by Rev. Bill Gupton

One recent weekend at Heritage Church beautifully summed up what, for me, this beloved community is all about. On Saturday afternoon, two hundred souls filled the sanctuary, the lobby, and the Great Hall to honor and remember the late Connie Booth. The following morning, well over a hundred folks returned to the church for a very special Sunday worship service. In the course of about 22 hours, there were – by my estimation – well over a thousand hugs exchanged, not to mention countless tears shed, equally countless smiles offered, and ultimately priceless connections forged and strengthened.

I believe Heritage is exactly the type of intentional, multi-generational community people need in our fractured, chaotic world. Consider more of the things that took place, in our sacred space, in just one weekend:

We celebrated an individual life, well-lived, while acknowledging the profound pain and heartbreak of our loss. We lifted our voices in shared song – sometimes, through tears – in memory of the dearly departed. We invited children to take part in our rituals and our open, honest approach to death. We held one another. We shared laughter and memories. We broke bread together. We allowed ourselves to be deeply moved by beautiful music. We welcomed many folks from outside our church community with open arms and open hearts. We expressed our gratitude for human connection, and divine interconnection.

And that was just on Saturday.

The next day, we dedicated ourselves and our community to the nurture and care of a new baby in our midst. We honored the turning of the wheel of the year, and gave thanks for the approaching spring. We appreciated the gifts of singers and musicians. Our hearts were touched by a powerful story of invisible, eternal connection. Our hands were touched and our spirits were healed by holy water (gathered from all over the world, by us). Each of us was told, unequivocally and with conviction, “You are loved.” There is no more important message for anyone to hear. And friends, what a blessing it is, that the religious community we share is a place to hear it.

Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for the privilege of serving this church. May Love always be, the spirit that animates our congregation.

Namaste,
Rev. Bill

(My Tribute to Connie Booth)

by Jaime Castle

From an email dated April 15, 2017 at 11:32 AM:

Following up on Rev Leslie’s story a few weeks ago, and preparing for tomorrow’s service, I have to say the loaves and fishes WORK! (or should it be works?)

I agreed to Bill’s request to provide daffodils, since the service will include our congregation’s very own daffodil / Easter story. Well, my daffodils tend to be on the early side of the season, and apparently so do most others’ gardens.

SO, I sent out the request just the same, and what came back was….most are gone, but you are welcome to what’s there.

Also, several of you are away, but gave me permission to ‘go pick’ anyway. I have a very full bucket of probably a dozen or more varieties!

Five from one garden, six from another, and so it went.

And tomorrow morning while choir is rehearsing, I will be in heaven while I play with flowers from your gardens and your generous hearts.

Thanks folks!

Connie

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The above passage was the last email message that I received from Connie. I tend to forage for reminders of people: voice messages, text messages, or emails from them when they pass and when I’m missing them. When my beloved Aunt passed in 2012, I listened to a voicemail message from her over and over until my newer edition phone came along and it was lost. I wanted to engrain her voice to my memory. There is so much that will keep Connie in my memory.

My first memories of Connie go way back to when she led a Sunday service that was also a singing circle. She held rehearsals on Thursdays before choir met, just for an hour, weeks ahead of that service. I couldn’t join the choir at the time as my schedule with young Lucy at home made it hard. This was a perfect way for me to get out and sing. Connie was so welcoming and nurturing. We sang: “Lord prepare me, to be a sanctuary, pure and holy, tried and true” and “Doors opening, doors closing,” and also one that ended with “Be here now.” Showing up and being a part of this service did open doors for me at Heritage and I felt like it was after joining in on this that I started making connections. Music was a strong connector for Connie and me. I remember the night of the Italian themed fundraising party at the Lyons’ house that a bunch of us were hanging out singing bluegrass and folk songs together late into the night after most guests had left. Connie was there belting along and could have kept on going, but poor Bill finally, nicely, kicked us all out. Lol!

Another thing that connected Connie and I was sewing and she would tell me about things that she had made. She would show great interest in the projects that I took on. She would come to me if there was a fix that she couldn’t quite figure out on a garment needing mending. During one of my visits to her this fall, she had her wedding dress out. She told me about how her grandmother and her had made it. She had hand sewn on the lace appliques and was so proud of it. It was beautiful and elegant. She asked me to take it with me. She had asked me years ago if I had wanted it. I had used wedding dresses before to convert them into Flower Girl, Baptism, or First Communion dresses. She had heard of wedding dresses being made into Angel Gowns – beautiful handmade burial dresses and garments as gifts to the grieving families of babies that tragically die soon after birth. I had forgotten that she had asked me about it before and this time it seemed very heavy to take it from her after hearing her story and memories of it. It is in safe keeping for now. I do not have the strength to cut into it yet.

