On the blustery but sunny afternoon of Sunday, December 12, a wonderful celebration of the upcoming Winter Solstice occurred at Alewife Reservation. Members of First Parish's Environmental Group, the Covenant of UU Pagans, First Church Congregational of Somerville, and many others joined together in an interfaith service to honor the new solar year and to share thoughts, prayers and stories about our relationship to nature and wildlife.

Alewife Reservation, a unique urban wildlife sanctuary, was the perfect backdrop for song, dance, inspirational readings, music instruments and the laughter of children at play to combine, creating a magical experience. We hoped our positive intentions and energy will combine to help save the beautiful and endangered silver maple forest at the Reservation.

Thanks to all who participated, especially to Ellen Mass for being the lead organizer, Kerrie Harthan for presiding over the ceremony, Jeremy and Leah Peterson for leading the festive song and dance, Mara Dowdall for her inspirational reading, Elke Jahns for her lovely flute music, and Larry Childs for entertaining children during the service.