As the trees grow more bare, I am mindful of the ways that shelter, that sanctuary, changes. In the summer, the leaves protect us from the heat and light of the sun. A shady and beautiful blessing, the leaves are sanctuary. In winter, however, with the leaves gone, what protects us from the cruel sun? Strangely, it is the cold, something we may also feel we need to be protected from.

This is the time of year when things become topsy-turvy, when the cold becomes a blessing, when the veil between worlds grows thin, when we set the clocks back and enter a new time. And it is time for the mid-term elections, at a point in our United States history when we are confronted with radical division and the need for essential engagement.

Last week was a busy one for me, as I prepared for Nancy Allan’s Celebration of Life and for Sunday service, and welcomed my spouse to Mankato for a short visit. The last thing that I wanted to do was add to my already packed schedule. But I did add something, and I am so glad that I did.

I spent last Thursday at a workshop training to become a facilitator for “It’s Time 2 Talk: Forums on Race.” I am proud to have met the other community members preparing themselves for this conversation, crucial for Greater Mankato and also for our country. I believe it is only through dialogue that we citizens can find our common humanity in the midst of racialized violence and structural oppression. Being part of this initiative is a way for me to do something about the tragic divisions in our country, a way to put my values into action.

This Fellowship has been an active and vital partner in the work of “It’s Time 2 Talk.” Some others among us are trained facilitators. Some have attended facilitated conversations. Some have gone in the past to the early December city-wide event. Some have contributed financially to a full table at this event. This year, the Forum will be held on Tuesday, December 4 from 11:00-2:00 at the Verizon Center Grand Hall. I hope to see some of you there.

And next Sunday at the Fellowship on November 11, we will humbly ask for our first Education and Justice Committee “Second Collection” of the year. This collection will go toward purchasing tables for the December 4 event. Please consider your values and give generously from your heart for this act to repair relationship and to mitigate injustice.

And don’t forget to vote by November 6! I will be voting my values—Where do I see the worth of all people represented? Where do I see the pursuit of truth recognized and encouraged? Where do I see democratic practice respected? Where do I see acknowledgement that we are part and particle of each other and of the good earth? We live in an imperfect world. And my votes are going to the candidates where these values, where my Unitarian Universalist values, are most visible.

Looking forward to seeing you soon, especially in church.
Blessings and best wishes, Rev. Rita