Holy and beautiful is this morning and day! Once again during our brief presence in this cosmic drama, the God in me greets the God in everything and those around. In this place we wonder again about all there is including the possibility of experiencing oneness and wholeness - a time and place and being without fear, defensiveness and protecting the ego. We gather to honor and affirm life; we come now to consider again being the change we wish to see in the world. This morning we acknowledge the crises,cries and challenges of life, faith and religion; we celebrate the journey filled with new thoughts and commitments born out of critique and letting go.

May we learn the lessons autumn presents to us. We are surrounded by a peaceful ebbing, as creation bows to the mystery of life; all that grows and lives must give up life, yet it does not really die. As plants surrender their life, bending, brown and wrinkled, and yellow leaves of trees float to our lawns like parachutes, they do so in a sea of serenity. We hear no fearful cries from creation, no screams of terror - as death daily devours once-green and growing life. Peaceful and calm is Autumn’s swan song - for life understands that hidden in winter’s death grip is spring’s openhanded, full-brimmed breath of life. May we learn and live in peace during these days...may we live and die - for in every Fall there is the rise whose sister’s name is Spring and resurrection.

As we consider the simple things of life and the bounty of this season, may we consider again the value of life - that it is not near as serious as we suppose, yet more precious than to take it for granted even for a moment. As we contemplate the essential in our lives and relationships, we take on new thoughts; we challenge tired and fear-based assumptions; we regard each other highly and live with compassion and genuine hearts as Jesus, Mother Theresa, Ghandi and so many others did.

May we enter into the joys and heartaches of each other’s lives. We remember all within this church family who have experienced painful earthly goodbyes...for many ones loved have continued their way into light, mystery and infinite life. Mothers, Fathers, siblings lost to this earthly sphere - we have felt the pain of death and are yet not defeated by it. May this gathering even now be an encouragement to those who have faced death in the loss of a family member or friend.

We meet again to commit as individuals and as a community to the values and ideals that would contribute to the transformation of this world. May each of us undertake again the appraisal and joy of living out what is dear to us and what truly advances and invites compassion, grace, forgiveness, kindness, justice and love to flourish and transform. Whether in crisis, transition, letting go or taking on, may we abide in the assurance that goodness goes on even in our wavering...in our waffling -in our doubts and questions. Today, this morning, we celebrate the unfolding of the universe- and our ability and possibilities for creating brighter and gentler futures for our communities. Amen.

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