Blessing for a New Year

Created by enfleshed.com. Free to use with attribution to the author

This Blessing is a part of the library of free liturgical resources available on enfleshed.com.

In threshold places, where endings meet beginnings,
we are invited to listen backwards as we move forward.
What can we learn from the year past -
from how evil played its cards,
or from relationships gained and lost?
What brought you deep delight, when everything was swirling?
To whom were you able to turn to and who challenged you to grow?
Individually and collectively,
none of us are the same.
For some of these changes we weep and for others we rejoice
but from each we carry something forward
- a feeling, a lesson, a memory, a challenge, a call to solidarity...
Collectively, we acknowledge a closing and an opening;
A fresh start that offers only as much meaning as we need from it.
Inviting us not to wage war on ourselves,
but just to pause
and pay attention to our longings.
A new year does not need to mean "a new you."
You do not need to make demands of yourself
grounded in messages that are only meant
to make you feel inadequate or unlovable.
Your worth in ineffable,
that is a constant that carries from year to year.
Move gently with yourself into 2020,
speaking instead words of possibility,
committing to that which calls you,
letting yourself be lured by the Sacred
in the direction of your most powerful becoming.
Make only resolutions that will lead to more flourishing of life, yours and others.
Reject individualistic notions of "success"
and channel your growing
in the directions
of what we can become
of what we can create
of what we can divest from
of what we must claim
of what we must fight
of how we might love
together.

Recent Updates

Resist Harm Movement Gains Momentum toward General Conference 2024
Growing numbers of United Methodists are actively resisting the harm caused by anti-LGBTQ+ policies and practices of the United Methodist Church. With three months until General Conference convenes in Charlotte, North Carolina, the movement is making a difference in communities across the denomination, and for our direction as a United Methodist Church.  As we prepare […]
A Message to the UMC: Resist Harm
In the wake of a postponed General Conference and a continued pandemic, we are urgently called again to the work of Christ – in all the ways we can. Ever more clearly, we discern the disconnect between the logistics of our gathering and the call of the gospel.  The institutional fight to enshrine anti-LGBTQ+ policies […]
1 2 3 39

Latest Resources

February Worship Planning Worksheet
We invite you to incorporate the work of resisting harm into the worship life of your church or group.  This worksheet is a tool for use by individuals or groups, as a starting point for finding ways to incorporate #ResistHarm into regular Sunday worship, small group meetings, or vigils and special services; it includes some starting points, […]
See Resource
Liturgy from enfleshed
With a commitment to spiritual and theological depth and the centering of marginalized experiences, conversations, and communities, enfleshed seeks to provide liturgy, devotionals, curriculum, preaching, training, and pastoral care that addresses honestly, tenderly, and directly, the beauty and pain of living enfleshed lives.
See Resource
Songs for the Holy Other
The Hymn Society has edited and shares this free volume of hymns affirming the LGBTQIA2S+ community. Visit their site to download.
See Resource

Join the Resistance

Enter your email address for Resist Harm news and events.
Please share this site on social media and invite others to support the Resist Harm movement.

Give to Resist Harm

Resist Harm is not an organization or a coalition. It has no employees, offices, or overhead. However, it does incur expenses for web infrastructure, promotion, printing, and organizing. We are a movement of volunteers and 100% funded by people and churches like you. Anything you give helps to make this movement more effective. To give, donate at Reconciling Ministries Network’s website and designate “Resist Harm.” 100% of your gift will pay for Resist Harm’s direct costs. RMN has graciously agreed to administer the funds donated for the Resistance movement for no charge.

Give Now

Resist Harm Partners

Resist Harm is organized by everyday United Methodists in every corner of the connection and is supported by a number of organizational partners.* To learn more about our partners, visit their websites:
Become a Partner
*The tools, resources, and opportunities posted on Resist Harm have been suggested by people or organizations associated with the movement. They are not necessarily endorsed by all of the partners.
angle-rightlong-arrow-right linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram