Dear People’s People,
In early January, People’s people submitted questions to me as part of the service. There were more good questions than I could answer that day. Here’s a few more. Some of your questions have inspired upcoming services as well.

I’ve read recently about the benefits of some emotions we think of as bad or negative – like anxiety helping us to be safe. What other “benefits” may there be with anger etc.? Emotions are a signal, often wisdom coming from some non-rational part of us. Anger can be a reaction to unfairness and injustice. It might give us the energy we need to take action. (There is a lot of great feminist and womanist thinking along these lines.) In this moment, it is so important feel our strong emotions, even the negative ones, notice what might be causing them, find ways to manage them, and take action. Since the inauguration, I, like many of us, have been feeling angry, over-whelmed, scared, and sad. I have been making an effort to move my body to move through the in-tensity of the emotion (walks, dancing, stretching, and a stationary bike do this for me) and then do something that helps, even a little. Watch upcoming church communications for more ways to take action together in support of our values.

How does mysticism fit into Unitarian Universalism?
As Unitarian Universalists, we value use many sources to find the truth – including science, religion and wisdom traditions, reason, art and literature, and personal experience. Mysticism and mystical experiences can be among these sources. In our recent church survey, we defined a mystic faith as one that ‘knows about the natural world but also knows that there is a presence, force or power which is within, or beyond, or unifies all things. The role of science is inadequate to explain all.’ Just over half of the People’s people who answered this question said that mysticism aligns with their belief system. Almost every religious tradition has a mystical tradition within it. Our UU mystics are in good company within and beyond Unitarian Universalism.

What’s your greatest joy in being a minister?
I love the moments when I can witness us show up to bring help, hope, and healing in people’s lives on behalf of our community. This takes many forms, including supporting people through grief and in planning memorial services for their beloved dead, spending money from the minister’s discretionary fund to keep people in housing or pay necessary bills, creating and services that bring joy and help us all deal with life a little better. There are stories that are not mine to tell about how we show up for each other. It is holy and precious to witness.

And a final question that I want to make sure everyone sees:
What are there so many cool people here at People’s Church?

If you submitted a question that wasn’t answered that you’d like to talk about – or if a new question has arisen for you – please reach out. I’d love to talk with you.
See you soon,
Rev. Rachel