Hello companions on the journey,
Dear ones,
We are living in historic and challenging times, and this is indeed a historic week.
I want to take a moment to remind all of us, once again, that none of us are alone. We are connected, through mystery and miracle, through our shared ministry, to the universe and to one another, to our community and the world around us.
And, I want to remind all of us of the importance of our self-care and self-love, our mutual care and support of one another, and of our community care; today, in the days leading up to election day, and in the weeks ahead.
It is ok to say whatever it is that you are feeling; to say it out loud, either to yourself or to another trusted friend or loved one. Know that I am available for you to call, text, or email.
This is a good time to do the things that help you find your grounding and your center- whether that is time with nature, time in meditation, time with a good book, or time with community.
It is ok to take time for sabbath, and that may include taking some time away from television or social media, or at least some forms of it. There are other ways to stay informed, other ways to stay engaged. Perhaps this is a good time to get to your library, surround yourself with the words and writers who inspire your heart and your conscience.
I have included an election self-care planning resource from the Association of UU Administrators that is being passed on to all of us from Judy Stettner, Congregational Administrator for Tree of Life. Thanks Judy!
We are not alone. It is important that even as we take the time to breathe, to care for ourselves and each other, that we don’t fall into the trap of isolation.
This is a good time to find the actions that we can each still take- whether that is taking the time to vote, helping someone else get to the polls, contributing to a local, regional, or national political campaign or organization. It is with great appreciation and admiration that I share with you that our two congregations- Prairie Circle and Tree of Life- together sent over 4500+ get out the vote postcards to swing states.
For those still looking for additional direct action to participate in, the UU Advocacy Network of Illinois (UUANI) is organizing UU’s who would like to assist with door to door canvasing in Wisconsin this Saturday and Sunday. The information is in their Action of the Week newsletter. I have included a link in this communication.
UUANI also has some post-election events and gatherings in the weeks ahead, also included in the Action of the Week newsletter. I have been in contact with Rev. Scott Aesing, Executive Director of UUANI, who will be meeting with our two congregations via zoom on the evening of Thursday November 21. Mark your calendar. I will send out a separate communication and zoom link.
Side With Love, our most visible public action campaign connected to UU congregations and our partners, also has on-line post-election gatherings and webinars, and has set up Community Resilience hub with additional resources for helping strengthen our sense of community and community resilience within our congregations. I have included a links to Side with Love and to the Community Resistance Hub.
We are part of a larger network and community, among UU congregations and other peoples of faiths, committed to democracy and committed to building beloved community.
So let us continue to breathe deeply, to connect with one another, to engage with greater love, and to build the world we dream of.
In faith, hope, and community,
Chaplain Dave
Links to explore:
Election Self-Care Plan= self-care planning document from Association of UU Administrators (AUUA)
UUANI Action of the Week newsletter= from UU Advocacy Network of Illinois, advocacy actions leading up to election day and in the weeks following election day
Forward Together: Anchoring in Community Post-Election — Side With Love– Side with Love Anchoring Community in Post-Election
Community Resilience Hub | UUA.org – Side with Love Community Resilience HubUUANI– UU Advocacy Network of Illinois