A year ago, I would have never dreamt that I would be called to be Kunéix Hídi Northern Light United Church’s Interim Pastor. Yet, here I am. At the beginning of 2022, I would have never guessed that I would have found my way to Juneau. That I would live in a dark plum colored house. That I would have a full wall covered with paper reminders of grand and small adventures. In December, I celebrated Advent and Christmas in a new place. Carol Barril donated a beautiful Jack Pine to the Church. Whereas, I harvested, a rookie mistake, a Western Hemlock Christmas tree, which began losing its needles on route to the Manse.
I attended many parties for which I indulged my craving to make old-fashion candies and cookies. During worship services we participated in not one, not two, but three pageant plays. The first one, a reenactment of Matthew’s genealogy, was a hard sell until halfway through it, it suddenly became a joyful congregational activity.
I survived a record-breaking cold snap, only to discover the awesome beauty of the First Light with its rosé coloring. On the six hours and 23 minutes of the Winter Solstice, I RSVP’ed to Haa Tóoch Lichéesh solstice celebration which offered a chance to heal. Although I loved the crafts and medicine making, my favorite part was our conversations, some of them deep and difficult.
It was an honor to invite people to the Manse for various celebrations: our clergy lunch, post-Christmas caroling at the Pioneers Home and Fireweed Place, and youth tin can lumenaria making. Just before Hanukkah began, I was invited and attended a welcoming Sabbath Service at Congregation Sukkat Shalom. Our Christmas Eve service was packed with people, music, candle lights, and joy. Our Christmas Day service was an intimate gathering of the faithful, many of whom shared a Christmas memory.
I ended 2022 with a wonderful winter daylong ferry ride adventure to Angoon and back. I wonder what 2023 will bring into our individual and collective lives!!?