In the scripture lesson, Biblical character Hannah is honest with God about her broken-heartedness in wanting to have a child. We have resources for those who have experienced, or are experiencing, infertility, miscarriage and child loss available on our website at: uumc.org/longest-night-resources. On this page you will also find resources for other kinds of loss.As a Reproductive Freedom Congregation, we have gathered helpful resources and education materials and you can learn more here: uumc.org/reproductive-justice

“In this time of great reflection on two hundred fifty years,
We remember, as a nation, times we’ve prospered, times of tears.
“We shall be,” a preacher told us, “as a city on a hill”—
not to praise us but to warn us: We’ve a duty to fulfill.” – “In this Time of Great Reflection” by Rev. Dr. Carolyn Winfrey Gillette

“While the Fourth of July is not a liturgical “holy day”, it is a chance to remind one another of America’s aspiration to be a “a more perfect union.” One that still has miles to go when it comes to equality, justice, peace, and general welfare. The Gospel calls us to feed the hungry, care for the sick, clothe the naked, and visit those in prison. The church knows how to help our country become who we say we want to be.” – Rev. Dr. Lori Walke, J.D. for Illustrated Ministries

“The enemy of my enemy is my friend,” so the saying goes. Psychologists tell us that a common enemy can create a very fast friendship. But they also tell us that relationships built on such things are shallow, fragile, and stand on a shaky foundation of context-dependent reactivity. On the other hand, psychologists tell us that bonding which occurs over common good, that which focuses more on what we are for than what we are against, creates relationships that take more time and effort, but are far deeper and more stable, characterized by greater trust and better conflict recovery, and can even have a positive impact on your physical health. “The enemy of my enemy is my friend,” is not a Christian sentiment. Honesty, even when it’s difficult, and hospitality, even when it’s inconvenient, are marks of Christlikeness, relational health, and exactly the kind of discipleship we are called to. — Shae Wiens

“I am a person of faith and a gay man. Pride is a celebration and commitment to justice I make every day.” — Rev. Dr. Alvaran, United Methodist Pastor in California

How can we name a Love
That wakens heart and mind
Indwelling all we know
Or think or do
Or seek or find
Within our daily world
In every human face
Love's echoes sound
And God is found
Hid in the commonplace — from the hymn “How Can We Name a Love?”

“May your tongue tingle with the good news. May your heart open to all the people of the street. And, when you are ben over by sorrow, may you find the Spirit’s feather on the ground waiting there to give you hope.” — A Pentecost Benediction by Maren Tirabassi

In preparing for this Sunday, Dr. Ham writes, “I will be connecting Ruth and Naomi’s story with my own experience of moving across different countries, cultures, and communities, and slowly learning what it means to find my people. I will reflect on the sacred gift of being known without having to explain every part of yourself. Ruth and Naomi remind us that community is sometimes formed through shared vulnerability: choosing companionship, making room for difference, and discovering kinship in unexpected places.”

It’s interesting that walking through the scriptures made their hearts burn but it was participation in a meal that opened their eyes to see the Risen One in their midst. I can’t help but think that’s the same invitation to us too. May you SEE your daily participation as a holy sacrament. – Scott Erickson

The stranger who is the Savior still meets us on the lonely road to Emmaus.  The guest who becomes our host still nourishes us with Presence, Word, and Bread. So keep walking.  Keep telling the story.  Keep honoring the stranger. Keep attending to your burning heart. Christ is risen. He is no less risen on the road to Emmaus than he is anywhere else.  So look for him.  Listen for him. — Debie Thomas

“We don’t always get a breakfast on the beach with the Giver of Existence, but we sometimes get the miracle of a change of perspective that leads us to question who we are going to be now. May you SEE that you are invited to be so much more than you have allowed yourself to be.” – Scott Erickson

“Doubt will be your constant companion on this journey. Doubt will be the consistent wall of understanding that you bump up against as you pursue the Endless Mystery. Doubt is the doorway to each new way of knowing, each new perspective. Doubt is the feeling of your heart expanding for a larger capacity of Love. May you SEE your doubt as the invitation to endless knowability.” – Scott Erickson