Dear UU Ministry for Earth,

As we spiral through the seasons into Autumn, the nights are growing longer, and harvest is upon us. This time of ripening is evident at UUMFE, with many program offerings fruiting and ready to take part in. Whether you join our weekly Climate Grief Support Group, our monthly Community Read or Full Moon Gatherings, or our seasonal spiritual gatherings, I hope you will “pick” and enjoy whatever fruits from the UUMFE garden that seem most tasty!

I’ve been thinking a lot about darkness lately, as we round the bend towards lengthening nights and move closer to Winter Solstice. I picked up “Nightfaring: In Search of Disappearing Darkness” by Meagan Eaves-Egenes from my local bookstore, and I would recommend it. I also have plans to visit a local DarkSky park later this October. There’s a part of me that just deeply wants to connect with the real night sky.

Incredibly, darkness is becoming a rare commodity. With so many unnatural lights adorning our world, it can be a challenge to find a truly dark place in order to see nature’s own light display. The darker we are… the more that we turn off the human-made electric lights… the more we can see the stars. The quieter we are… the more we turn off our human-made sounds… the more we can hear nature’s murmurs. What does this simple fact have to teach us? To me, these are more than metaphors – they are tangible ways to enter into embodied mindfulness, connecting more intentionally with the natural world. From there, moments of awe, connection, revelation, and peace often follow.

Wishing you the peace that can come from stillness, from darkness, from deep quiet and mindful listening in the month ahead. And prayers that you harvest and enjoy the fruits of life that most nourish your spirit.

Bright Starry Blessings,

Rev. Lauren