Dear Members, Friends, Siblings, All,

Or should that be, “Dear Fractals?”

Take no offense, I mean that in the very best way. Fractals, as in “You are an emanation of divinity, a fractal of God, a unique expression of divine consciousness. Though individualize, you are never apart from the whole.” That’s from Rev. Matt Laney, you know, the co-pastor of our neighbor church up the road, Virginia Highland UCC. It’s from the UCC Writers Group Advent Devotional, Soon & Very Soon, for December 18. I’ve been vibrating ever since.

Google AI offers this explanation of fractals: “Margaret Wheatley, in Leadership and the New Science, uses fractals as a metaphor for organizational culture, proposing that shared values and identity act as consistent, repeating patterns at every level of an organization. She argues that when core principles are clear, individuals throughout the organization can act with autonomy while maintaining cohesive, self-organizing order.” Substitute “congregational culture” for organizational culture. When I read this fifteen or more years ago, I was then vibrating, too. (Google has exquisite images of fractals.)

‘Tis the season of fractals. Jesus is a fractal of God. We are fractals of God, fractals of the Merciful Love of God, never apart from the whole. (I have confirmed this notion with Matt Laney and in his confirmation, he asked after “all the saints at Central.” Sweet.)

My brain is racing today (along with the shivers) so you’ll want me to get back on message. It’s the Fourth Sunday of Advent, the theme is LOVE—in consistent, repeating patterns—and  worship day after tomorrow will be the last one before Christmas. The long-expected fractal will be arriving on Thursday, and we will gather on the Eve (Wednesday at 5:00 pm) in our annual Lessons, Carols & Candlelight Service. It always seems such a long wait—a long season of preparation and anticipation. What if we lived to make HOPE, PEACE, JOY and LOVE all year long? Just asking.

Come be with us at Central, Streamers and Gatherers—for some, any or all of the season’s celebrations. We’ve been waiting and preparing. Hope to see you in the midst. But before I go, back to Matt Laney. This is the prayer at the close of his devotional:

Divine Source, help me remember that I am You as Your beloved expression.

What shall we do together today?

Love and hugs, and happy holidays, and O Come, All Ye Faithful.

Rev. Liz