Unitarian Universalist Church at Washington Crossing

April brings a great deal more light and warmth. We love the sight of colorful flowers coming out of the ground and green leaves sprouting out of what have, until recently, looked like dead branches. The days are longer and we can feel the warmth of a new growing season coming on. After an unusually strange winter in this and many parts of the world, we are receiving a taste of spring as I write these words in March.

We already received a taste of something else in March that is as unsure and as variable as the weather. What I am talking about is the conversations about budgets in Trenton and Harrisburg, in our local towns and cities, among school boards, and even among
congregations and other not-for-profit organizations. depending on the person’s perspective and what is being discussed, the situation can often look either quite dreadful or filled with new possibilities and promises of hope.

Because our congregation is near Trenton, there is probably a disproportionately high share of members in our congregation whose
livelihoods are connected either directly or tangentially to the new Jersey state budget. It is important for us to realize the stress this is causing for so many people within our congregation, as well as in our neighborhood, among our friends, and maybe within our
homes itself.

Let us work to bring greater light, warmth, and hope to the days ahead. As John Murray, viewed as the founder of American Universalism, said in the 1700s: “You may possess a small light, but uncover it, let it shine, use it in order to bring more light and understanding to the hearts and minds of men and women. Give them not hell, but hope and courage; preach the kindness and everlasting love of God.”

Now is the time to bring more light and understanding into our own hearts and to the hearts and minds of those with whom we live,
meet, work, and worship. What each one of us needs is not fear, but hope and kindness. In the month ahead, be especially alert to
moments when you can do just that.

P.S.: If you are unemployed or underemployed and interested in being part of a UUCWC small Group Ministry group, e-mail me at uuminchas@verizon.net and we can see if enough people would like to get together. Also, a member of our congregation is willing to help students, friends, and family with resume writing, cover letters, and interview prep. If you are interested, let me know and I will pass your name on to this person.