It has been a joy to celebrate worship with you on the front lawn at UUC the past two weeks. Thank you to the beautiful weather that has made it possible for us to gather. And thank you too to Norris Wakefield and Janis Stahlhut who make it possible to include those joining via Zoom. I have been glad to meet many of you in person and online. If we have not yet connected (or you would like to talk for any reason) please do send me an email. My priority at this time is to get to know the people of this congregation- to listen to your stories and your hopes for the future. Let’s set up a time to talk in person or on Zoom.

It is also my hope that you will strengthen and deepen your connections with one another. Connection is an antidote to the isolation so prevalent in our society- especially as many of us have experienced it the past eighteen months. We need one another in these times. The UUC community offers us the opportunity to go deeper through small groups that journey together,  such as Soul Matters. I will also be offering a Centering Circle once a month after service, as well as on Zoom. These are places where people can drop in (no commitment or RSVP necessary) to take a few moments of spiritual practice and shared reflection. Look for eblast announcements about these and other ways to connect in upcoming weeks.

This is also a time for us to reconnect with the city of Stamford. While there is much division in the world, possibility and hope can be found in the connections we weave outside of our familiar circles. Our outdoors services are a great reminder to us of our place in downtown Stamford- as passers-by have seen and heard us on Sunday morning, and even joined in on occasion! This coming Saturday at 11AM, I invite you to join me in joining our larger Stamford community to raise our voices in solidarity against hate. I will be wearing my bright yellow UU Side With Love shirt at the UNITE Anit-Hate Rally at Latham Park from 11-2 PM. This event has been organized by the Stamford Family YMCA with several community groups and interfaith partners, in response to a rise in incidents of hate and violence. Let’s show up to support our larger community (see details in flyer below).