Rev. Megan
Berkowitz
Rev. Amy
Clark Feldman
Pastor Megan
January 3 2025
New Year Traditions
The new year is a time when many of us choose to reflect on what is behind us and what is ahead. I have a few traditions at the new year: a recurring resolution to finish more craft projects than I start (successful 2019-2023, but alas not in 2024); and an evening spent making new year bingo boards with my family (mine this year includes reading a whole book in Spanish and cooking a new recipe).
My favorite tradition at this time of year, though, is to reflect on the last year, to decide what I am carrying with me to the year ahead, and what I will leave behind or pick up anew. These are more spiritual reflections than my fun traditions of crafts and bingo, with a focus on gratitude – even gratitude for what is now ready to be released – rather than self-improvement.
Sometimes I journal, sometimes I just think about it, and sometimes I share with Leila. Always, though, I try to use it as an opportunity to pay attention to how I have been moving through the world and what I am being called to do that is new. The Epiphany tradition of Star Words that has taken shape in recent years invites a similar kind of reflection and intention for the year ahead. Whether you are thinking, journaling, bingo-boarding, or star wording, how might you enter into this new year with intention and attention?
Peace,
Pastor Megan
Past Posts
- From Our Pastors
Rev. Megan Berkowitz
March 28, 2025 We’re drawing to the close of our Stewardship season for this year, and we’ll mark Stewardship Sunday in worship this week with a testimony and a focus in scripture and sermon on generosity. Learn More - From Our Pastors: March 21 2025Rev. Megan Berkowitz
March 21, 2025 I gave up social media for Lent this year. I’ve tried it in past years, and it never quite stuck. I always found reasons to log back in: an urgent question for a group of colleagues, a video of Rosey that was too good not to share, or even just an accidental slip. It’s sticking this year, though. Learn More - From Our Pastors: March 14, 2025Amy Clark Feldman
March 14, 2025 We are almost beginning the second week of our Lenten journey, walking in the wilderness together. It is always amazing to me how the liturgical seasons map onto the events and seasons in our world and lives. What wisdom and support we have in these deep traditions of our faith! This year it does indeed feel like Lenten wilderness times – each day with new revelations, challenges, news, and worries. Learn More - From Our Pastors: March 7, 2025Megan Berkowitz
March 7, 2025 It was a gift to pray with so many of you throughout the day on Ash Wednesday and at our ecumenical evening service. I appreciated how thoughtful and open everyone I spoke with was about the intentions they were setting for Lent. Learn More - From Our Pastors: February 14 2025Megan Berkowitz
February 14, 2025 I had the great privilege of visiting the new FamilyAid Family Navigation Center on Washington Street for the first time this week. Speeches were made, a ribbon was cut with many giant scissors, and people from throughout the Commonwealth who care about supporting homeless families gathered to celebrate and network together. The most inspiring part of the day for me, though, was the tour. Learn More - From Our Pastors: February 7, 2025Amy Clark Feldman
February 7, 2025 I’ve been especially grateful this week for our eight-week series on Spiritual Resiliency. Truth-be-told, I’ve had moments of doubting my resiliency in the face of the on-slaught of news this week, with a desire to pull the covers over my head. Learn More - From Our Pastors: January 31, 2025Pastor Megan
January 31, 2025 We’ll read in this Sunday’s scripture passage about conflicts between Jesus and other Jewish religious leaders at the time over the observance of Sabbath restrictions. This, and other similar passages, have given rise to generations of interpretation that sets Jesus against religious authority, against Judaism, and against the Law. Learn More - From Our Pastors: January 24 2025Pastor Megan
January 24, 2025Staying Grounded
Given the tremendous outpouring of news this week, beginning with TikTok and the Presidential inauguration and continuing through executive orders and new wildfires, I have been feeling overwhelmed. I’m working to take it all in a little bit at a time, to stay open and stay grounded. Learn More
