Minister’s Column…

The autumn equinox just passed, and right on cue the chill winds of fall seemed to seep into our gardens, our lives, our spirits. The sun seemed remoter and the summer’s warmth of days passed into the cooler days of fall. Fall flowers are bursting as the last blooms of summer fade from the hollyhocks, hydrangeas and hardy lilies. Late vegetables of the summer gardens are surrounded by leaves shriveled and dry in nights just above freezing. Trees are hazed with the colors of fall’s riotous excess just ahead. It is my favorite season.

I know there are those who revel in the explosive promise of Spring, the wild palate of new born flowers, the squirrels, dogs, children running everywhere as the icy hand of winter releases its grip. I, too, love it with the birds expressive calls, and chattering in every thick cluster of leaves, the buds in stunning blossom, the trees in the sweet green of new leaves, the senses overwhelmed. But fall is the season I missed when I lived in Tucson, Arizona. Spring and summer were everywhere, all the time, and sunsets were so unbelievably beautiful people got used to them and ignored them.

No, we need fall to set our spirits right. Autumn is the time of harvest, of deep, heady colors, wondrous skies and sunsets. It is a time of reflection, renewal, redirection. School begins again, purposes, ideas, lives shaped. Communities, like this one, regather and focus energies on our common life, on connections, sharing the milestones of life, on rejoicing, celebrating. Come, participate, be part of this community of faith!

Later this fall Alice Anacheka-Nasemann and I are planning two classes, one on faith development and the other, Parents as Resident Theologians. Watch for the announcements. On October 22nd, after the first half hour of Coffee Hour (around noon) I invite you to a conversation on who we are as Unitarian Universalists. What do we believe? We’ll meet in the Knight Room.

I have been reminded that some ministers have had brown bag lunches – open to anyone – any questions, concerns or just to “shoot the breeze.” Lets try it. I’ll have coffee made, and a desert Tuesday noons October 3, 10, 18, 25 in the minister’s office – Knight Room if it becomes too popular.

Blessings! Let’s have a grand year together.

Rev. Dave Johnson