Riverside Reflections

January 2011

Rev. Millie Rochester

Winter is characterized by nature’s darkness – the sun rising late and setting early, often hidden by grey skies. Often, too, the season is one of emotional darkness – loneliness, alienation, sadness – in spite of what we are told is a joyous time of year. It is a time for reflection, but time for reflection is too-often in short supply. It is, instead, a busy time, and many of us feel the need of a respite by the time the winter holidays have come to an end.

I write this column just after the marvellous Festival of Lights Sunday service which celebrated Solstice, Hanukkah, Divali and Christmas traditions. The feeling of unabashed joy that day was palpable, the sanctuary filled to the brim with happiness emanating from the youngest to the eldest among us. And, as I write this, I am looking forward to our annual Christmas Eve candle lighting service, in which we pause to hear stories, sing songs, and share the magic of candlelight.

Now we mark a turning point of the year, as the earth tilts once again, and the days slowly become longer. The hurriedness of December may give way to a sense of relief, the turning of the calendar from one year to the next a chance to begin anew.

The pace of congregational life picks up again, with new and renewed activities, including adult programs such as Chalice Circles and courses. Children embark on the next phase of their year in Religious Exploration; if you are among those who were filled with delight during the Festival of Lights service, plan now to devote your attention on some Sunday mornings to being with our young people – contact our DRE, Andrea James, to learn how, and to set dates – you will find it a mutually rewarding spiritual experience.

My own spirit is replenished whenever I encounter you, but even I find the need for finding time to quietly reflect a challenge. In February, that opportunity will emerge in the form of a ministers’ continuing education Institute in California (to be honest, that will combine work with the pleasure of being in collegial community). Immediately after that, Roger and I will spend a week with our children in Oregon, our first visit with them in well over a year.

In whatever ways you welcome the return of light, may you find joy and peace, now and evermore.

Warmest blessings,

~Millie