Northern Light

The North Unitarian Universalist Congregation Newsletter

April 2008

Page 1

What a different sort of Easter we had this year! With Easter so early, I wasn’t able to observe my favorite Easter time ritual of gathering daffodils from the side of the house in order to bring them to the Flower Celebration. Instead, I had to do my gathering at the store! I know it is only an illusion to see time as a constant, but nonetheless it bugs me when it seems like time itself is being altered. So why was Easter so early this year? Early church fathers felt that is was important to celebrate Easter under the same astronomical conditions that would have been present on the day that they –rather arbitrarily—set as the date of Jesus’ resurrection. Hence Easter is always the first Sunday with a full moon that happens after the Spring Equinox. March 22 is the earliest possible…our early date of March 23 from this year won’t happen again until 2228, and last happened in 1913. But the lesson of this early season is not lost on me. Sometimes new life and growth just magically appears, and asks only that we gather it together. And other times, the new growth requires us to give it life. What gentle nudge towards the new and life-giving might we give the world this Spring? To Life! Rev. Susan Ritchie

Worship Schedule April 6 Follow Me. How can we know when to lead, when to follow, and when to disobey? (Optional after-worship discussion group with Rev. Ritchie follows at Nielsen House) April 13 Gaylord Odegaard offers a service entitled One Avenue for Finding Inspiration. April 20 Passover: The Problem with Tribes. We focus on the special knowledge that comes with exile. Included for discussion is the ironic case of Spinoze, the greatest of all Jewish philosophers, who could only have his revelations after being excommunicated from his Jewish community. April 27 Fearless. Do we even know what it would be like to live life unafraid? Religious Education Topics in the Explorers Class April 6 Explorers learn more about the story of Moses. When should you follow a leader, and when should you protest? April 13 Children’s Chapel April 20 The Explorers enjoy a Passover Seder. April 27 Explorers: Pursuing Peace and Freedom can take courage! Also in this issue Page 2 Events & Activities.  Find out what's happening this Month! From the Committees and Board.  Page 3 News from the Board and Committees Page 4 A Call to Action!  See how you can support your congregation and your world!