Dear Ones, In Christian congregations across the world December is advent, a time of waiting for Jesus’ birth. Like Lent, the weeks preceding Easter, Advent is a liminal time- a time on the threshold of something new. During liminal time we are not entirely here nor there. We are waiting. We are listening. We don’t know what is next. This feels especially appropriate this year as we make our way through a treacherous pandemic. Several of my friends have become ill and while they are expected to make a full recovery, I worry for them. I worry for the people in this church family. My concern is heavy but my heart is lightened by the promising news of several vaccines. Relief is so close we can spot it on the horizon. In this liminal time we are asked to hold our worry in one hand and hope in the other. We are not consumed by one or the other. We are living in a between time.
For some folks the winter holidays are already difficult. Perhaps you are missing a parent who was here last Christmas but now has died. Perhaps you are far away from those you love. Maybe you don’t have the funds to
buy gifts in shiny paper and the holiday table will be bare. The light disappears quickly in December and Seasonal Affective Disorder can rob us of our energy and joy. How can we cope?
First, you are not alone. Your UU Church of Akron community cares for you. I care for you. Please reach out to me, to a member of our Caring Committee, to a favorite Religious Education teacher or church friend. We all miss being together. Join our Support Group for Being Human, a loosely-structured, friendly group of folks who talk on Tuesdays at noon over Zoom. Come every week or drop in once in a while. We will be glad to see you.
Participate in the Parenting Support Group and be reminded that all parents are struggling right now- it’s not just you! Join our worship services over Zoom every Sunday morning to hear a hopeful word, a graceful piece of music, and at least one interesting story. We are beginning to post previous worship services on YouTube, just search for UU Church of Akron.
If you are looking for other ways to lighten your mood, considering getting more light into your life. Take a walk in the morning or on lunch break. Try a lamp made for relieving Seasonal Affective Disorder- I use mine every
morning. Make food that you are excited to eat. Look through old photographs and remember that travel, long evenings with friends, and concerts will begin again, soon. Many of the pleasures in life are on pause but they will return. Some, like delicious food, can still be yours. This Thanksgiving Jay and I are making a feast will all the fixings, just for the two of us. Why postpone delight?

Rev. Kate