The Musings of Reverend Catherine Harrington
January, 2006

What are my hopes, dreams, and plans for the New Year? Besides wanting to lose 20 lbs and resume a regular exercise regime. (If I make it an honest to goodness resolution maybe there really is hope….)

I’m dreaming of adding yet another worship service; a Family Worship Service. The Peace Vespers service has been a positive addition to our church and will be a staple until we achieve peace in the world. The Contemporary Youth Vespers should be a regularly scheduled event, too. You won’t want to miss the next one! Our Youth Group did a wonderful job providing a meaningful worship service that was not only a sacred place; it was unique, interesting, and fun! Joyful noise rocked our sanctuary, thanks to the Night Light Band!

A Family Worship Vespers would include a simple meal, activities, religious education for the children, and a time of fellowship and spiritual nourishment for everyone. This service is still in the planning stages and I would welcome your thoughts and ideas in creating this unique service. Today’s families have many challenges and one of the most stressful challenges is that they just don’t have enough down time. Sunday mornings may be the only time during the week that they can be home together. Young families need support, spiritual nourishment and commitment from their religious home. We can be just that with a little intention and a lot of creativity added to our loving atmosphere.

I’ll be in Nicaragua for about two weeks at the end of this month and I’m taking with me the tie-dyed shirts our youth made for the children of the barrio school and letters they’ve written, too. It is my hope that next January that some of our youth will accompany me to Nicaragua. With a little intention and support this won’t be just a dream.

There is new energy flowing in our midst these days. January seems bright this year despite the winter days. Hope and joy are certainly residing in our church, and if you don’t believe me, take a hike upstairs to the Youth Group’s loft called the “Hang Out.” Come to a Vespers Service and share the prayers and simple Unitarian communion ritual/commitment to peace, join us for the First Friday Film series, or take one of our new Adult Religious Education classes. We will be focusing on anti-racism, becoming a welcoming congregation, and deepening our spiritual lives with two new classes planned for this year “Living the Questions” and “Living by Heart.” There’s so much more; watch your newsletters for announcements of new classes and exciting events planned for the coming year.

See you in church!

In faith, Cathy