We begin the month of September as we begin anything - embodying varying levels of energy and fatigue, bringing both blessings and burdens. At UUMFE and in the larger world, the recent weeks have been peppered with new beginnings while underscored by losses. This is the way of things.
This morning, I awoke to the loss of Wendell Berry, who died at age 92. While the world won’t be the same without him, I’m so grateful for his life, and in awe of the impact that he had on so many.
If you’re not familiar with Wendell Berry, you can read more about him and explore his writing here, which he leaves for us as an enduring legacy. Berry taught us to be brazenly committed to our values, and to “Be joyful, though you have considered all the facts.” Click here to read the full version of the poem this quote comes from: "The Mad Farmer Liberation Front"
Over the summer, there have been other losses, including several massive wildfires and devastating flooding. Both of these natural disasters - the fires and the floods - were either caused or worsened by climate change and global warming. The receipts in the aftermath include not only the loss of human life and infrastructure; our animal kindreds were not given evacuation notices, nor were the trees able to move out of harm's way. It can be overwhelming. If you’re feeling this way, I invite you to drop in on our Climate Grief Support Group, which meets (for free!) every Friday. Register here.
And, if you’d like to move into the coming congregational year with a little more active hope, I encourage you to register for our Community Read, Radically Reframing Climate Change: A Guide to Saving Ourselves by Will Hackman. Our approach will be multigenerational, so consider inviting friends across the generations.
There is also so much to be grateful for, and I'm thrilled to share that UUMFE has welcomed a new Communications Coordinator, Xander Huffman. Xander is a joy and a delight, and anyone who gets a chance to cross his path is lucky. Xander: a heartfelt welcome to UUMFE! In addition, I'd like to give a warm welcome to our newest UUMFE Board Member, Rev. Doug McCusker. You can read more about both of these fine folx below.
Over the last year, UUMFE has used Joanna Macy’s “The Work That Reconnects” as a helpful frame for navigating these times. This work reminds us that grief and gratitude are interconnected, both calling us to honor what we love. Engaging in what Macy calls “active hope” reminds me of what it means to be UU, putting love at the center of all that we do. As the leaves change colors and we transition to a new season, may we remain tethered to hope, anchored by love, and buoyed by all that we're grateful for.
In Beauty,
Rev. Lauren
Community Read Starting This Month
In Radically Reframing Climate Change: A Guide to Saving Ourselves, Will Hackman argues that the problem isn’t scientific or fact-based, but rather political, emotional, and ideological. He identifies three leading barriers to solving climate change: polarization, paralysis, and inadequate messaging. Framing the climate crisis as a humanity crisis, Hackman encourages readers to convert their anxiety and anger into action.
Join us on September 29 at 7:45pm ET/4:45pm PT for our first meeting.
Our Climate Grief Support Group will resume this Friday, September 4 from 1-2pm ET/10-11am PT.
If you are deeply concerned about the state of our world, this group will provide a space for you to process your experiences with others in a ritualized, trauma-informed, and mindful way. Register here.
Welcome to Our New Board Member
Rev. Douglas McCusker (he/him) is a retired Unitarian Universalist minister who served two congregations: UU Congregation of Rockville, MD and the UU Fellowship of Fredericksburg, VA. Currently, he leads the worship service once a month at All Souls UU in Greenfield, MA. He lives with his spouse, Marie Lipscombe in North Adams, MA., and is a member of the UU Fellowship of Bennington, VT. Learn more about Doug.
Hello from Xander Huffman!
“Sometimes pieces just fall together by luck. My arrival at UUMFE was just that - pure kismet. Since I joined the team in June, everyone has made me feel so comfortable and welcome. I’m thrilled to be part of UUMFE’s present and future. I’m so glad to be here and look forward to connecting with this community more!”
- Xander Huffman, Communications Coordinator
Coming Up in September
September 4 - Climate Grief Support Group | Register here
September 27 - Full Moon Gathering (Harvest Moon) | Register here
Join People VS Fossil Fuels virtually tonight for the next installment of VS. GOLIATH—a powerful, award-winning new documentary series following everyday people across the United States as they stand up to the fossil fuel industry and fight for the future of their communities. Learn more.
Time for Climate Hawks to Update Your Midterms Plans
Join UUSJ on Wednesday, September 9 as they host Climate Hawks Vote for an off-the-record briefing on the dynamics climate-minded voters should know, as we head toward the November midterms. Learn more.
Defend Public Lands AIW - Action Needed
JUUstice Washington invites you to join us on taking the following actions, the most critical of which is the newly published draft environmental impact statement for the rescission of the Roadless Rule. This may be the last chance to have input into opposing this rule change through the commenting process. The deadline to send comments is September 20. Learn more.
Saving the Mother Trees Course from Bio4Climate
Forests, wetlands, and grasslands are not separate ecological systems. They are connected through water, soil, fungi, animals, plants, and the long observational knowledge of Indigenous peoples. Running from September 16-November 18, this course explores how these relationships shape climate resilience and how restoring them can help rebuild a more habitable Earth. Free introduction webinar on September 2. Learn more.
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