Tonight, we welcome the Beaver Moon, a full moon and a supermoon, shining brighter and larger than usual. This moon traditionally symbolizes preparation, as beavers gather and fortify before winter. It arrives just as we’ve shifted out of daylight-saving time into standard time, moving into shorter daylight hours. Nature is inviting us to slow down, to rest, and to reflect.
As the moon lights the night sky, let it remind us that even in seasons of darkness, light is always present. This is a time to gather what nourishes us spiritually and emotionally, and to release what no longer serves. Ask yourself: What do I want to carry forward? What is calling to be let go?
This beautifully echoes the message Rev. Barbara Kowaska shared on Sunday. She invited us to move from our thinking mind into our feeling nature—to take guidance from the heart center, often called the solar plexus or “gut,” rather than relying solely on intellect. She reminded us of our first principle: that God, Spirit, Source—whatever name you use for that which cannot be fully named—is everywhere present, beyond the limits of our understanding.
And because that Presence is everywhere, it includes us. We are more than these bodies, more than the physical self—we are Divine. Yet so often we forget to acknowledge this truth or to show up expressing our magnificence, our worthiness, our Divine Self.
So, as we enter this season of slowing down, we make space for reflection, listening, and feeling. Let the moon’s light and the rhythm of nature guide you. Release what weighs you down and embrace what calls you forward. In doing so, you open the way to live fully as your true, radiant self.
The Tuesday following our Annual Meeting, the Board met for our regular monthly meeting, and we elected officers for the coming year. Matt Purinton is our Board President, Betti Lu Lewis is Vice President, Janice Murphy is Treasurer. Dana Walker, who is Board Affiliate has taken the role of Secretary. Barbara Kowalska, Sue Vittner and Carolyn Sanford are Members-At-Large. Nancy Sawyer and Randy Sweeting are Board Alternates.
Please check out the bulletin board for the Thanksgiving Dinner side dish and pie sig up sheet. The signup sheet for set-up and clean-up for potlucks will be posted there as well.
Join me next week for the first of three talks on gratitude and generosity. The talk is titled, “The Overflowing Heart: Living from Gratitude.”
As we journey through this season together, let’s keep leaning into the sacred rhythm of community. Whether you’re with us in the sanctuary, tuning in from home, or simply holding space in your heart, please know this: You matter here.
Every smile, every prayer, every shared moment adds to the beautiful tapestry we’re weaving together. So, let’s keep showing up — with open hearts, clear intentions, and the joy of knowing we’re not walking this path alone. We’re growing, evolving, and creating something truly meaningful — side by side.
You are a blessing in my life,
Rev. Patricia Bessey
