This month, we enter the Soul Matters theme of “Journey,” and it is a focus that invites us to explore spiritual journeys, material journeys, and even inward journeys leading to greater self-awareness. Journey is a rich topic, inviting both self-reflection and the creation of relationship, as we seek to understand and communicate about ourselves, and as we seek to understand and connect through similarities or by contrasts to those in our lives.

When first meeting a new person, it is quite common to ask and to be asked: “Where do you come from?” Such a question speaks to our roots and our families of origin. Such a question implies that where we come from is important to our own identities and to how we are perceived by others. Imagine instead to ask and be asked: “Where are you going?” What a leap into imagination and the possibility of faith and change! What a different frame for self-awareness (Am I stuck? Cautiously comfortable? Ripe for the new? Afraid of the future?)!

As we explore this spiritual theme of journey, I invite all of you to consider not only where you come from but where you see yourselves, our Fellowship, and our nation going. I invite you to wander a bit in the questions, exploring your journey from whither and yon to here and now and beyond. I invite you into a spirit of curiosity about yourselves and others. As J.R.R. Tolkien famously wrote, “Not all those who wander are lost.” Have a look, backward and forward, and see what you see ahead.

With hope and faith, I look forward to seeing you soon, especially at the Fellowship.

Blessings, Rev. Rita