“The Autumn Equinox is a time of conscious
selfhood, a time when we celebrate the building and strengthening of our inner
life. In many cultures, the autumn time marks the beginning of a new year. The
forces of nature are transiting with the autumnal equinox, as the relationship
of light and darkness changes in the world around us.” ~ Karen Rivers
Dear CUCC Community,
As the natural world continues its journey
towards wholeness at the center of God’s peace when all things will be made
new, we must listen to the inner landscape of our souls and begin our
pilgrimages. The birds of the air and
the creatures that crawl and climb this Earth are starting their preparation
for a long winter, even now. We, too, as creatures of the kin-dom, must seek
the wisdom of Spirit with and within ourselves and one another, to prepare for
the next season of life’s journey.
Just as the leaves gently fall to the
ground, and the sun sets under an early moon, this new rhythm invites us into
an ancient story. Our bones, and skin, our bodies and everyday routines feel
the abruptness of the fading sunlight, and the drafty air, but the deep-knowing
of our souls finds solace in the order of time’s passing.
May we join God’s creatures, from the
greatest to the least, in this ancient pilgrimage into the heart of our faith,
one practice, one prayer, one page at a time, remembering…
“To every thing there is a season
and a time to every purpose under the
heaven:
A time to be born, a time to die;
a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that
which is planted;
A time to kill, and a time to heal;
a time to break down, and a time to build
up;
A time to weep, and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
A time to cast away stones, and a time to
gather stones together;
a time to embrace, and a time to refrain
from embracing;
A time to get, and a time to lose;
a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
A time to rend, and a time to sew;
a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
A time to love, and a time to hate;
A time of war, and a time of peace.”
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8