From Our Ministers

How good it is to be together in Sunday Services, greeting one another, raising our voices joyously in song, getting caught up in enlivening stories, listening to amazing music, hearing precious stories of one another.s life journeys, being reminded of what we hold dear, quieting our minds, lifting up our concerns, laughing, weeping, reaching out to one another.

When asked why he went regularly to his Unitarian congregation, Supreme Court Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes answered, “There’s a little plant called reverence in the corner of my soul’s garden which I love to have watered once a week.”

May that corner of your soul be tended by our Sundays together.

We hope summer gave you what your soul needed. We want to commit ourselves to and support you in watering the plant in your soul’s garden once a week and once each day. Whatever it is that brings you balance—a walk, sitting quietly, reading inspirational words, writing in your journal, making and listening and moving to music—may that special something receive some daily attention.

Participating in a Chalice Circle feeds your soul. Chalice Circles are small group gatherings where participants listen attentively to one another’s thoughts, experiences, doubts, and beliefs on issues of meaning and depth. We hear reflections of our own stories in the voices of others, and we hear our differences in ways that nurture respect, trust and mutual regard. Real relationships are made. Groups meet twice a month with each gathering lasting about two hours. There’s a range of days and times. Pick up a brochure and register this month. You’ll be glad you did!

Within these pages, you’ll read of other groups, classes, and workshops to engage your mind, open your heart, deepen your spirit.

Maybe now is the time for you to join the choir or greet at the front doors on Sunday or help with the snack table and lunches offered after services. Working together weaves real connections. You take on a role and you feel more ownership of this special place.

We reach out to one another and out to the wider world. Our offering is always shared with an organization in the larger community serving those in need. Each month or one month you can join with others to prepare the food and serve the meal at the Greater Richmond Interfaith Program (GRIP) shelter. The Read Aloud program in the Richmond and San Pablo schools starts up again soon. In November, we’ll be having our Bring Your Weight in Food drive where our congregation stocks the Richmond Emergency Food Pantry.

Tending to your soul here affects how you are with all the people around you. What we do here shapes the world.

Besides this Beacon on the Hill, you can find more information on groups and programs on the weekly announcements sent out be email (sign up by sending an e-mail to the administrator@uucb.org) and check the website: www.uucb.org.

Here may you be seen for who you are, may your passion and gifts be encouraged and appreciated. May we all be filled with gratitude for life and may so much good ripple out from here.

Peace, Love, and Joy to You in this New Year!

Barbara and Bill

Revs. Barbara and Bill Hamilton-Holway, Co-Ministers