Dear Friends:
We begin 2018 with more than a little trepidation. Our national government seems dysfunctional at best while we are more than aware of how tenuous the rights are for so many in our society. That said, we might do well to consider what resolutions we might make to improve our lives. I am not talking about the usual resolutions to lose weight, exercise more, or attend more dutifully to friends and family. I am talking about those resolutions that reach farther than us; the resolution to be more involved in the life of our communities including this church. I believe 2018 will be the year when we truly make a difference to those who join us at TUCW. What resolution will you make towards the covenant we share that “love is the spirit of this church and service is its law”?
There is much that is good happening in our congregation. Because of our visibility in the community at large through our stands on racial justice, immigrant rights and gun violence prevention we have had two of our national elected leaders visit us, U.S. Representative Jim Himes and U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal. We have launched two new ministries, our Addiction Recovery Ministry and our Women’s Team in Response to #MeToo. Both of these teams are reaching out to our community with resources and events. The result has been an increase in attendance and a feeling of hope and renewal.
One group who I believe needs extra support are those families with children. Mary Collins our Children’s Program Coordinator and Shahan Islam our Youth Program Coordinator have been working with me to launch a new initiative in January, “Family Ministry Tuesdays”. Once a month on the second Tuesday of each month from 7 – 8pm we will gather in the East Wing for a short worship service led by me and then a program that will benefit families. Our first gathering will be on January 9th and our topic of discussion is “What Going on in Lifespan Faith Development”. Mary and Shahan will outline the year ahead and ask for parental input and help. Future topics will include “Raising Spiritual Kids” and “How Much Technology is Too Much”. We see this as a cooperative venture in which we learn from one another and find practical ways to support each other in difficult times.
So whether or not you have kids, consider how you will support and engage with your congregation this year. Let me know if you have any questions or ideas. My virtual door is always open. Remember we are better together as Unitarian Universalists then we are alone.
Wishing you and yours a very Happy New Year, Rev. John