DLRE Newsletter Article December 2019

This time of year can be a joyous one as well as a challenging one for many. There can be conflicting emotions – the beauty of a winter snowfall yet the cold darkness as the sun sets at 4:20 in the afternoon; the joy of family as well as the missing of those who have died or moved away; the baking of holiday cookies and the hustle and bustle yet the feelings of being overwhelmed and having to do it all.

So far in my life, the time I felt these conflicting emotions happened when my children were younger. I wanted them to have happy holiday memories to carry them into adulthood. For many years, I ended up feeling like Scrooge and resentful. Then one year I got seriously ill with an infection and ended up in the hospital for a week in early December and spent another six weeks slowly recovering. The universe has a way of telling us when to slow down!

Since then, my family has taken the time at Thanksgiving to share what they most want from the holiday season and how to meet those wants in a less-stressful way. We find that many of them are similar enough that it isn’t hard to find ways to give each other the things we really desire during the holidays. I still struggle a bit every year, but as I get older, I find that I’m able to let go of it more.

My hope is that each of you find a way to make the holidays meaningful to you without wearing yourself down and trying to do it all. Whether you have a daily spiritual practice or simply take a part of the day to sit without a to-do list on your mind, take the time for yourself. Otherwise, the universe will find a way!

Now on to some UCE news! First, a huge “thank you” to Johna Van Dyke for coordinating the costumes and props for the pageant, along with her “elves”, Gay Menges, Alice Swan, Linda Clark, Trudi Davis, Kathy Talmage, Kay Wade, Sue Larson, and Martha Holman. And of course Don Mac Gregor for all the great photographs. It was a fun experience!

Ornament Sunday turned out wonderfully too! Thanks to all who brought a craft to share; Jordan Strueber, Carolyn Toporek, Gillian Lawrence, Brian Nielsen, Jeanne Kerl, Kathy Judge, Janice Milanovich, and Beth McDonald. And thanks to Sue Larson, Carolyn Toporek, Adam Gough and crew for helping set up and take down tables. It was fun to walk around and see all the creativity, hear holiday music and friendly conversation.

Looking ahead, the Children and Youth Program Team is hosting a family potluck on January 5 after the 11am worship service in room 3. This will be a great time for families to meet and get to know one another and enjoy a variety of food. No need to RSVP. We are hoping for 25-30 people, so bring a dish to share and join us!

Also on January 5, the Forum program will begin at 9:30am in room 6. This is an open program to discuss a variety of topics and share opinions in a friendly and respectful way. High school youth and adults are invited to come hear what we have in store to start off the Forum! Childcare is provided too.

Here’s to a new beginning and a new year!

In Faith,

Kathy