Welcome to autumn once again, friends of Evergreen!

As we stand on the threshold of the autumn equinox this week, I find myself taking solace in the fact that, at a cosmological scale, we are passing through a time of beautiful balance. The equinox is a time when countless cosmic conditions cause our day and night to become equal. It’s a precious moment to live through, and rather symbolizes harmony and transition not only for our planet but also for ourselves. Just as our precious Earth enjoys the shift from the warmth of summer to the cool embrace of autumn, we too are enjoying the warmth of fellowship shifting toward cool colorful harmony.

I adore autumn’s mildness and lengthiness here in the Northwest. It seems weeks and weeks gently roll by as autumn unfold and unfolds. It’s a welcome seasonal lesson of gently letting go of summer’s vigorous activities so we can turn toward longer moments to pause and consider the next leg of our journey together. As I shared with you during Ingathering Sunday service, this autumn and winter are emerging as harmonious time for us to share and witness the dreams we hold for our future home. Dreams which are similar to the equinox itself—a blend of light and dark, hope and challenge, dreamy harmony and courageous bravery. Our faithful practice, our ongoing growth seek harmony through personal spiritual practice. It’s as if we journey through an equinox of both the heavens and the heart each autumn; one holding the other in a spiritually balanced dance of reciprocity.

Autumn’s passage also reminds us to not only tune in to our aspirations but to lay plans for the practical steps that will help put them into action. We know that Evergreen’s dreams extend beyond bricks and mortar. We continue our work to widen the circle of the number of people we reach, and the quality of faith development we teach. Such dreams and aspirations add new roots to long-established ones and strengthen our collective resilience.

So, friends, as our northern hemisphere here on Earth prepares for a season of rest and

rejuvenation, we will do well to balance our hearts and minds with wellness and growth. We continue to foster a welcoming environment for all here at Evergreen, connecting both new visitors and longtime members in balanced, progressive faith. As we do, we will certainly need one another. There are substantial transitions approaching with our nation’s fall elections. The liberations this time requires of the world are great. To support our journey through them we will continue to delve into sources of wisdom to lend strength. Just this week, a friend shared a Miller Williams poem with me and it’s been easing my heart and mind as our country’s socio-political polarization accelerates amid election day anxiety:

“Have compassion for everyone you meet,

even if they don't want it. What seems conceit,

bad manners, or cynicism is always a sign

of things no ears have heard, no eyes have seen.

You do not know what wars are going on

down there where the spirit meets the bone.”

Now is a good moment to humbly remind yourself that you do not know the extreme struggles occurring deep within another’s spirit and flesh. As trees soon begin letting go of their sun-drenched leaves, I view this particular equinox as a rather unique celestial gift. A gift that might inspire us to reflect on the past year’s challenges and blessings, then let them go. One by one.

Heed the lessons learned, yes, but welcome the newfound space on the branches for the next cycle of growth.

As we move through this equinox of balance and harmony, may we honor our personal

challenges while honoring the personal challenges of others around us. May we enjoy the balance of dreams with action, of hopes with truth.

Blessed balance be,

Rev. Joe