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Wilde Wanderings
By Rev. Sydney Wilde

Ground Hog Day is February 2. For Ground Hog enthusiasts it is a time for prediction and expectation. How many more weeks of Winter must we endure? When will Spring arrive? Winter came late this year, but it has made up for its tardiness with a vengeance. I’m ready for the promise of Spring. It is my fondest hope that Punxsutawney Phil does not see his shadow, and not retire to his hole for another six weeks. It is time for a little rejuvenation.

I first became a Ground Hog fan when I served on the Unitarian Universalist Association Commission on General Resolutions. We met in Boston over February 2 every year to choose and edit the submitted resolutions for the parish poll. Barbara Prairie, the Director of the General Assembly Office, would always lead us on a ground hog hunt. The night before she would bring the ingredients for "ground hog eggs" (actually Scotch Eggs – hard-boiled eggs covered with a thick layer of sausage, then baked). On February 2 we would gather on the steps of 25 Beacon Street and read a prayer or poem to the ground hog. Then, we’d cross the street onto the Boston Commons and begin searching for a ground hog. We found squirrels, dogs, joggers, pigeons, and street musicians, but no ground hogs. We tromped through snow, and rain, and fog, and sunlight—it was always cold—but we never found a ground hog. At last we would return to our lodgings. As we entered Pickett/Eliot we would be greeted with the delicious smell of roasting "ground hog eggs." A hardy breakfast would be had by all, sometimes ended by another ode to the ground hog. Then we’d be back at work, all in a jolly mood. I grew to look forward to this frolic every year. The impetus for this tradition was the work of one woman. Barbara started it, and the rest of us pitched in to help. I’m sure that this year the new Commission on Social Witness will be out on the Common searching for ground hogs just as we did 13 years ago.

Of course, if we hadn’t pitched in to roll the eggs in the sausage, set the table, write the prayer or find a poem, join in the hunt, and clean up afterward, the tradition would have died a long time ago, and the work of the Commission would have been more tedious and less satisfying. The same principle applies here at First Church. We need idea people. We need instigators (folks to do it themselves the first time while they teach others how to take over), and we need helpers. Actually it is the camaraderie developed by working together that brings the tradition to life. Those who work together to create an event always gain far more enjoyment than those who just attend. Working and playing together create a community.

All of this is to say that First Church needs more volunteers. Dennis and I think that this church is depressed. How do you get out of depression? One way is to act as if you were not depressed. Get out and do! Spring is coming and we all need a breath of fresh air! It is time to consider playing a bit.

How about a lunch bunch? We need an instigator (someone who will make an announcement and stand up with a sign during coffee hour that says "Lunch Bunch leaving for ____ at 12:00 pm"). We need some helpers (folk who will volunteer to car pool, or to call for reservations, or make a sign for next week).

How about a Party? We need an instigator (someone willing to form a Valentine’s committee, or a St. Patrick’s committee, or a Talent Show committee). We need helpers (folk who can make announcements, or sell tickets, or take reservations, or buy decorations, or devise entertainment, or help set up, or help clean up). We need trainers and trainees (so new folk can carry on the "tradition" next year).

How about Dinners? We already have instigators (the Membership Committee is instigating a new round of Fellowship Dinners – potluck gatherings in members’ homes). We need hosts. We need coordinators, we need guests. (Call Joan Bernstein, Kay Mann or Nancy Harlan.)

How about a Theater Group? A Photography Club? An Art Class? What is your hobby that you want to share? We need you.

It is February, and time to crawl out of our cozy holes to begin planning for Spring. This is no time to be afraid of our shadows; we have hibernated long enough. It is time for new life, new "traditions," and a revived church community. If you would like to instigate or help with anything – anything at all -- give me or Dennis, or Beth a call. We can help start the ground hog egg rolling. Let’s party!

                                                                    Love, Sydney