Happy New Year! The new year can be a time of resolutions and renewal. It can also be a time to look back at what we've done and look forward at what we hope to do. It is a time of celebrating our families and our friendships, as we sing that old acquaintance may never be forgot.
For me, as your minister, the new year is a time of planning and hopefulness. We're in the middle of a church year, but we're beginning a new fiscal year. We're about to thank leaders who are stepping down from their positions and welcome new leaders into their roles. We'll gather in a congregational meeting on Sunday, January 31 to elect these new leaders, pass a balanced budget for 2016, and consider a revised mission statement for the church.
To me, it all has the wonderful aroma of new plans and possibilities in a new year. Some ministries will continue in 2016. If you enjoyed all the arts we brought to our worship services and sanctuary during Chanukah, Advent and Christmas, I invite you to the next meeting of the Worship Arts Collaborative on Wednesday January 27. We'll make plans for a Valentine's Day multigenerational service, Palm Sunday and Easter. Shadow puppets, liturgical drama, dance, and bongos are all possibilities-plus whatever ideas you bring for celebrating the Spirit through art. All are welcome.
The Wiogora committee and program director Nan Gibbons are making plans to offer our summer program again this year, sharing the values of Unitarian Universalism through the magic of Harry Potter. This program welcomes in diverse youth from all over Worcester county, and many families become involved in our church as a result. Look forward to more news about this summer's program, scheduled to run from July 25 through August 5. In the words of Wiogora, "we believe that the real magic is friendship, acceptance, tolerance, and searching for the truth with love and learning together."
Also new for 2016, banners proclaiming our support of religious liberty and our Muslim neighbors in particular are now proudly displayed on the front pillars of the church. I'm grateful to everyone who shared their thoughts on these banners with the Prudential Committee. I have reached out to the Worcester Police Department, who have assured me they have not seen any increase in hate crimes during the current wave of anti-Islam sentiment in our country. I hope First Unitarian Church and Worcester continue to be places that celebrate religious and ethnic diversity and peace.
Not all is new, however, or needs to be. In 2016, just as we have for 230 years, we will gather in love of truth and the spirit of Jesus' teachings. We'll unite for worship and service as a free church in the traditions of Unitarian Universalism. We'll care for one another, laugh together, sing together, mourn together and work together for justice. We'll worship together to honor our highest values and deepest spiritual truths. I look forward to doing all these things, the old and the new, together with you in ministry in 2016.
In faith,
Rev. Sarah C. Stewart
