I am following up on what I wrote to all of you yesterday about how to deal with all the “cultural trauma and upset” we are all experiencing in America today. In this time of so much threat, conflict and turmoil, we all need to regularly find ways to center our souls and find reassurance and calm…and focus on the larger picture (and reality) of life’s enduring beauty and grace.
This morning, I read a very helpful piece by political columnist Dana Milbank – in today’s Washington Post – about how to connect with life’s beauty and grace by mindfully tuning one’s senses to the abiding awe of nature. Here is the link to that wonderfully calming and reflective piece, which has exquisite nature photographs from the simple hay fields of his Virginia farm.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-environment/2025/09/12/touch-grass-nature-humanity/
In any case, I want you all to know that – as your minister -- I am keenly aware of the necessity of Unitarian Church North to be a place not only of cultural/moral/political engagement (with the pressing and harrowing issues of our time) but also a place where we can simply return (week after week) to be reassured about (and restored by) the essential beauty and goodness of life…and of persons. As your minister, I hope to walk this delicate balancing act with you in the weeks and months to come. And as we walk down this path together, please let me hear directly from you about how UCN and I can address your spiritual, social and moral needs in this complicated time.
Yours in Faith,
Rev. Scott
