Happy New Year! I hope everyone had a restful and restorative holiday season. I was in Virginia visiting my parents and 95-year-old grandfather. We typically spend time hiking and doing a New Year’s Eve jigsaw puzzle.
Are you making any resolutions? I occasionally make a resolution and, like most people, go back to my regular habits soon after. While I do not think we should give up hope that we can change, perhaps we can make more meaningful or realistic resolutions. Instead of weight loss or exercise goals, we can consider calling a friend more often or occasionally volunteering at church or a local non-profit. Maybe, we even can resolve to be a bit more patient or thank others more often. The service on Sunday asked participants to reflect on their hopes for the new year. Do you hope for more joy? More gratitude? More patience? I like that framing of resolutions so much better!
This month the Transition Team will lead us in an examination of our history. On January 22, I will preach on why we examine our history, and after the service, the team will lead us in creating a life-size timeline of our Pacific Unitarian history. We would love to have your input and experiences on our shared timeline.
As an interim, I have been reflecting on how we treat each other at church. Sometimes we have a tendency towards perfectionism. It is impossible to always be perfect, though. Mistakes happen, and church is not always predictable. How do we build compassion and understanding of imperfection into what we do? Can we embrace the chaos? Can we embrace the unpredictable? (Some of you may see a call back to our children’s service on December 18.) I invite you to join me in embracing a culture of more compassion and understanding, even when things may not be perfect.
May we have a new year with more joy, hope, patience, and compassion. Bless it be.
Blessings,
Chloë Briedé, Interim Minister
