At this time of the winter solstice, of the longest darkness and shortest light, we explore the nature of wonder with both its terrifying and comforting aspects. There is a reason we proclaim, “tidings of comfort and joy,” this time of year, and a reason they are needed. We will seek to open ourselves to the wonder of the season.

To wonder is to not know. It is to question and seek answers. It is also, sometimes, to abide in the not-knowing, to rest in the arms of overwhelmedness, to rejoice in the huge beyond-myself-and-my comprehensionness, to feel the reality that we are part of something big and amazing. We will attempt to face these matters in a whole-souled way.

Children will be with us for the first part of the service.

The prelude will be by child musicians on Orff instruments.

We recognize and honor our connection to the earth and its natural systems. We celebrate the blessings of life we receive and share.

How do we generate and share love by and for all ages?

What is required if we are to call ourselves a people of love?

To whom shall we listen? To what? And what will that do to them, and to us? Listening deeply can be transformative to all involved. How do we prepare ourselves to be changed by encounters in which we listen deeply? Perhaps Deep Listening can be a Unitarian Universalist sacrament, an occasion where something sacred happens.

Born in Ghana, W. Africa, Kate works to alleviate poverty by connecting artisans from developing countries with markets worldwide.

It is such a gift to be listened to! Listening deeply can empower someone to speak their truth as they never have before. Listening to one another builds connection between us, builds strong community and teaches us from perspectives not our own. Just how do we do this deep listening?

“We are saved by community.” - Rev. Rebecca Parker 

Does an African (Yoruba) tradition for handling offenders offer guidance on healing and wholeness for a society like ours, torn by racial strife and violence? There is magic in restoring broken connections. In a Process Metaphysics view, the world and all of us in it are our connections.

“The miracle is that we are so connected, even when we feel so far apart.” - Rev. Gail Seavey

Our webs of connection are many and thick with complexity. Consider with me our intimate connections through time, in our simultaneous living on this planet and through right relationships with our fellow humans, other sentient beings and our home eco-system.