This week, I arrived at the office a few minutes later than I had hoped and planned. See, I’m trying to break myself of the habit of “doom-scrolling” on my phone first thing in the morning. I’ve committed to not looking at my phone until I’ve spent some time moving my body, some time in prayer or devotional reading, and some time in silence. I imagine I'll have to recommit again in a few days or weeks when I inevitably let the practice go. That too is part of the spiritual life. But on this day, I was still committed and I was running a few minutes late to work because I spent “too long” in prayer.
When I arrived at church, and said those words out loud during my first meeting, I heard how completely absurd they sounded. Religious traditions are full of stories of monks and mystics who spent days, weeks, years communing with the holy! But here I was, a minister, apologizing for an extra five minutes.
The obsession with urgency and productivity in our modern culture is so pervasive, that it invades our most sacred spaces and even I sometimes forget what exactly it is we’re doing here! I’ve found myself forgetting to begin meetings with a chalice lighting or opening reading, and jumping into long agendas without taking a moment for stillness or deep connection.
We are, first and foremost, a spiritual community. That is at the heart of everything we do—from our social justice work in the broader world to the governance and finances that guide our internal operations. All of this is in service of building, tending, sustaining and growing a spiritual community. This is a place unique in that purpose and in its invitation to bring our whole selves. It is a place where the well-being of our souls take precedence and we are invited to connect with the still small voice inside and the sacred that is present all around us. If we forget that, we are rudderless. We are no different from a social club or service non-profit.
I’m excited to do big things together! I’m ready and eager to tackle tasks you are prepared to undertake after three years of really good interim work. Together we can articulate the church’s mission, think about growth (not just in numbers but also in vision, depth, and connections), and attend to the long-term financial health of this institution and the sustainability of its campus and programs. This work requires timelines, strategies, agendas and budget crunching. But it also requires deep discernment and spiritual searching. It requires clarity around our values and time to listen for where the sacred is calling us.
So in addition to my own spiritual practices, I’m also recommitting to keeping our work together spiritually grounded. Even when it might feel silly or unnecessary, I will begin meetings with a reading, a prayer, or silence. I will ask out-loud things like, “what sacred value is calling you to that answer?” or “How is stewardship a spiritual practice for you?” I will go sit in the sanctuary for a few moments when I’m wrestling with an administrative or financial question. I invite you to do the same. Let the “soul work” live at the center of this place and the rest will follow from there.
I am also working on new opportunities for spiritual grounding and exploration as a community. In October, Theo and I will be launching a monthly drop-in "Thirsty Thursday Theology” series. On the third Thursday of each month, we will gather in the Cleveland room for a fun themed “mocktail” and I will lead us in conversation about a different spiritual topic. October will be “A Theology of Ghosts and Monsters!” Then in December, you’ll be able to sign up to receive a daily advent devotional in your inbox that includes a poem or reading and reflection questions. These are just a few ideas that are in the works! I always welcome your input on other ways we can deepen our spiritual lives together.
In faith,
Danielle
© Rev. Danielle Garrett, 2025
