A Children and Youth Ministry Message from Heather Alexson
“No one ever steps in the same river twice…”
–Heraclitus
Spring is a season of action and taking risks that test our abilities, our spirit and our resilience. As the summer solstice approaches, all the growth of spring pauses for a moment to bloom a colorful display that is the peak of our efforts. After the bloom fades and falls, seeds are patiently nourished by warm days. When the solstice is upon us, we cross over to longer, hotter days that shepherd us through idle contemplation and reflection.
Summer is a time for delight, fun, and relaxation. Whether it’s a sunny day at the beach, a hike on the trails, or simply taking in the ocean breezes, nature has something special to offer us during this season. From the laughter of children playing in the sand to the joy of friends gathering around a fire pit, there are many moments that make summer so special. Long days and warm, starry nights bring with it an energy that makes us feel relaxed and content. As we come together in this season of sunshine, let us embrace the joys that summer brings and use it as an opportunity to find unity within our community.
As the Director of Religious Education at UUSE, Gina has become an integral part of our UUSE spiritual family. Many of us have created deep relationships with Gina that will last long after she leaves the DRE position, and she will be dearly missed.
Gina has expertly captained the growth of UUSE’s religious education programming and community. The course is set and the RE committee will navigate the waters with wisdom to trust in the process that will see us to new harbors. Saying goodbye is never easy, but it’s something we all have to do at some point. Saying goodbye to our beloved friend, each of us has to find the strength within ourselves to move forward.
We can take comfort in the fact that we are part of a larger community who understand what we’re going through and who are here to support us. We should also remember that our children will be watching how we handle this transition and will learn from our example.
This is a time to celebrate the continuity of our community, the memories we have shared, and the love that binds us together. We’ve got this!
