[UUCP] Let's Stay in Community

[revpauld444 at gmail.com]

Hi, everyone,

By now you're aware that services at UUCP have been cancelled at least
through March because of the severity of the Coronavirus pandemic.

I agree with this decision. Of course, we will all miss each other until
this crisis is abated, but for now please, take care of yourselves and your
families. Follow the guidelines about handwashing, using hand sanitizers,
and staying indoors unless it's absolutely necessary to go out. And if you
feel ill, please call your doctor or local emergency room BEFORE you go and
follow the protocols they give you about going. 

Also, let's use this time to call each other to check in and just chat. My
cell number is 551-427-2648. Lisa's is 551-427-2611. Please feel free to
call anytime especially if it's an emergency. 

Finally, I've included a poem following this message that a seminary
colleague shared on Facebook that, I think, offers a great perspective on
how to get through this trying time. Please read it and meditate its
message.

Again, take care of yourselves and your families.

Remember the words of St. Julian of Norwich: 

"All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of thing shall be
well."

Keep faith in each other and in the dignity and inherent worth of all human
beings.

And keep your sense of humor!

With great love for you all,

Paul and Lisa

Now, here's the poem:


Pandemic


What if you thought of it

as the Jews consider the Sabbath-

the most sacred of times?

Cease from travel.

Cease from buying and selling.

Give up, just for now,

on trying to make the world

different than it is.

Sing. Pray. Touch only those

to whom you commit your life.

Center down.

And when your body has become still,

reach out with your heart.

Know that we are connected

in ways that are terrifying and beautiful.

(You could hardly deny it now.)

Know that our lives

are in one another's hands.

(Surely, that has come clear.)

Do not reach out your hands.

Reach out your heart.

Reach out your words.

Reach out all the tendrils

of compassion that move, invisibly,

where we cannot touch.

Promise this world your love--

for better or for worse,

in sickness and in health,

so long as we all shall live.

~~Lynn Ungar 3/11/20

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