February 5, 2020: What I Saw.

This past Sunday, I decided to attend services as an observer. Here are some things I saw:

I saw our teens Miles and Xander courageously lead parts of the service. Did you know speaking in public is the second biggest fear after death? We help empower them with unconditional love.

Kristin and the youth did an inspiring and thoughtful service. Although it’s called “Family Service,” there’s plenty for all ages to contemplate. I was still musing about resilience that afternoon.

There were two new children who were about 5 and 2. Little blonde boys who appeared to feel quite at home, and who (along with Lillie and Alice) added that dimension which reminds us that part of our ministry lies in the world we create for the youngest.

I saw Larry gently guiding one of the young boys to take his parents’ offering to the ushers. Theresa and I shared a smile, seeing this. The gentleness and encouragement from Larry made an indelible image for me.

The time of sharing joys and sorrows/concerns was a micro-service. People of all ages, shapes & longevity at GNUUC shared the sources of their hope. It was the perfect day to introduce resilience as a theme. While some came in looking like deflated balloons after a week of despair for our nation, I’m pretty sure many left with glimmers of hope. That’s why we exist.

I don’t remember all of the sharing, but one that I can recall was Dan Crowe’s. He stood and said the best antidote for despair is to help others, then listed several area service organizations that need help. It reminded me of my son Colin who says to us when we get into self-pity, GO HELP SOMEONE. That reminds me: we need a few folks to help with transportation and other things for Room in the Inn THIS week. Contact Jesse.

After the service, conversations ranged from casual to deep. At the table I joined, we started out with banter about the Chicken Soup for the Soul books so popular last century, then spoke about death, and how long is too long to live. We didn’t arrive at the answer, but I saw and felt deep listening and respect for all opinions. Someone told me our lunches are the most important thing we do.

At least an hour past the service, I peeked in to see that Mike, Sarajane, and a few others (I know Loretta helped that day, too) still tidying up the kitchen. It’s a mostly thankless task, but I hope those who do it regularly know that it is a ministry, creating a space of hospitality and warmth for cultivating new connections and deepening old ones. (And, if you’d like to give some of these folks a break, volunteer to help. At present, I think Jesse is the person to contact here as well. I saw Nathanael sitting with the family who visited and thought: if I met someone as upbeat and friendly as he, I’d return for sure!

Two new members signed the book! There are others who intend to. When about ten or twelve folks have joined, we’ll have a welcoming ceremony (with cake).

You are all such beautiful people! I’m so grateful to be a part of your collective and individual lives,

With Love,

Cynthia