When I was in London, we were in a beautiful park on our last day when we stumbled upon on sign.

There are directional signs all over the city, pointing to museums, the zoo, the subway. This one was just like it, except that the word on every direction was the same.

Onwards.

“Well, there we go,” I thought to myself. “There’s the title for the post-election Sunday service.” No matter what would happen with the election, the direction would be the same. Onwards.

I did not expect the election result we got. Like most of you, I am heartsick. I am worried. I am grieving this country that I thought I knew.

There will be time for us to figure out exactly what “onwards” means for us. Right now is a time for lament. For mourning. For feeling all of our emotions, including anger.

It is healthy to feel our feelings, but I am reminding myself not to confuse that with thinking. I know I am not doing my best thinking right now. That’s okay, as long as I’m aware. Now is not the time to decide to get bangs … or make a more dramatic change.

It is a time for drawing close, to not being alone, to being with others who hold similar values. If you can, you may want to consider joining us Friday from 5-7 for our church happy hour. And Sunday morning, we will all come together as a community, where we can be of support to one another. I expect we will get visitors, as those with our values seek out their “village.” As UUA President Rev. Dr. Sofía Betancourt says, “We are a sanctuary people.”

Onwards.