​Minister’s Musings: April Newsletter 2025

In “The Practice of Joy,” Dr. Michael McGee writes, “How do we access the joy of life? How do we realize
joy in the midst of what often seems mundane or difficult? The answer is that we realize joy through
intentional practices, starting with the intentional practice of humble, grateful reverence for this
precious moment of existence.”

Taking time to enjoy musicals and old cinema helps me to access joy, which is our Soul Matter’s theme
for April. In a world that is so heavy right now, it takes mindfulness on my part, much like my
commitment to rest, to cultivate joy. Someone recently told me that a friend of theirs proclaimed that
every movie ought to be a musical. The friend was from India where Bollywood musicals are immensely
popular. This notion brought a smile to my face-and I agree! I think the world would be a better place if
we sang about life. Can you imagine, a heartfelt moment in a flick where the starring actors break out
into song to express how they feel? Wouldn’t it be grand if we could sing about the ongoings of our
days?

My son is taking a film class in college, so we’ve been watching a bunch of old musicals. There’s magic
and joy in these productions. Live theatre also brings me joy-particularly musicals-the grander the
spectacle, the better. For my birthday this month, I’m going to see “Some Like It Hot” at the Orpheum.
This musical is based upon the old 1959 Marilynn Monroe, Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon film which tells
the story of two male musicians escaping from the mob by dressing up as women to join an all-women
orchestra band on their way to a gig out of town. Of course, shenanigans and romance and singing
happens along the way. I was in college the first time I watched this along with my grandmother. We
giggled so much watching this-it’s one of those joyful memories I’ll forever cherish. And I rewatched this
movie just a few weeks ago with my son as we both discussed how the plot was surprisingly progressive
for its time-exploring feminist and queer themes. I’m eager to see how the live musical compares.
Do you have a favorite musical or movie that brings you joy?

Experiencing joy helps us get through the hard times of life. I dare say it’s essential for living life, as it
helps us practice to be more human. McGee reminds us, “Joy is our true nature. You need only watch
children playing in the park to see our joyful essence expressed.” I believe this is part of the wisdom of
childhood and one of the reasons that I think having children centered in our congregations is so
important because they remind adults what matters most. If you find yourself struggling to experience a
moment of joy, just listen to a child, volunteer in the Religious Exploration program, engage in some
conversations with a youth. And then, take a turn practicing wonder, gratitude, stillness, and reverence.

May you find your way to joy.

With love at the center always,
Rev. Sarah

Save the date for a special kid designed and led service on May 11 that will celebrate imagination and
take place outside with a dirt communion, drum circle, lots of music and singing and planting!