We are right around a month into sheltering in place. The shift from our usual life in the congregation has been abrupt and disorienting, but I think we are finding our way. Have you been to our online worship services? We are still gathering on Sundays at 10:30 a.m., and everyone is welcome to come along. We’re singing and taking time to reflect and connecting with each other. It would be good to see all of you gathering.
There are a few updates I want to share with you:
First, I have postponed my sabbatical which was due to start on July 1. In consultation with the Board, staff, and Sabbatical Committee, I decided that it would be best for all for me to stay through this time of uncertainty. It would likely be hard for me to do the work that I had hoped to do given the lack of any clarity about when we’ll come out of our lock-down. And it would be likely that I wouldn’t be able to sufficiently disengage from congregational life. If all goes as I hope, I’d start my sabbatical on January 1, 2021. I’ll be updating you as it becomes more clear.
We’re gradually adding opportunities to get together online. This week I’m adding a couple of Tea Times. On Tuesdays at 10:00 a.m. and on Thursdays at 3:00 p.m., I’ll be on Zoom with a cup of tea and available for conversation and checking in. Any and everyone is welcome to come along for casual conversation. I’ll have a question of the day (for example, “Where did you find joy in the last week?”), but any and everyone can check in and chat as they are most comfortable. Check our Facebook page for the event, our calendar on the website, or the e-news for how to connect. I look forward to seeing you on Zoom.
I’m also adding a Heart and Soul gathering on Mondays at 7:00 p.m.. Heart and Soul is a structured time for reflection and community. Designed by British Unitarian (and friend of mine) Jane Blackall, it invites participants to focus on a theme with four opportunities for joined meditation together. It ends with a time for sharing with each other. More information can be found here. As with the Tea Times, information about how to join will be in our enews, on the website and posted to our Facebook page.
We’re finding our way through this new way of living together. It is good to be with one another as we find our way.
Rev. Linda