Dear Friends, once again, I must share with you sad news about the loss of a member of our congregation. Betty Myers informed us Thursday, November 27, that Tom Springer had passed away peacefully in his bed that morning. As soon as we know more, we will pass along the information. For now, we hold Betty in our hearts with love, as she copes with this loss of her dear friend and partner of many years. We will share more information with you as we learn it.
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Our theme for December is Awe and our suggested question is, What does it mean to be a people of Awe?

Awe is certainly an element of the stories celebrated in the December holidays. An extraordinary birth, a tiny bit of oil that miraculously burned for eight days, a tree that becomes the path to enlightenment. Who would not be in awe of such events? While it may seem that awe requires an encounter with something outside of us, it is a feeling inside of us that connects us to something beyond us. By the number of photos posted on Facebook, I know I am not alone experiencing awe in the beauty of a spectacular sunrise or sunset. My favorite is when I experience those from a white sandy beach. It’s hard to imagine not being awe-struck under a star-filled sky on a mountain top, far from any city lights. What do these moments do for us?  I can’t speak for you, but for me they are reminders that regardless of what frustration or grief I may encounter, there is beauty to behold and for which to be grateful. Unfortunately, amazing moments of connection to the natural world are not necessarily an everyday occurrence. Therefore, to be a people of Awe we may need to consider a variety of ways to be in touch with a sense of wonderment and amazement.  Some would call it reverence.

Perhaps these questions from our Soul Matters resources might lead you to some answers:
Who taught you the most about “living in awe”? Has age impeded or assisted awe for you? How has the location of awe changed for you over time? Has it shifted from the stars to the woods? From the birth of planets to the birth of your child? From the physical feats your body allows to the storied wrinkles of your hand? What, when you look at it, now leaves you most in awe?

Perhaps this will give you something to think about or talk about at our next coffee hour.

In Love and Hope,

Rev. Alice