(Each Saturday, a faith leader in Franklin County offers a personal perspective in this space. To become part of this series, email religion@recorder.com)
By the time you read this, your Thanksgiving leftovers will have been long gone, your anxiety about holiday shopping may be a bit more palpable, and our first big snow is on the ground. You may be feeling the rush of the season, the thrill of nature’s beautiful nightly star show, or the urge to hunker down under your blankets, take a nap and wish it all away. It’s that last sentiment that I would like to dig into a bit more.
I often wonder how it is that in a world that needs more loving kindness, there is a tendency for us to be like Scrooge. To shut ourselves away from our community, neighbors and friends in a self-imposed sequestration. None of us is immune to the feelings that this time-honored Dickens character portrays so well. As a busy, committed community-minded person, I sometimes find myself swamped in responsibilities and not moving through them as joyfully as I should. Sometimes, I “should” myself into a really dark place, one that takes more than a nap to get rid of. I bet you can relate to that.
I wonder: “In times when a nap is not enough, how can we show up as our best selves?” How do we get help and feel better? Do we turn to our family, our community, our friends, our therapists, or our faith leaders for help? Many of us have the opportunity to seek help from a rabbi, priest, or minister. Yet, what happens to you and your congregation when you do not have a faith leader?
As a 20-year member of All Souls Church, I have had the privilege of knowing several ministers who have served the congregation. In 2017, our minister, Georganne Greene, decided to retire from ministry. Since then, All Souls has been a lay-led congregation.
Margaret Mead wrote, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed it’s the only thing that ever has.” Our small congregation determinably works together to continue its mission. We welcome and reach out to all who come to our services, events and activities. Our members and friends bring information, learning experiences and activities that are focused on social justice. Our worship and music committees work together to craft a church year full of rich perspectives and opportunities for spiritual growth. Guest ministers and secular speakers of all faith traditions provide our Sunday services.
Still, in a world where the words “church and minister” feel inextricably linked, how does a congregation get on without a minister? A reading from our hymnal, “Singing the Living Tradition,” holds a possible answer. “At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us.” Albert Schweitzer
At All Souls we lean upon one another and work in congress to achieve goals. We spark each other in so many ways – even when we disagree! We turn to one another to learn, grow, change, and evolve.
Scrooge learned this, too! The visits of the ghosts of past, present and future demonstrated how he had missed the opportunity to let another rekindle his flame – to spark his trust, belief, joy, connectedness with himself and humanity.
So, as the year nears its close, I invite you to have your flame rekindled by others and to light the flame in others as well. Embody the spirit of loving kindness to all that you meet. Bless EVERYONE with your spark!
All Souls is a non-creedal church in which members are encouraged to develop their own philosophies of life in the light of conscience, a liberal religious tradition and experience. Unitarian Universalists treasure the universal truths taught by great teachers of humanity in every age and tradition.
All Souls Church is a member of the Unitarian Universalist Association and has been a beacon of liberal faith in Greenfield since 1825. We have been located on the corner of Hope and Main streets since 1837. Sunday services start at 10:30 a.m. We hold our annual Christmas Eve Vespers at 7 p.m. All are welcome. We have many vital committees that serve the church and the community, especially our social justice committee. Our choir meets on Thursday evenings in the church sanctuary from September to June at 7 p.m. For more information, see our website: www.uugreenfield.org or contact our church administrator at 413-773-5018