September, 2024
by Rev. Bill Gupton
Fall is my favorite time of the year. Over the next couple of months, the air will grow crisper, the leaves of the trees will become a vibrant variety of brilliant colors, my two favorite sports (football and hockey) will begin, and – yes – the energy at church will change as well, with more folks returning to the fold, more activities and events taking place, and more excitement (dare I say “hope”?) in the air. Perhaps you have already noticed some of these subtle changes. More are forthcoming.
Don’t miss our annual ingathering on Sunday, September 8, 2024! It’s a time for everyone, from our youngest to our oldest, to rejoin in community after a long, hot summer. Bring some water that you have collected from a location that has special significance for you, for our traditional Water Ceremony. We will blend our waters together to reflect the merging and melding that creates the unique and diverse community we call Heritage.
Also upcoming this month is the return of our fabulous Fall Fest – an evening of fun for all ages that includes our fundraising auction, games and bouncy houses, and haunted trail walks for the young and young at heart – a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere of community and enjoyment. The Fall Fest is an excellent event to bring your friends, neighbors, and family to. Everyone is welcome.
Similarly, thanks to the creativity and effort of some of our remarkable volunteers, we will be offering to the community a series of events we are calling Sanctuary for the Senses. A gift of love from Heritage to our neighbors (though you are welcome to come too!), these evenings will be a chance for folks to rest, rejuvenate, recharge, and take a break from the “noise” in our culture that is gearing up this fall. We’ll be offering yoga, meditation, sound baths, and more.
Our program for children and youth (commonly referred to as “R.E.,” for “Religious Education”) resumes in September as well. Director of Lifespan Faith Development Laci Adams has exciting plans for our young people this fall (and beyond), so bring the kids to church – check out the changes in the classrooms! – and let’s continue to build the best intergenerational community we can . . . one that is inclusive and welcoming to all.
And speaking of inclusive and welcoming – I look forward to heartfelt talks with as many of you as possible over the fall months. See you at HUUC!