregation. I look forward to seeing you at our upcoming events, and I encourage you to invite a friend, colleague, or family member who might be enriched by one of these services.
With warm regards,
Joe Vinson
President, UUCP Board of Directors