How is it with your spirit? As the incredible beauty of a Western North Carolina spring blooms around us and Easter approaches, it is a powerful spiritual tonic to look to the re-awakening world, bursting in beauty around us, and remember that there are hopeful signs everywhere. Mass protests growing. A vegan-strong Black Senator breaking the evil record of an anti-civil rights filibuster. Wisconsinites making it clear their judiciary cannot be bought. The strength of “voluntourism” in Asheville, as our congregation hosts multiple sets of volunteers from around the country. And our own congregation, filled to the rafters each Sunday with people of all ages, singing joyfully and leaning into the work of creating a better world, and a safe community for all our beloveds.
Even as we face the significant challenges of the world and our own budget strains, we are seeing signs of growth everywhere. In March, our new member class had 34 people! A majority of them signed the book – and our New Member Sunday, along with a family/child dedication and our bridging ceremony for our youth – is coming up in May. You don’t have to look far to be nurtured by the beauty of the world and the hope that a healthy, thriving community can bring.
Even though it’s crowded, keep coming, week after week. Help us build and grow. We need each other and places like UU Asheville now more than ever. And love is waiting for you, right here.
See you in church –
With love,
Rev. Audette