Rev. Laura

Have you seen it? The big tree, I mean, the one out behind our UUCF sanctuary that split in the storm last week? It just snapped in two, this enormous tree splintered and twisted, bark torquing, as if it were a tiny twig in our hands. You can still see it lying there across the walkway. We'll have it cut up and cleaned up and carted away within a few days; that needs to happen and it will. But the image will linger in my mind.

Staring at the fallen tree, I found myself thinking with awe of the forces of creation and destruction. It's all one in the end, isn't it? Creation: the tree arising over many years, sprouting from a tiny seed in the dirt, growing, stretching its branches to the sky, tall above our heads and our roofs now, sheltering us and shading us, living its own unfathomable tree-life of stillness and slow rooting down. And destruction: the strength of the wind, snapping in a moment what took decades to grow tall. A force of nature by any measure. Thrilling, terrifying, awe-some. Yet the growth of the tree and of every living thing is a force of nature too, no less strong for its quieter, slower ways.   

And remember what came next: the force of human nature, neighbors and friends reaching out to one another, sending out tendrils of care and connection. "Are you OK?" "How can I help?" The voices flew across backyards and phone lines and cyberspace. Human love, active love: another force to be reckoned with. Mercifully, no one in our congregational family was hurt, though some experienced property damage, including one member whose house was very badly damaged by a falling tree. Many others went without power for days, no fun and even scary coupled with the extreme heat of last week. But the power of human connection and support went into high gear and generated a whole lot of energy, enough to warm the heart and cool the flames of anxiety and suffering.  

Blessings and safety and cool breezes to everyone in our congregational family this week. Let us know if we can help you recover. Many hands and hearts are standing by. A force of nature, indeed.

Yours in faith,

Laura

Linnea Nelson

Since learning that I would become your new Director of Religious Exploration, starting Aug. 1, I've been excited about continuing the great work of Natalie and our RE team. Many of you have shared your ideas and passion for our program and I want you to know I share your feelings and look forward to working with all of you. Here are  a few of my thoughts on the importance of RE and some nuts and bolts on my start dates and work over the summer.

I value the work we do at UUCF to build a welcoming community of children, youth, teachers, parents and friends. RE brings together new families, long-time members, seekers and teachers. I believe that this coming together matters as we build a foundation of shared understanding and a culture of inquiry that compels each of us to seek a life filled with love and compassion. Being together allows us to hone our own spiritual paths as well as living our UU principles.

I am delighted that we have so many committed people planning and leading our summer RE program: Kathy Smerke Hochberg, Pam McKeta, Mia French, Sharon Van Duizend, Diane Graft, Emily Ordun, Katherine Riddle, Helen Rose and Rev. Laura, as well as our RE Committee, fantastic teachers, nursery and child care staff, and weekly assistants. Thank you all for this meaningful programming! Please join me in thanking these great volunteers and staff members.  

Your support of RE, whether welcoming children to the Sanctuary, teaching RE or participating in Chapel with our youngest members is key to the vibrancy of our congregation and offers you a chance to explore your own spirituality in a new way. If you haven't been a part of Children or Youth Religious Education in the past, or for a long time, now is a time to join us!

Mid-July brings a team retreat for RE staff and leadership to discuss our mission and vision while building the foundation for an RE strategic plan. Careful long-term planning takes time, so rest assured that we will focus much energy and enthusiasm toward the fall. Don't miss teacher training on Sat., Sep. 8! Sign up now to be a teacher and join us for this gathering to give you a chance to Grow, Connect and Serve. Childcare will be provided.

I begin my formal role as DRE in August. Starting Aug. 13, I will be at UUCF most Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays (as well as Saturday afternoons and Sunday mornings). My office will be the current DRE office in the Administration Building. In August, in addition to attending several RE sessions, I will also attend the annual youth planning/camping trip in late August. As of the first weekend in September, I will be at RE sessions regularly, leading Chapel and welcoming our families!

I look forward to getting to know all of you! Please stop by and say hello!

Linnea Nelson