Finding New Spirit and Inspiration...

Happy Spring, Evergreen,

This is my favorite time of year as I know it is for most -- the days gently warming and lengthening as gardens everywhere sprout blossoms and color.

But this spring has a special brightness to it, too. In these changing days we're finding new spirit and inspiration with our new Music Director, Diane Figaro. In just five weeks--and as a professional who's new to UU--we are all welcoming her music collaborations. Diane's genuine passion for choruses and ensembles is infusing our worship services with an energy that feels like a refreshing jazz set. We're so happy to collaborate with her as she weaves fresh melodies into our congregational life. Welcome Diane!

One thing that strikes me as I recount some highlights since my last letter to you all is that it's not just the flowers that are blossoming this spring-- it's Evergreen, too. As Easter and Earth Day approach in this our second year at the Gipson Center, we are hitting a new stride as a fellowship. We are rising and shining in our Everett home as we simultaneously navigate changes in our nation. I find comfort and assurance reminding myself of our heritage as congregationalist Protestants. Our Unitarian and Universalist faith traditions played a central role in dreaming the theological principles of a people-powered democracy into reality 300 years ago. I do hope you're able to find pride and assurance in that truth, too. Our principles and spirit remain a source of resilience for all souls in these times-- dreamed into reality by the people, for the people.

Speaking of dreaming, I do hope you were able to join us in late January for our very first Sunday BrUUnch. It was our first turn as a congregation to facilitate a collective act of dreaming about our next long-term congregational home, whatever it may be. After our imaginative morning of sketching, writing and sharing our dreams, I brought home the "Panel of

Dreams" we'd created and personally transcribed every Post-it note, every sketch, every doodle you all contributed to it. In reading through them all, I've been positively inspired by your genuine outpouring of desires and insights. Our collectively scribbled thoughts reveal surprisingly astute revelations and inspiration. They positively boost my spirit. So I encourage you, friends, to reward yourself with a similar boost. You can read the living document of our collaborative dreaming here. Bear in mind this is only the first of several visioning sessions all of us on the Board intend to facilitate in the coming year.

With blossoming being experienced all around us this spring, our commitment to social justice service continues to be a steady rhythm bringing us together. Our Social Justice Committee is blooming with more opportunities for families of all ages and stages to engage everyone's learning and practice. I'm looking forward to our next Sunday of Service coming up on March 30-- we'll learn from and contribute to PFLAG and the Gender Spectrum project. They provide learning and support networks that are becoming truly vital for families who need LGBTQ+ allyship now.

There's more transformation to be found, too, in the ways we're generating support for new families in our midst. RE is like another layer of harmony for our jazzy spring melody this year. Our religious exploration cohort is growing colorfully with JW's guidance. With collaborative dedication and sensitivity, Evergreen is blossoming again as a safe faith space for parents and children alike. I'm particularly looking forward to JW's and Bo's Mystery Buddies program which is already connecting the wisdom of long-time members with the enthusiasm and dreams of our youth. I hope you'll pull JW aside during one of these spring Sundays to learn more.

As we emerge from winter's soul-searchings to welcome the showery spring of this church year, I hope you'll drop by and experience some Evergreen blooming for yourself. Leave solitude behind for awhile and drop by one of our Sunday services. Or visit one of the new covenant groups that are forming now if you like, and strike up a few new supportive

friendships on your faith journey. This spring feels filled with promise, friends, and that is a precious commodity in these times.

Come thrive with us!

Warmly,

Rev. Joe