New Year Changes
The ringing in of a new year lends itself to reflection and setting intentions as we embark on our journey in life. Our Fire Communion ritual offers a way to do so in community with others. While I missed this at UCE, I was able to participate at my home congregation, the Elgin UU Church, and I must say I struggled with it.
Their ritual has two parts to it: the first is to think of the things you wish to be rid of, the things that have not served you well in the past year, and then write them on flash paper and burn it. The second part is to then think of something that you wish to invite into your life, something that you need to help you be more authentic and a better person, and then think of a word or two that can be your mantra for the year. And this is the part I struggled with – what do I want to invite into my life this year? The possibilities are endless! How do I choose just one?
Those who know me also know that I am one to generally and enthusiastically embrace change, which is why I am baffled as to why I had a hard time coming up with my mantra. I seem to welcome it more in my professional life, which often shows up on our backpack tags that are blessed at the beginning of the school year. This year’s mantra is “Something Possible!” Perhaps I should keep that as my personal one as well.
Part of this New Year ritual and tradition is to look back on the previous year. Out of curiosity, I looked back at what I wrote in the newsletter in January 2025. It focused on some findings I learned about the ways parents and families are challenged and how faith communities can help. There were several ideas on ways to make connections across the generations, such as older adults being “grandparents”, “aunties” and “uncles” to our younger ones and young adults teaming up with our youth for game nights and other activities.
And while we have done some of this, we continue to explore more ways of connecting people. Rev. Eileen and I met with some parents this past fall to hear their thoughts on what helps them and ways we can offer even more support and connection. One of their ideas was to improve The Nest area for families in worship so that it is more accessible to late-comers and is situated so parents are closer to the rug where the children sit. Gillian Lawrence came up with a plan that encompasses these needs and we will unveil it this Sunday. I welcome your feedback as you experience this new arrangement.
A few of the ideas mentioned that we are tackling this year: ways to improve communication between parents, having parent activities while offering childcare, and a family sleepover. As these come to fruition, you will hear more about them, so stay tuned!
Whether or not you have a mantra or word for 2026, may you find encouragement, support, hope, and joy here at UCE as you travel the road of life.
In Faith,
Kathy