This is the time of year when people in this part of the world honor the shift in the seasons, noting the shortening of our days and the returning of the light. 

The living world all around us enters into a time of hibernation and rest, preparing for the eventual renewal of spring. Let’s take our cue from the natural world. We hope you, your loved ones and your communities enjoy a season of renewal through a relaxing, connected and joyful winter holiday season!

Perhaps you will receive a compelling read as a gift this year. We recommend the work of Tricia Hersey, who writes in her book Rest is Resistance:

“Let our rest be a resurrection.
Let the veils be lifted so we can feel,
see, taste, and smell
the power of our rested selves.”

You can read other quotes from Tricia Hersey’s book on Worship Web. 

If you are having trouble living into the invitation to rest, Hersey reminds us, “Rest is not a luxury, a privilege, or a bonus we must wait for once we are burned out.” As a Black woman, she writes from personal and collective knowledge that rest is part of resistance.

In the spirit of the season and mindful of Tricia Hersey’s wisdom, we too, are resting. Our UUA will be closed from Friday, December 20th through Sunday, January 5th. If you have an emergency during that time, please email newengland@uua.org or call/text (617) 948-4328. Someone will get back to you.

In the New Year, your primary contact from our staff will be reaching out to your congregation to schedule a winter check-in. Please take this opportunity to connect with us. We want to know about your current successes and challenges so we can tailor our resources to your needs and anticipate future requests for support. 

Peace, love, and rest to you, now and in the year to come.

- Evin, Art, Emily, Erica, Heather, Hilary, Sherri, and wren