It has been an odd winter, frustrating to winter enthusiasts. March is a transitional month, with the sort of late-winter “storm events” that remind me of the child’s verse “The March wind doth blow, and we shall have snow, and what will the robin do then?...”

Yes, there are occasional robin sightings. And over the next few weeks, we will notice other signs of spring.

There are “signs of spring” at May Memorial. Easter is very early this year — March 23^rd. In the Unitarian Universalist tradition, we will celebrate this Christian holy day with a focus on hope and new life. Crafting a budget for the next fiscal year is always a sign of spring for me. It’s radically different from finding pussywillows and looking for color at the tips of branches, but each year it seems just as engaging. There are a couple of new task forces at May, focused on our congregational life and mission. Read Fred’s “President’s Letter” on page 2 for more on these projects.

Also new this spring will be a prototype program for spiritual enrichment at May Memorial. We will be laying the groundwork for a new set of groups following the model of “small group ministry” as it has developed within Unitarian Universalism. Spiritual Enrichment groups will bring together six to 10 MMUUS members and newcomers in ongoing community for sharing, learning, serving, and spiritual growth. Each group formed next fall will be facilitated by members who have been a part this spring’s group.

Beginning this month, I will be leading a Spiritual Enrichment group for members who are willing to become next year’s small group facilitators. I invite anyone interested in assuming a leadership roll in the Spiritual Enrichment group program to meet with me for our first session, Monday, March 24, at 7 pm in the Memorial Room. We’ll go from there.

~ Blessings, Jean