January 1, 2011

Dear Members and Friends,

Some of you have shown some concern over my having a 1949 Ford in my living room. Frank gave a partial explanation to Harvey after church. The Ford through the alchemy of art is now an award-winning sculpture of theological meaning. The artist was only seventeen at the time of the creation, having never studied religion. It is an illustration of the mystery of artistic creation. Heartha can tell us more about that. To be an artist means to be in touch with the spirit world.

I think the bleakness and emptiness of our culture points to a sickness unto death of the soul. Where does this sickness unto death come from? It comes from our competitiveness, our violence, our enviousness, and our being besotted with things and yet more things. And yet we are not happy though surrounded with all the goodies money can buy. What we have forgotten in our scramble to become rich is the basic fact that the purpose of life is connection to others, to nature, and to ourselves.

Now at holiday time it is time to celebrate connection; to family, to tradition, to others. No matter how different in culture and tradition, we are all connected in the dance of life no matter how we try to deny it. Original goodness is working in every one of us just seeking its way into our common life.

We are moved with compassion when we see the hunger, the disasters of wars, and the scourge of the homeless. As religious people we know that these are our brothers and sisters whose claims we cannot deny.

As we move through the dark days of winter’s cold, may the memory of parties, celebrations, and waves of great music keep us warm and help us to listen to the still small voice which whispers and then shouts YES to life, full of mysteries of art and love. As religious liberals we stand on the solid rock of love which liberates and transforms.

May we dance in the new year with all its promise and possibilities of learning the art of living. “Adorn your soul with gladness” and light up the world!

Frank joins me in wishing you happiness and adventures in the spirit.

Love,