Here in the Northeast we are moving yet again into another season.  I love Fall: the change of colors, the apples and pumpkins, the falling leaves, the cooler temperatures, the darkening days. But not all change is welcome. It is also Election Season- a season that may have us on edge, as we watch the poll numbers rise and fall, and wonder what the future may hold in store. I have been particularly concerned by the words of leaders which seek to demonize and to further other those on the margins. These words when spoken by leaders have the power to incite violence.

In the midst of this turning world, we are invited to choose a way- a way that may offer us spiritual grounding in these times, a way that calls us to act together for justice. Here at UUC we have many opportunities to do this- including through our new UU Wellspring: Love at the Center spiritual deepening group, and new “Justice Sunday” action opportunities, including this week’s “Get Out the Vote” Letter-Writing Party. You can read more about these invitations in this week’s eblast.

Still, the work of building community at UUC is not easy: indeed it takes work to listen deeply and to understand each others’ perspectives, born of different identities and life experiences. Sometimes we miss the mark. It is important for all of us, when we see or experience harm, to speak to it directly, with kindness, and to call one another back into covenant.

This practice of right relations is the central spiritual practice of building beloved community. Without it, we cannot find spiritual grounding or act faithfully together. Together, we will be learning how to do this work better in the days and months ahead.  I invite you to join me in reading our new UUC Stamford Common Read: “Transforming Conflict: The Blessings of Congregational Turmoil” by Terasa Cooley, and to join me and our new Right Relations Team in three workshops this year. Our first will take place in early November.

In times of change, conflict is inevitable. Placing love at the center is not inevitable, but a choice we make to resist the forces of separation that seek to divide us. Together, let us choose love.

In peace,
Rev. Terri