September is a time for new beginnings. Summer is waning and fall is in the air. A very special ingathering service at RVUUF will be held on Sept. 11 at 10:25 a.m. This begins the Sunday morning routine when children join the Sunday service again through the Time for all Ages segment of the service.

Our annual Water Ceremony will be held and will include the children pouring their water into the common bowl before they go to their classes. Additionally, a very special moment in the service will include introducing a new chalice the Worship team acquired through a grant, plus a centering table beautifully crafted by John Serra and Morty Smith.

I will share the symbolism of the new chalice and will ask the children to light it from the chalice carried through town years ago after RVUUF acquired ownership of the building RVUUF has been gathering in for many years.

A picnic follows, planned by our Fellowship Fun Committee, and everyone is invited to join for lunch in the side yard. I hope you will plan to join in on all the fun and meaningful experience we can have together on Sunday morning.

If you missed my sermon on Aug. 28, please read it on the RVUUF website blog, found under the “Engage” tab. In an effort to clearly understand and live into our mission and vision this year I am planning to speak about each word of the mission, tying it to the vision, and giving you an opportunity to discuss in triads or groups of four what you think RVUUF’s mission means in your life and the life of the congregation.

What actions can come out of the mission that create meaning and deeper purpose for RVUUF’s existence in the Rogue Valley?

Future Sunday services will all include a sermon/homily, plus every other Sunday will include an opportunity for you to share with each other what you think. Make an extra effort to engage in the work by showing up and staying for the entire service on Sundays in September and October. I hope you’ll be glad you did.

Rev. Nan L. White
Developmental Minister, RVUUF