Join in Reflection…

Dear UUCP family,

Can you believe we’re already approaching the end of the year? It feels like just yesterday we were kicking off 2024 with all its hopes and challenges. And now, here we are, deep into fall, preparing for Thanksgiving. This holiday is a reminder that America is a confluence of people whose ancestors arrived in different ways — indigenous, enslaved, and immigrant. Dr. Pat Gleich will share the history of the latter during our November 3 service.

I know many of us are feeling a deep sense of uncertainty as the upcoming election looms. This season can stir anxiety, as so much seems to hang in the balance. Whatever the outcome, our November 10 service, led by Zach Helton, will be a time to recenter and reflect on our shared values as we move forward.

November is when we observe the harvest season with two beloved traditions. On Sunday, November 17, Audrey Preston will lead our annual Bread Communion, a meaningful ritual that symbolizes our community’s shared abundance. Then, on November 24, following a service by yours truly about evolution (with more references to comic books and TV shows than you might expect), we will gather for our potluck Thanksgiving. This is a time to celebrate and give thanks together with food, fellowship, and gratitude for the waning year.

In the spirit of gratitude, I want to take a moment to express deep thanks to the late Rob Pallme. His generous donation has allowed us to invest in new cameras and sound room equipment, significantly enhancing our ability to record and share our Sunday services. Rob’s legacy lives on in our congregation, and his contribution will help us continue to reach those who cannot join us in person. I also want to extend a heartfelt thank you to Erin Renfroe, who, despite moving to Tennessee a couple of years ago, continued to edit our service videos for us during that time. Erin, we are so grateful for your generous spirit!

As we move into the final months of 2024, I hope you’ll join me in reflecting on the many ways we’ve grown as a community. Despite all the ups and downs, we remain united in our mission to celebrate diversity, strive for justice, and inspire love.

Joe Vinson

President, UUCP Board of Directors