A ritual of letting go, cleansing, intention, and hope at Red River Unitarian Universalist Church

Denison -- On the Sunday closest to January 1st, many Unitarian Universalist congregations find creative ways to celebrate or mark the beginning of a new year. Themes can include reflection upon the year that has just passed; letting go of regrets and pain; hope for the promise of the year to come; resolutions to change; the passage of time; hope; expectation; and dreaming of a creating a better tomorrow.

This Sunday the service at Red River Unitarian Universalist Church will be all about letting go, metaphoric cleansing and quenching of thirst, setting of intentions, self-anointing, healing, new beginnings and possibilities. It is a service of words, music and the ritual of the Burning Bowl. At each stop around the circle of flame, water, oil and light, each attendee becomes his or her own healer, priest/priestess, minister, teacher. It is for each a circle of release, cleansing, intention and hope to walk.

This special New Year’s Day ritual, at the 11:15 a.m. morning assembly is open to all: members, friends, neighbors and visitors - especially those who wish to start the new year with intentionality and a commitment to work for a better future.

Red River Unitarian Universalist Church is at 515 North Burnett Avenue in Denison.