Dear DRUUMM ATL Family,
I hope you’re holding steady and finding moments of breath and beauty in these times. As April is National Poetry Month, I wanted to offer words from Ada Limon that were recently shared with me:
“Miracle Fish”
I used to pretend to believe in God.
Mainly, I liked so much to talk to someone in the dark.
Think of how far a voice must have to travel
to go beyond the universe.
How powerful that voice must be to get there.
Once in a small chapel in Chimayó, New Mexico,
I knelt in the dirt because I thought
that’s what you were supposed to do.
That was before I learned to harness
that upward motion inside me,
before I nested my head
in the blood of my body.
There was a sign and it said,
This earth is blessed. Do not play in it.
But I swear I will play on this blessed earth until I die.
I relied on a miracle fish, once, in New York City,
to tell me my fortune.
That was before I knew it was my body’s water that moved it,
that the massive ocean inside me
was what made the fish swim.
I transition to express gratitude for this emerging community—for Rev. Barrington and Chloe, who have been tending this network with care, offering space and invitation for connection and growth. I know this season has been especially full, and it hasn’t always been easy for folks to take advantage of the drop-in opportunities. That’s real.
So in the spirit of meeting the moment (and one another) where we are, I wanted to share a few offerings this month that feel genuinely aligned with the energy we’ve been cultivating together here in Atlanta. As we continue building DRUUMM ATL, these are meaningful opportunities to connect with the wider movement—and with each other.
April 13 at 8:00 PM (ET)
Online
A beautiful opportunity to learn more about DRUUMM’s work, meet others across the movement, and deepen connection in a BIPOC-centered space. If there’s interest, DRUUMM ATL could gather beforehand (virtually or in person—perhaps a park or gallery) to connect and explore formal membership together before joining the open house.
Earth Day Collaboration: Flying Together (Open to Everyone)
April 18 from 10:00 AM–1:00 PM (ET) (approx.)
UUCA (Social Hall & campus spaces)
“Flying Together: An Earth Day Celebration” is a multi-part, interfaith gathering grounded in the spirit of shared uplift—like geese flying in formation. We’ll move through celebration, solidarity, strategy, and connection, including a panel on Earth-based spiritual practices, youth engagement, and opportunities for collective action. The day will open with a brief Imani-inspired ritual grounding us in the spirit within nature and our shared responsibility to one another and the Earth.
DRUUMM Spring Caucus: “We Are Each Other’s Shelter”
April 25 from 1:00–3:30 PM (ET)
Online (with possibility for ATL folks to gather in person if there’s interest)
This one is especially close to my heart, as Chloe and I will be serving as moderators alongside some incredible leaders. Together, we’ll explore spiritual grounding in uncertain times and share practices that help us stay rooted when the storms rage. I would truly love to see some DRUUMM ATL faces in that space.
qUUeer ATL Pride Planning (Metro UU Collaboration)
April 30 at 7:00 PM (ET)
Online
This is a collaborative effort across all seven metro-Atlanta UU congregations to plan our shared presence for Atlanta Pride (October 10–11). We’ll be organizing a joint booth and parade participation. If you’re interested in queer justice, visibility, and joyful public witness, this is a beautiful space to plug in and help shape something powerful across our congregations.
If any of these resonate with you, I encourage you to join as you’re able. And if there’s interest, I’d be glad to help coordinate us attending something together or gathering afterward to reflect.
We are building something beautiful—and we don’t have to do it alone.
With love and solidarity,
E.N.
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