Seasons Greetings, All Souls!

In my mind, it feels unbelievable that it’s already the end of November and we’re fast heading into the colder, darker months. The already jam-packed days are short, and sun is setting around 5pm. I’ve heard several people lamenting that it’s dark when they leave the house, and dark when they head home. It’s a hard time of year, particularly for sun worshippers – those folx who function the best when the sun is high in the sky, the air is warm, and the possibilities of each day seem endless…as long as the sun is out.

But this time of year is my favorite. I love the fall (not so much the cold), and I love many of the things this time of year brings. I love the stillness of a crisp, cold night, when I can stare up at the stars in the night sky and feel the expectation building. Not for a particular holiday, but for the hope each new day brings, and the budding life that follows each winter. First must come the night, and we’re treated each day to a beautiful dawn.

In my observation, when its darker, people tend to congregate together. Warm drinks, cozy socks, and decorations that fill spaces with light and hope. The general level of giving, volunteering, and lifting up of one another becomes more visible. We lose the sunlight, but we illuminate the gifts from within – people shine through.

December’s worship theme is timely – Presence. There are so many beautiful and poignant ways to interpret and interact with this theme. I have always found myself to feel the best when I am able to support and lift up others. It’s one of the reasons I joined the Marines – I was able to give of myself to serve my country in what felt to be a meaningful way.

It’s one of the reasons I volunteer and became a volunteer administrator – I give my time, support, and my presence to others who need me. I was a Big Sister, with Big Brothers Big Sisters while stationed in Hawaii and the 11-year-old girl my 21-year-old self was matched with desperately needed someone to be present for her. And she was able to be present for me at a time when I hadn’t
realized I needed someone to be. Twenty years later, we’re still present for one another, even from across the country.

All Souls, you show us each and every day what it means to be Present. I’ll admit, I had been a little worried at how this year’s Thanksgiving Food drive would go, but I didn’t need to be. I felt each and every one of you this week as I looked at the results of your collective efforts.

The same with the Funding Our Future campaign. We came together and raised nearly $400,000 because our congregation believes in All Souls and being part of this amazing community.

So, this season, let’s come out of the darkness, be together, and be present for one another in all the ways that matter. Reach out to those you haven’t seen or heard from in a while and say hello. Send a card. Pop onto a virtual service and chat with some of our congregation at a distance. If you’re ready, come to an in-person service. Ask how people are doing and be present for the answer – you may be the light someone else needs.

I find this time of year hopeful, but I know that isn’t the case for everyone. You are not alone.

As a loving reminder, there’s always a minister ready to speak to you, or someone you know is struggling. Members of our congregation are here for you. If there’s someone in your life struggling but church may not be for them, here are some support lines:

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

For Veterans: https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/

For the LGBTQIA+ Community (resources for youth, adults, and seniors): https://www.lgbthotline.org/

Mental Health Support line: https://mentalhealthhotline.org/

For those struggling with alcohol: https://www.aa.org/

For those struggling with addiction: https://www.help.org/drug-abuse-hotline/

Rev. Louise Green, our Minister of Congregational Care has a wealth of other resources available as well. Please reach out if there’s a need: CongCare@allsouls.ws.

Be well All Souls, I’m always here if needed. So are the rest of the Staff. I look forward to seeing you all as we move forward to brighter days-

Rose Eaton

Communications Manager