Rejuvenation
Our summer theme is Rejuvenation. When asked mid-June to reflect on what their personal themes were this summer, the Sunday Service conveners shared these words:
Healing, Recovery, Renewal, Hope, Rest, Setting intentions, Becoming, Self Care
When we came upon the word REJUVENATION, we shared a sigh of relief. We want the summer to be an opportunity to pause–not just to catch up on to-do lists, but to catch up with our own callings and enthusiasm for life. Especially as we integrate the lessons of the past two+ years of COVID and 6+ years of political chaos, let’s take the opportunity of hot weather and calmer schedules to remember what’s most important. And then, come fall, we will be refreshed enough to share our new energy and start new projects–together!
Since I joined you in October, it’s been a joyous rush of information and new relationships. I’ve been shaping my schedule around Sunday Services and meetings with your leaders. The rhythm offers an almost-steady beat to my weeks and months, but now that summer has arrived, I could definitely use a breather. Our other fabulous staff members and leaders do, too. So we’re calming the schedule down a bit, taking some time off and blessing Renea for her parental leave starting mid-July. I’ll be less involved in Sunday Services this summer, but Sarah Desmet, our conveners, and an all-star line-up of volunteer musicians are putting together some beautiful Services. I’ll be focusing on pastoral visits and visioning. I’ll also take a couple weeks of study leave to deepen my writing practice. Come mid-August, we will welcome families back to the school year and invite everyone into a rejuvenated community. We may even have a new sound system!
There continue to be great opportunities to connect, including those shared in this newsletter and our weekly announcements. Please stay particularly tuned-in to the upcoming event organized by the Racial Justice Team. I’ll also be putting out an invitation to mobilize for Vote No on the attack on reproductive freedom. I’m currently tapping into guidance from state and national organizers and other Kansas UUs for how we can “UU the vote” on this crucial decision.
When we looked at the July 11 Sunday Services topic, Reproductive Justice, one convener pointed out that abortion rights didn’t seem like a very “rejuvenating” topic. Someone else spoke up: Having these rights protected gives her great peace of mind. Sometimes, rejuvenation requires defensive action and support from allies. That’s the case right now. Prioritize self care this summer. AND, keep your heart open to a call to action.
Pastor Isa
Contact Rev. Dr. Isabel Call at pastor@uufm.net.
Note: Pastor Isa will away from the office July 1 thru 5, July 9, July 13 thru 19, and July 25 thru 31. Schedule a meeting with her or call or text her at 785 748-2533, or email pastor@uufm.net.