This past month, I was reminded of how interwoven our lives are in the Chequamegon Bay. Whether it is the care and wisdom of an elder; showing up wholeheartedly in one’s job, in community service or leadership; or avocations such as music and theater, we take care of one another. Our lives inevitably intersect in profound ways that are, perhaps, only possible in rural settings. The cycle is powerful, perhaps even numinous. For example, the CUUF Board sees stress points and provides problem-solving leadership and care, allowing me and others to adapt and innovate to connect with more people, which in turn allows us to care for those who are caring for others and for us. Sometimes there are flashes of insight and I had this over the last month. This… this… is the possibility of what Rev. Dr. King and others have called Beloved Community.
All of this requires deep connection, which is even more complicated than usual during the ongoing high rates of COVID in our area. As we move forward with planning an in-person holiday service, there is much care and consideration in how to do this to maximize connection and reduce risk. This means we are prioritizing connection over perfection and care over convenience. No one should feel obligated to come in person just because there is an in-person option. We see you, and we’ll do our best to create a livestreamed service that helps you “be in the room” from wherever you are. We hope that the outdoor spiral and outdoor fellowship after the service will provide some middle ground for low-risk connections.
If you or those around you have needs that are not being met, please reach out so we can begin working towards new possibilities. Some of these changes are slow and some are tricky but know there is an enveloping circle of care in this region. Let’s stay resilient, together.
In peace and care,
Stacy Craig