Dear Ones,

Katie Sivani Gelfand offers us these words “The End Is the Beginning,”

[When] we call forth the life of our faith by igniting our chalice, This spark of new beginnings invites us into a sacred space to reflect where we have been and where we are going. Even knowing that this particular flame will intentionally end with our ritual extinguishing, we fear not its end… For we know, with brave hearts, that from every ending of our lives, We are sent forth to make a new beginning.

I have a joy and a sorrow to share with you: an ending and a beginning.

My joy is that I have accepted a call to a full-time position as the Associate Minister for Community Engagement at University Unitarian Church in Seattle. I will begin there, August 1st.

My sorrow is that I will be saying goodbye to you, to this beloved community. My heart breaks, as I feel the love we’ve shared.

The best antidote I know to getting stuck, to feelings of despair in hard times, is to take one small step of practical action. It could be an act of kindness towards another person: opening a door for someone, thanking a cashier for their work. It could be a step to care for yourself or family: making the grocery list, running an errand.

These acts–though small–create movement. Movement that shifts us out of overwhelm and the need for momentary denial.

I invite you to notice, this week, where and how you feel at home and at peace in yourself. To go there for as many moments as you need, throughout the day. To help you with this, the UU Side with Love campaign is organizing 30 Days of Love. Please take a look.