Dear ,
May the blessings of new birth, fulfillment, and joy be yours this Christmas week. I know, I know. Still more services to lead. More preparations to finish. Miles to travel. Cookies to bake. May there be sparks of joy and love in each of the remaining moments of this season. And then may you rest.
Last night we shared a beautiful Longest Night service. It was so good, thanks to planning from Erin Robinson Hall, that I decided to make the effort last night and this morning to edit it into something shareable - our gift to you.
Maybe you can't turn it on to listen or watch for another week. But as you drive, walk, or bike, or sit quietly by your fireplace, I hope you will let the moments of this service give you a soft cushion of care for your own soul.
In God's silence there is room for everything you are holding.
Many thanks to Rev. Kyndall Rae Rothaus, Rev. Aurelia Dávila Pratt, Rev. Bruce
Reyes-Chow, and Rev. Dr. Erin Robinson Hall, Dr. Adam D.J. Brett, guitarists Larry Montgomery and David Wood, Alanah Sabatini, for
sharing Hymns Reclaimed, and nova sturrup, community organizer for the NYC Quakers, for facilitating a time of silence.
Note: The video is hosted at a private link. No personal information is shared from participants. Only what leaders shared is included. And I shortened each period of silence in the service, so feel free to press pause and give
yourself time to journal or pray as the gathering leaders guide you through a time of naming grief, expressing lament, and honoring loss. Each of these spiritual practices of naming and honoring are essential to help us live lives that also shine with hope and joy.
Warmly,
Eileen
