Dear Ones,

This past Monday, most of us took time out to see the solar eclipse. I was one of those fortunate enough to be able to see it in totality. The interdependence between all things really struck me as the sun grew darker. The activity of the birds nearby seemed to grow a bit frantic, probably because they were looking for a place to roost. It noticeably and quickly grew colder. Sunset colors filled the whole sky and not just the horizon. And as the moon moved away from the sun, things went back to what was normal for a sunny afternoon. At some level, I always knew about the relationship of the sun to living things and to our physical environment, but it was interesting to see the impact of the sun in such sharp relief. The Turkish playwright Mehmet Mural İldan said, “Seeing the obvious is often harder than seeing the hidden.” That is so true. I feel called to take more time out to recognize the many obvious but unseen connections between myself and others.

I am really looking forward to the cluster gathering later this month. It will be good to spend time with Unitarian Universalists from the other congregations. The ministers and religious educators in the Tidewater cluster gather every month. And in some months, we gather with those who are in the Blue Ridge cluster to form the larger Joseph Jordan Cluster of Unitarian Universalist Religious Professionals. It is an important time for all of us. This not only gives us the opportunity to foster professional connections, but we also help, teach and worship with one another. I am so glad that all of us, staff and congregants, will have an opportunity to do this together on April 20th.

This month, we will be giving away 50% of what we receive in our Sunday offering plate to the Judeo-Christian Outreach Center. You can find out more about them here: https://jcoc.org/.

I will always remember the beauty of the eclipse. But I was glad for the warmth of the returning sun. And so, I close this week with “Here Comes the Sun” by The Beatles.

In peace and love,

Rev. Viola

Rev. Viola Abbitt  (She/Her/Hers)
Minister
Coastal Virginia Unitarian Universalists
809 South Military Highway
Virginia Beach, VA 23464

Office: 1-757-627-5371x3Mobile: 1-757-354-4541
My Sabbath is on Fridays.
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