Ways to Give

Weekly Message from Traceymay

 

January 7, 2026

Dear Friend,

It can be so easy to think we can see what is going on and therefore we know, but there are reminders that there is more going on than meets the eye.  This morning when I was walking, my boot revealed an underground tunnel in the snow.

I doubled back to check it out.  It seemed like the size of a mouse, a vole, a shrew or a mole.  I am sorry to have disrupted it, but it gave me a chance to contemplate all manner of activity that must be going on under the snow and under the ground, too.  According to Massachusettes Audubon, these holes could be openings to tunnels that are used for foraging food or openings that act as vents for fresh air.  When air temps go below freezing, ground temps under the snow remain at 32 degrees.  Friend, in times like this when the outer world can seem unstable and even hostile, let’s remember that there is a lot going on below the surface of things.  In times like this our spiritual practices become even more important.  Our inner work to maintain our equilibrium will not only help us, it will help all those around us, so I invite you to join me in keeping up with the things that help us to cope…prayer, walking, contemplation, reading, etc…   Whatever it may be, don’t let it slip.  There is much we can do under the surface that keeps our relationships strong, our communities intact, and (ultimately) our world, too.  

“For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.”       –2 Corinthians 4:17-18

 

In November the Covenant Committee sent out surveys.  HERE is the document compiling the results.  The results will also be printed in the bulletin this Sunday.
If you have questions, contact committee members Beth Karlicek or Yummy Cady.

 

I recently heard from a Friend about a pilgrimage that a group of Buddhist monks are making for world peace.  They are walking from Texas to D.C. over the next 120 days.  HERE is more info about the effort and how to track their progress. 

 

 

This from the Kent Street Coalition:

The Town of Merrimack has been identified as a possible New Hampshire location for its planned network of ICE-controlled immigrant detention and “processing” warehouses. The very idea is an affront to human dignity. The plan cannot be allowed to proceed here in New Hampshire or anywhere across our nation. 

Kent Street Coalition is one of over 25 organizations sponsoring a peaceful protest organized by NO ICE NH. This non-violent event will be held this Thursday, January 8th outside the Merrimack Town Hall, from 5:30 till 7 pm. Those who wish can attend the town council meeting which begins at 7 pm.*

=>>> Important: Much effort has gone into planning to make sure the protest remains peaceful, respectful and focused on ICE and its efforts to warehouse human beings.

Peacekeepers from the NH Peacekeeper Project will be present from 5 to 9 pm. The town has also asked police to be on hand. Please be aware that the failure to heed police warnings or requests could result in arrest. Also, please be aware that we expect counterprotesters to show up. Kent Street strongly discourages people from engaging with counter-protesters in any way that could lead to escalation. Remember, counter protesters seek to claim the narrative and the news by creating trouble. It is essential that we keep the focus on ICE!

=>>> Important: We are asking that everyone please read this Best Practices for Protest 2026. While we hope for a strong turnout, we encourage everyone to make their own best decision about whether and how to attend this event.

Parking could be a challenge. Please plan to carpool if possible. A parking map can be found below.

For those of you who had planned to attend Kent Street’s 8th Annual Legislative Review, please note that the program will be recorded. To receive the recording, please register for the program here.

Whether or not you are able to attend the protest, we urge everyone to contact Governor Ayotter, our Senators and our Congresspeople: Tell them to stop the warehousing of human beings by ICE! No warehousing of human beings in New Hampshire! 

• Governor Kelly Ayotte, 603-271-2121

* Senator Jeanne Shaheen: 603-750-3004, 603-647-7500, 202-224-2841

• Senator Maggie Hassan: 603-880-3314, 603-622-2204, 202-224-3324

• Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander: (202) 225-5206, (603) 226-1002(603) 595-2006, (603) 444-7700

• Congressman Chris Pappas: 603-285-4300, 603-935-6710, 202-225-5456

 

Please join me in prayer.

God of all, I pray for us in these times.  We are bearing witness to a breakdown of the rule of law and a blatant disregard for the teachings of Jesus, who reminds us that “whatever you do unto the least of these you do unto me.”  Guide us in ways of justice and kindness.  Challenge us to live into all of our relationships with the highest standards of honesty and the deepest commitment to compassion and understanding.  Give us strength to face our shortcomings and the humility to make amends.  May we be always striving to be a source of light in the darkness, refusing to give into despair, and ready to extend ourselves in service to one another.  This I pray in Christ’s name.  Amen.

“Walk in a manner worthy of God’s calling, with all humility and meekness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, careful to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”     -Ephesians 4: 1-3

Walking with you,

Traceymay

603-715-0990

Traceymaykalvaitis@gmail.com

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