Anticipating the New Year

We have had a year unlike any other, and we have managed to behave ourselves and support one another. In this time, we chose to act in ways that are impressive and fundamental to the functioning of this community. We are not perfect, but we are healthy as a community. I don’t mean we are healthy in that we expect to be untouched by sickness. Instead, we are healthy in the way where we know that whatever comes, we will survive the test together. And this has certainly been a year to test us.

So, as we come to the end of 2020, let me remind you all once again of what we have lived though. A pandemic and a political upheaval have both tested us, yes. But allow me to recall us to our core, to our values. Let me put it into words so that we can once again be recalled to who we are in the moments when all is quiet, and that still, small voice speaks within.

We are a people who believe in the worth of every single person. We commit to keeping one another safe and well the best that we can. So we commit to caring for one another when we are in trouble and need a helping hand. We are people who believe that we are inextricably interconnected. As such, we know that our actions spread through a community like a wildfire, for good or for ill. We commit, therefore, to being our better selves when we are together and when we are apart. Therefore, we inspire each other to be our best selves. We care for one another. And above all, we take action. We change the world for the better, one small kindness at a time.

In all of this, we remain a people who know it’s not about whether you believe, but about how you act. So whether you believe in God or in humanity, in science or in miracles, in living for today or looking toward the future… Or perhaps, you believe in every single one of these things that need not be in opposition to one another. Let today be another day of working together to build our beloved community. And may we make the next year another one to be proud of in the life of this community.

With the holidays and the colder weather, it can be a hard time for people. If personal contact would make you feel more connected, that’s something this congregation is always here for. Please do reach out to friends and leadership. Let me know if a phone call would be helpful to you during this season. We hope that you know how loved you are.