This month’s Soul Matters theme is The Practice of Imagination. We are invited to envision and create new metaphors and stories for our lives, our communities, and our world. Though we have much to resist and fight against in these times, Imagination calls us to redesign- with hearts, minds, and hands- the new world we wish to emerge from the rubble.
In The Serviceberry by Robin Wall Kimmerer, the author invites us to consider our relationship to economy and land from an Indigenous perspective. She invites to shift from the idea of “The Tragedy of the Commons” – a metaphor which posits that shared resources will be overused by individual self-interest – to the idea of a gift economy (embodied by the serviceberry tree) – a model of abundance, reciprocity, cooperation, and flourishing. Resources are shared; gratitude and generosity are our currency.
I invite us to imagine what it might look like to embrace this model of living our values this month at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation. What other new metaphors and stories might we envision?
Our peace pole, the little free library, and the upcoming planting of a serviceberry tree on our lawn, are an invitation to embrace a new story – a welcoming invitation to the larger community to come share in our gifts.
Our small group gatherings – First Friday Potlucks, Wednesday Lunch, Game Night, and Fiber Arts – invite newcomers to join! Children, Youth, and Adult RE invite us to go deeper in learning and relationship-building together.
Our community partnerships have come to flourish this month also through public gatherings – vigils of remembrance, public action for democracy, musical performances of joy and celebration – held right here at UUC.
Recognizing the multitude of personal and organizational relationships which have gone into this work, we have reorganized our eblast this week under one UUC banner. Please click on the graphics to read more about each event – including the many organizations which have come together to present, sponsor, endorse, and/or support each program.
Let us continue to embrace new stories and metaphors as we renew our commitment to live our mission and vision in these times.
In peace,
Rev. Terri
Please reach out if you are in need of pastoral care, spiritual guidance, or other support. I am available to meet in person on Wednesday, May 7th or Saturday, May 10th, and by Zoom or phone on other days. You are welcome to join me for lunch in the community room on Wednesday, May 7th, 12:30-1:30 PM. Bring your lunch or something to share. For a private appointment, you can set up an appointment on Calendly.