The emails I have from her all have to do with the gardening team that she guided. I have a good-sized yard and wanted to learn more about plants so Lucy and I would help along when we could. Connie walked me all around the grounds at Heritage teaching me about the flowers and plants that she planted. The giant Azalea bush in the front by our sign when in full bloom is my favorite! She would dig up perennials for me that there were enough of and tell me to go plant them at home. I learned a lot from her and now I have herb gardens, a vegetable garden, and flower gardens. I love to garden so much and I know that my space is only going to get better as I tend to it. I would have loved to show it to her.

Rev. Leslie’s version of the loaves and fishes goes something like this: Maybe Jesus didn’t miraculously create enough bread and fish for all the people that came to hear him that day. Maybe people combined their resources and took care of each other and that is why there was enough for everyone. Even the latter explanation is a miracle in its own way—humanity showing itself as innately good.

Our hearts still are hurting and our buckets are empty right now. Like the early daffodils, Connie is gone in body. But we have our memories of her and her presence is all around us. We need to help each other out, combine our resources, and slowly fill back up our buckets. Five from one garden, six from another, and so it goes.

She is in heaven. She is playing with the flowers that she has collected from our gardens – our generous hearts.

You’re Welcome Connie! And thank you for your generous heart!

by Rev. Leslie Woodward

It feels good to be back! I loved seeing all of your wonderful faces, once the weather let up long enough to actually experience my homecoming! Thank you for all the hugs, the smiles, the warm greetings, cards and the beautiful orchid!

Huge thanks to the incredible RE Sabbatical Team that not only ran the religious education programming but also ensured that all our children and youth were safe and loved. Please be sure to add your personal thanks to Jaime Castle, Feriel Feldman, Ellie & Bob Lamb, Ann Roberts and Steph Tacy.

As you might expect, returning means leaping straight back into the work of our religious education program. Between the weather and my sabbatical, we are seriously behind in recruiting teachers for the coming religious education term. Do you have a heart for our wonderful HUUC children and youth? Sign up to teach (link below) or talk to me about other ways to help. Our next term begins on February 10th.

Signup for All RE Teachers, Winter/Spring 2019

As many of you have come to realize, our current model of recruiting teachers to teach RE classes has become unsustainable. Plus, evidence shows that other ways of engaging and including children/youth in congregations are more effective in raising radically loving, justice seeking Unitarian Universalists.

Exploring these other ways will take time and much discussion before we can make any big changes. (You’ll notice some small changes coming soon.) While we explore and experiment, we plan to keep our current model until summer so we NEED you to sign up and take a turn at teaching.

Winter/Spring is going to be wonderful at Heritage. Won’t you join us?

Faithfully,
Rev. Leslie

P.S. Many of the wonderful people who kept RE going while I was on sabbatical need a break. Let’s show our gratitude by stepping up. You won’t regret it!

February 2019.

by Rev. Bill Gupton

Is there something in particular you’d like me to reflect on in 2019? A sermon topic that you want me to delve into? I’m open to suggestions – so consider this a request for worship service themes and ideas. Just drop me an email with your idea, and I’ll do my best to work it in during the coming months. (Of course, the only way to guarantee your idea will be used is to be the winning bidder at our annual spring auction; mark your calendar now for the Intergalactic Gala on Saturday evening, April 27.) You can email me at:

Though it’s still plenty cold outside, your church leaders are busy planning for a spring to remember at Heritage Church. In addition to the aforementioned science-fiction themed auction (which I am really looking forward to!), we’ll be having our Get Acquainted Dinner for newcomers to the church (Saturday, March 16), a Rainbow Coloring Party (did you know that coloring books for adults are a thing?), the annual Clara Barton Guild Book Sale, and of course our annual stewardship drive leading up to our congregational meeting. All this in addition to regular monthly offerings like singing circles, book clubs, Chalice Circles and Spirit in Life groups, potluck lunches and movie nights.

I want to take this opportunity to once more thank the tremendous Religious Education Sabbatical Team for their six-month stint of service keeping our children’s and youth programming running smoothly during the recent sabbatical of Rev. Leslie Woodward. Leslie is back with us now (yay!!), after returning to a happy, healthy R.E. program thanks in large part to the following volunteers, who comprised the Sabbatical Team: Jaime Castle, Feriel Feldman, Bob Lamb, Ellie Lamb, Ann Roberts and Steph Tacy. Thank you, one and all!

