Sunday, December 22
“The Winter Solstice and the Practice of Presence”
A Soul Matters Sharing Circle
Date/Time: Sunday, December 22, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Location: Unitarian Church of Marlborough & Hudson, Knight Room (Please use Church Street entrance)
Facilitated by: Nan Rogers
Cost: Free; donations welcome
Please join us at Coffee Hour afterward for conversation and community!
Our theme for December: The Winter Solstice and the Practice of Presence.
The winter solstice is a time when we honor the cycle of life, death, and rebirth. As the sun sets on the longest night of the year, we are reminded of the fragility and impermanence of life. And as the sun rises on the first day of winter, we are reminded of the power of renewal and the promise of new beginnings. We are invited to be present with the light of the flame growing inside of us.
Spiritually, presence can mean two quite different things. On the one hand, contemplatives talk of “being present” in awareness and remembering to “live in the moment.” On the other hand, theologians tend to come at presence from the perspective of a hidden and divine “otherness.”
The truth is, both iterations of Presence dance together.
When we are fully present, the most powerful presences emerge: the world is shot through with unnoticed gifts and grace. It’s a message perfectly fit for this holiday month that so often celebrates presents over presence. Our spiritual traditions come along and remind us that our lives are already whole, and home.
You are invited into a time of Being Present.
- Youth ages 13-18 are encouraged to participate in our Circle. Children will be meeting in Union Hall. For children up to age 6, nursery care is available.
- COVID Safety: Masks are optional. Please, if you’re not feeling well, do stay home! Many thanks for your kind consideration!
About the Facilitator:
Nan Rogers is a UCMH Lay Leader who has been a member of UCMH since 2010. She is the founder and facilitator of the Hudson MA Red Tent, a safe space for women to gather in spiritual communion. Nan is currently a candidate for Interfaith Chaplaincy Ordination through ChIME (Chaplaincy Institute of Maine)