In December, we gather. With friends, with family, in community. With music and food. We remember years past. We connect with people and memories. We find our way to hope once again.
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Or at least, this is the idea.
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Except too often, the holidays can become a list of events, tasks, and things to buy, and we start to forget the reason for all of it. The intentions behind the gathering, what we long to hear, and from whom. The journey worth traveling for. The way we hope to be changed in the coming together. Our real wish list.Â
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As we worship for the first times in our new sanctuary, let us renew the ways we gather. The rituals we practice this time of year, the songs we sing, the stories we center, and what we fail to see. The traditions we inherit – what we repeat and what we release. In-person, online, with friends, and with strangers. The lists we make and the deeper longing of the human heart, especially in these troubled times.Â
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In our gathering, we make space for a new beginning of an ancient promise: the relentless presence of love, breaking through everything, calling us to courage, knowing we are already changed in being together.
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Gather In Joy with us this Sunday, December 3, for the first service in our new sanctuary! We will gather in person at 8:30 and 10:30 AM.
Are you out of town or do you prefer to worship online? Join us at 10:30 AM on Zoom or watch on our website!
Mark your calendars now to celebrate Solstice and Christmas with Foothills! We have services and events for all ages! Learn more below or visit foothillsuu.org/holidayevents.
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 With love and joy,
Rev. Gretchen Haley