Finally this month, if you are not yet a member of Heritage Church, but think you’d like to join this remarkable community as an official member, please let me know. Our next new member Sunday is April 7.

Stay safe and warm!

Namaste,
Rev. Bill

February 2019.

by Jaime Castle

It’s amazing to me to think that we are already at the half-way point of the church’s fiscal year. The past months seemed to have flown by. I’d like to hit a pause button and catch my breath. Let’s all hit that metaphorical pause button together. Inhale. Exhale. Good!

In this space of pausing and contemplation, I want you to know that even though the ground is frozen outside, there are still seeds being sown. It is a good time of year to plant our seeds – what do we want to grow this year? What do we want to hold in our hands come September? If we plan now, the year can be fruitful in so many ways.

In my life, there are many improvements that I’ll be making this year regarding my home. I am sowing the seeds that will bloom into sacred spaces – inside and outside. I give much of myself to many worthy causes, so to not wear myself out, I’m planting seeds now that are quick sprouting. They will bloom bright and cheerful and tell me to remember to practice self-care. As I pinch off each fading blossom, more will bud in its place reminding me that my little ones will not be little for long so I better take the time to be with them and enjoy them.

Seeds are being started for you all now too! There are many things in the works that will be taking place here at Heritage Church in the coming months. I would like to share with you all what is planned so far and perhaps you will want to don your own trusty garden gloves, or bring along your polished tools? You can jump in and help with these events or perhaps you’ve got seeds of your own you’d like to sow – a fun event you want to organize or a service project like a blood drive?

Getting right to it – the second half of the church year brings us to our main fundraising event – the Spring Auction. Last year this event, named The Gala of Benevolent Deities, was a big party of mythological proportions. We dined to live harp music and feasted on delicious Greek fare while attired in regal togas. There was a theater production and athletic trials, storytelling, fortune telling, and crafts. At the end of the evening, the theme for the next auction was revealed. And today, a small but mighty team (Joelle Tunning, Ellie Lamb, Shannon Murley, and myself) met to get this year’s event started. The theme that won was Sci-Fi and the auction this year will be on the evening of Saturday April 27th! So, save the date for: The Intergalactic Gala! I can surely promise you that this year’s party will be out of this world!

Another fundraiser that will be planned for May, will be the Heritage Plant Sale. Many people last year took advantage of preordering flats of plants, hanging baskets, herbs, perennials, and vegetables. Additional inventory of plants was available to buy for those who did not preorder as well. Sadly, our drive-by plant stand (hoping to bring in neighborhood folks) last year suffered from being held on a cold, unrelentingly rainy day. But it was all still a success and we will be bringing it back this spring.

The auction service Everything But The House worked with us at the end of the last fiscal year and the proceeds ended up counting as a part of this current year. It was a learning process but was very worthwhile. Many folks stepped up and donated items, some with strong sentimental value, some just things that were cleaned out of the home. The major advantage of this fundraiser was that it brought in money from sources outside of our pockets. Barbara Rohrer is ready to help take on the next round of EBTH fundraiser when the time comes -perhaps this summer? We are evaluating the timing currently.

So, let me know if you would like to help in any way. Do plan to start seeds of your own in your life as well? What will our harvest look like? What will be our bounty? Prepare your soil, lovingly add in your seeds. Tend to and nurture your objectives and weed out any obstacle or worry. This year we face a garden of beautiful possibilities!

Ok. Are you ready? Great! Unpause! Go!

Jaime

February 2019.

by Jaime Castle

I’m writing this at the end of December right before the holidays. It’s a time for joy and celebration when boughs of holly and glittering lights adorn our homes. But it is also a time of year that can easily stress one out as well. We have “To Do” lists miles long and the days are flying by, and will it all get done in time? Well, I’m no different and I still need to check off all my boxes on my list. So, this month I can only give you a short little written contribution. I call it my Ode to an Orange – it’s a magical spell – a way for you to pause time – a Zen meditation – a destressing ritual.

Firstly, have you ever wondered what came first: the name for the color orange or the orange citrus fruit? Why do we not call “yellow” “lemon?” Have you ever considered how ridiculously lucky you are to be living in modern times? One of the reasons you are so lucky is that you can go to a grocery store nearby and there you will find all sorts of fresh fruits and vegetables. Consider the lowly peasant hundreds and hundreds of years ago in England and how their minds would have been blown to have in their grubby worn out hands a single, bright, glorious orange!

