Summer Solstice Celebration
Beth Ralston and service leaders will lead the congregation in celebrating the annual Summer Solstice, the longest day and shortest night of the year which is marked by sun, warmth and growth and abundance of nature. Marking the transition from Spring into Summer, the Summer Solstice has been celebrated for thousands of years by ancient people from all over the world. By sharing readings and poems, and anecdotes, she and other service leaders hope to illustrate the importance for all of us to better understand and experience our personal connections with nature as well as with all of the natural world at this time of year.
Worship Leader: Beth Ralston has been a member of First UU for 29 years. During this time, as a member of the Earth-Based Ritual Group, she helped to plan and took part in annual Winter Solstice Celebrations, as well as other earth-based celebrations marking the earth’s seasonal transitions. She feels that by taking part in these services, First UU members and visitors can be reminded of their vital connections with nature, as well as with the natural environment. In her spare time Beth likes to spend time writing, drawing and painting, gardening and taking long walks in her West Philadelphia neighborhood. Her work experience includes teaching, counseling and health insurance.