News: April 17, 2026
Dear members and friends,
I hope you’re each finding some joy in these spring days. Does the warmer weather and lengthening sunlight have you feeling energized or are you already longing for the cool darkness of fall?
I am a part of a spiritual practice group that meets for resonant breathing and study of the Tao over solstices and equinoxes. When we met in March, our leader reminded us that there are two sides of spring: blossom and decay. While this is the season of bright, beautiful flowers and adorable baby animals, it’s also the season of unearthing that which died over the winter and has been dormant under fallow ground. All that to say, however you’re feeling about spring is good and fine and I hope your personal spiritual practices are providing the nourishment that you need.
Speaking of spiritual practices, I’ve really enjoyed planning and offering evening vespers services alongside our Young Adult Ministry Intern, Artie. When we dreamed them up, we thought it would be a nice opportunity to engage in community spiritual practices that don’t have a place in traditional Sunday morning liturgy. Our first vespers service focused on an extended joys & sorrows ritual, and at the second I shared my resonant breathing practice. It feels good to do church in different ways! Our next vespers service is Wednesday, April 22nd at 6:30 PM. This one is very special, as we’re working with community member and musician Richard Doughty to offer a sound bath and movement meditation. I’m sure on many Sunday mornings you’ve walked into the sanctuary and thought, “We should really have a DJ on the chancel…” and guess what? That’s exactly what we’ll have! Richard will play while I guide us on a meditation with some invitations into movement. No experience or ability is necessary, you can show up however you’re feeling that day! I hope you’ll consider joining us.
For me, this springtime season is bringing a good balance of solar-powered energy and a little lament. While we’re finishing the church year strong with lots of compelling programming and strong worship services, I know many are still experiencing emotions following the transition of our Director of Religious Exploration. Thanks to each member of our shared, loving community for the ways you’ve showed up with patience and support as we navigate this time of change. The Transitioning Religious Exploration Knowledge (TREK) Team has especially been hard at work in supporting and readying the community for a new DRE. Rest assured, Religious Exploration is in great hands during this time with excellent, knowledgeable, and dedicated volunteer support. The team encourages parents to read each RE 1-2-3 newsletter for updates on what is happening. And, if you’re interested in serving on the new search team, email me!
I had the good fortune to guest preach at another congregation on Easter Sunday and chose to focus on the Easter story through the lens of Mary Magdelene. In preparing for my sermon, I spent much time with Mary’s gospel and other gnostic writings, all of which highlight the value of the direct experience of the sacred. I hope you’re getting glimpses of the sacred, even amidst the pain and change that is evergreen in life. Your life is a gift!
I’d be remiss to finish this without reminding you that on Sunday, I’ll be offering my program, "Palestine in 10 Stories" at 1:00 PM in the Sanctuary. I will be telling stories and sharing photos from my trip. It would be great to see you there.
Sending love for the ups and downs and in-betweens,
Nina
I hope you’re each finding some joy in these spring days. Does the warmer weather and lengthening sunlight have you feeling energized or are you already longing for the cool darkness of fall?
I am a part of a spiritual practice group that meets for resonant breathing and study of the Tao over solstices and equinoxes. When we met in March, our leader reminded us that there are two sides of spring: blossom and decay. While this is the season of bright, beautiful flowers and adorable baby animals, it’s also the season of unearthing that which died over the winter and has been dormant under fallow ground. All that to say, however you’re feeling about spring is good and fine and I hope your personal spiritual practices are providing the nourishment that you need.
Speaking of spiritual practices, I’ve really enjoyed planning and offering evening vespers services alongside our Young Adult Ministry Intern, Artie. When we dreamed them up, we thought it would be a nice opportunity to engage in community spiritual practices that don’t have a place in traditional Sunday morning liturgy. Our first vespers service focused on an extended joys & sorrows ritual, and at the second I shared my resonant breathing practice. It feels good to do church in different ways! Our next vespers service is Wednesday, April 22nd at 6:30 PM. This one is very special, as we’re working with community member and musician Richard Doughty to offer a sound bath and movement meditation. I’m sure on many Sunday mornings you’ve walked into the sanctuary and thought, “We should really have a DJ on the chancel…” and guess what? That’s exactly what we’ll have! Richard will play while I guide us on a meditation with some invitations into movement. No experience or ability is necessary, you can show up however you’re feeling that day! I hope you’ll consider joining us.
For me, this springtime season is bringing a good balance of solar-powered energy and a little lament. While we’re finishing the church year strong with lots of compelling programming and strong worship services, I know many are still experiencing emotions following the transition of our Director of Religious Exploration. Thanks to each member of our shared, loving community for the ways you’ve showed up with patience and support as we navigate this time of change. The Transitioning Religious Exploration Knowledge (TREK) Team has especially been hard at work in supporting and readying the community for a new DRE. Rest assured, Religious Exploration is in great hands during this time with excellent, knowledgeable, and dedicated volunteer support. The team encourages parents to read each RE 1-2-3 newsletter for updates on what is happening. And, if you’re interested in serving on the new search team, email me!
I had the good fortune to guest preach at another congregation on Easter Sunday and chose to focus on the Easter story through the lens of Mary Magdelene. In preparing for my sermon, I spent much time with Mary’s gospel and other gnostic writings, all of which highlight the value of the direct experience of the sacred. I hope you’re getting glimpses of the sacred, even amidst the pain and change that is evergreen in life. Your life is a gift!
I’d be remiss to finish this without reminding you that on Sunday, I’ll be offering my program, "Palestine in 10 Stories" at 1:00 PM in the Sanctuary. I will be telling stories and sharing photos from my trip. It would be great to see you there.
Sending love for the ups and downs and in-betweens,
Nina