The history of the orange goes back to ancient times in Asia and it’s spread across the world was relatively slow. There are many, many, many different kinds of oranges too. For our ritual, I prefer a jumbo navel orange, but a clementine or mandarin (although not technically oranges) will work too. Fun facts: The navel is named thus due to its human belly button looking bloom end and was a genetic mutation kept in existence due to humans agreeing that it was special. It is a seedless fruit so in order to keep it around, one must graft its budding branches onto other citrus trees!

So, for this ritual, you will need your chosen citrus and you will need solitude. There are some other optional ingredients that I like to have and I like to practice this magic on a bright morning. I like to have a cup of dark coffee (no sugar or cream) and some music playing. My music choices vary but always are something that is grounding. Like, you want to sit and take it in. But maybe silence or birds outside do that for you? Ok, now back to our orange.

Hold the orange in both hands, let it rest in your palms. Feel its weight and its bumpy shiny skin. Now – with both hands still around it, bring it up to you and SMELL IT! (I know right? So good!) Breathe it in deeply a few times.

Now this next step you can customize as well. You can have a knife to open your fruit, or you can use your bare hands. But now, open it up, expose its sweet golden bulbs of juicy splendor! If you have a navel orange, you’ll probably need the knife and a cutting board as its skin is thicker, but a clementine you can peal up bare handed. At this point, I like to put a slice of the peel in my coffee – the oil just infuses it so nicely. Seriously – it’s so heavenly.
I’ll not tell you exactly how to eat it, but I like to only eat up the pulp parts. The key is to take your time and REALLY savor it. Think on just completely being in the moment. In the end, you will have a stinky mess. But let the cleaning of your hands be a washing away of the goo of life too. There is so much goodness that comes with your delicious sweet orange. Let it become a part of you and let in renew and invigorate you – because we’ve got a lot of good to do in this world of ours and you’re gonna need to take good care of yourself to get it all done!

Go ahead and check off another box on your list; the one that says: take some time to relax, ground, and reenergize yourself! Happy Holidays and Happy New Year All! Take Care!

Jaime Castle

January 2019.

by Rev. Bill Gupton

Happy New Year!

For many of us, 2018 was a difficult, challenging year. I know there are those who are glad to see it fade into the history books. My wish is that 2019 will be a much better year for those of you who feel that way. And for those who had a wonderful 2018 – well, may your new year be even better!

Here are a few things I am looking forward to in 2019:

• Traveling to New Zealand with Jennifer to visit our son Patrick!
• The return of Rev. Leslie Woodward to our church community at the end of her sabbatical.
• New folks coming into the church. It is always one of the great joys of my ministry when people discover Heritage Church, Unitarian Universalism, and a new church home.
• The beginning of the next presidential campaign (I know; I’m weird!).
• Our son’s return from his year in New Zealand.
• Cleaning up my church office. (I can dream, right? But it has gotten quite cluttered…)
• The opening of Heritage Acres Memorial Sanctuary. (We are confident this might even happen in the next few months – stay tuned for more news, including a capital fund drive to make it possible.)
• Several neat conferences and professional gatherings that are on the horizon in my world.
• The return of blue skies and warmer weather!
• March Madness (my alma mater is actually a contender this year).
• The return of blue skies and warmer weather!

Of course, the new year will bring sadness and sorrow as well. “Joy and woe are woven fine,” said Blake. And that is why I believe communities such as Heritage are so important. In the year ahead, let us hold one another, share the Love that is the spirit of this church, and welcome others into the fold – just as we have done now for – can you believe it? – 192 years now!

Happy New Year!

Namaste,
Rev. Bill

January marks the end of the Sabbatical Team’s task, to hold down the fort until Rev. Leslie’s return! Join us on January 13th as we welcome back Reverend Leslie from her sabbatical. It seems just like yesterday that we were trying to figure out how we would manage. We finished off the summer RE program of “Building community” and then set out to recruit teachers for the fall term. We had a Halloween party and a Pajama Day and a Holiday Party. We’ve been in the classrooms and had a wonderful group of Guardian Angel rovers each Sunday checking on the teachers and playing “Leslie.” Our junior and senior youth leaders have taken on production of a theater show. Our Pop-Up Christmas Pageant was another hit and now we are planning another all age activity for the kids to do for the final Sunday of 2018.

It definitely took a team to pull all of this all – and that extends beyond just us folks to those who helped teach and lent us a helping hand along the way! We are very happy to welcome back Rev. Leslie this month! Won’t you join us? 😉

Jaime Castle
Feriel Feldman
Ellie Lamb
Robert Lamb
Ann Roberts
Steph Tacy

January 2019.