A Time for Renewal
September has arrived, bringing beautiful weather, fresh energy, and the subtle invitation to embrace new beginnings. Many of you are aware that I will be taking some time away for spiritual renewal. I will be away for four Sundays, beginning September 20th. During that time, the Sunday message will be shared by several familiar and beloved members of our community. Beginning next week, you'll find this newsletter space filled with the reflections and insights of each upcoming Sunday speaker.
Part of my time away will include a journey to England with Mary Reed and Lisa Dewey, whom many of you had the opportunity to experience just a week ago. I am especially excited because we'll be visiting sacred and historic sites such as Stonehenge and Glastonbury, along with spending a day in the picturesque Cotswolds. Since I've never been to England before, I know this will be a truly magical experience, made even more meaningful by sharing it with Mary and Lisa.
I have complete faith that everything at Unity will continue to run smoothly while I'm away, and I know you, my friends, will show up with your usual love and support for each Sunday's speaker. The last time I took an extended break of this length was in 2007, when Rev. LeRoy and I spent a month exploring Alaska. That was a gift then, and I know this time away will be a gift now.
In truth, it is time for me to practice what I so often encourage others to do: take time to refill the well. We cannot continue giving endlessly without also making space for rest, reflection, and renewal. Just as nature follows seasons of growth and seasons of restoration, we, too, are called to honor the rhythms of our own lives.
I look forward to returning refreshed, inspired, and filled with new stories and experiences to share. I won't be in England for my entire time away. The trip was intentionally planned for the middle of my sabbatical so I could enter the journey rested and have time afterward to integrate the experience before returning.
Thank you for your love, support, and understanding. I look forward to being back with you on October 18th, renewed in spirit and ready to share all that this sacred time of rest and adventure has revealed.
However, before I leave, this coming Sunday promises to be a fun and inspiring service.
On July 5th, we began our nation's 250th birthday celebration with a Readers Theater that brought to life the voices of those who played key roles in crafting the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights.
This Sunday, we will culminate that celebration by hearing from several additional figures who helped shape our country's early history. What makes this presentation especially meaningful is that each historical character will be introduced by someone within our own community who has a direct ancestral connection to the person they are portraying.
And there's one more delightful twist!
The title of our program is "A Slice of History: Voices from the Past, Inspiration for Today...and Pizza for Everyone!" That's right, after we enjoy lessons and inspiration from the past, we'll gather in fellowship and share a pizza lunch together.
It's going to be a wonderful morning of learning, laughter, connection, and community. I hope you'll join us as we celebrate our shared history, honor the contributions of those who came before us, and discover the inspiration their stories still offer us today.
See you on Sunday!
You are a blessing in my life,
Rev. Patricia Bessey