Religious Education Update: September 15, 2007

Water and Stones

Many Unitarian Universalist congregations will be celebrating Water and Stone Ingatherings today, to honor their communities’ reconnecting at the beginning of the church year. This is a happy day, to welcome back the travelers; to admire how our children and youth have grown; and to celebrate that we are together once again.

The water we have gathered seems so commonplace and ordinary sometimes, but it is miraculous stuff. It can appear as glaciers, waterfalls, snow, tiny creeks and vast oceans. When it falls through sunshine, it creates beautiful rainbows. It is the solvent in every one of our cells in which all the chemical reactions of life occur. It cradles our unborn until the moment of birth. Our bodies have more water than any other molecule, and our very lives depend on its constant replenishment.

We pour our bottles of this miraculous, life-sustaining liquid together to symbolize joining together in community. We also bring the spiritual gifts from our summer apart. Did you experience the awe of natural beauty this summer, the warmth of family and friends in conversation or play, or did you explore intellectually? Were you moved by a place you saw, or an unusual experience? Did you find your insights close to home? What part of your summer’s inspiration do you bring to this morning’s service?

Welcome home! We’re glad you’re here!

Marlene Abel
Director of Religious Education