Sunny Notes: 09.02.26 - Rest and Connection
Hellooo BUF!
Following several weeks away for study leave and vacation, I officially returned to the office on August 17, although you will not see me in the pulpit until this Sunday, September 6. A huge thanks to Rev. Barbara Wells ten Hove who led and/or oversaw all services from July 19 through August 30, and all the Celebrants, participants, and musicians who contributed to a wonderful series of summer services!
Other than a week in Fredericksburg, Texas visiting my parents, I spent my time away mostly in Seattle with my partner, Chase. I caught up on inspirational reading, did a bit of writing, swam in Lake Washington with our dog, Movy, and had moments of much-needed stillness. After pushing hard through my summers during divinity school and following graduation, filling each and every moment with internships, hospital chaplaincy, and the UUA's fellowship and ministerial application process, my body and being were so grateful for this summer's break.
The return from summer break often looks like a ramping up of pace and schedules, a return to school for the kiddos and a return to myriad commitments (and overcommitments) for the adults—which is why we're kicking off the new congregational year with a Sunday service on "Rest and Its Rewards" on September 6. I spent my drive time from Seattle to Bellingham this week re-listening to Tricia Hersey's revolutionary book, Rest Is Resistance. This Sunday, I look forward to exploring what it might be like to make the turn into fall with an intention toward creating a culture of more rest and less grind.
Looking ahead to the coming weeks and months, I also hope we can increase connection around the congregation. Last year, I heard from quite a few folks that it can be difficult and daunting to figure out how to find your people and get more plugged in at BUF—there's a lot going on, but how to join in may not be obvious. Accordingly, I hope you will come to the Connection Carnival in the Social Hall following our Ingathering Service on Sunday, September 13. Groups and teams from around BUF have been invited to table at the event, making it an easy way to meet folks and sign up where you feel called.
Also, much like these Sunny Notes appear most weeks in the BUF newsletter, this year, you will also see Board Notes from time to time, where the Board will share what it has been up to. Finally, the Board and I intend to increase connections with our fellow UU congregations, our Pacific Western Region, and the UUA. I love our little pocket of the Pacific Northwest and our unique fellowship...but operating in isolation, as individuals or a congregation, can be lonely and exhausting. This year, let's see what connections and resources are available as we gather at BUF to engage in what nourishes us, from spirituality to justice work to music to community and more!
It's good to be back! Rev. Sunny, minister