A note from Pastor Travis 3/10/22

Dear FUMC Family and Friends,

Recently I learned about a Swedish tradition called “Fika.” Fika can be described as a coffee break, but it is much more than that. It is a Swedish ritual. Fikas were first popularized in the early 1900s and companies are required by law to offer fikas twice a day. Though, even without the law most companies would offer it because it is good for business.

Fikas began at the turn of the Twentieth Century when factories noticed an increase in accidents. They began to assess the situation and discovered that the highest rates of incidents were around 10 and 3 every day. They reasoned that workers were becoming tired and careless, so they begin to offer fikas at those hours. It worked! The number of accidents decreased markedly. Over time, however, other benefits begin to be noticed. Productivity went up. People were more relaxed and happier at work. Survey after survey reveals that Swedish workers are among the least stressed, happiest, and most productive in the world. Research has shown that fikas are a leading contributor to this. Fikas are valuable. A person doesn’t skip the fika. Not only is it a requirement of the workplace but there is a social expectation that a person takes the break. 

What does a fika look like? Well, of course there is coffee involved, but there is more to it than that. A variety of pastries, and healthier options, are an important part of it too. There is also a ritual to it. Traditionally, people start by eating the simplest of the pastries, a portion of a cinnamon bun or a small cookie, then they work their way up to the fanciest offering, a Princess cake. Conversation is an important part of fikas too. It is a time to sit, visit, and relax. 

I share this as we enter into Lent. We live busy lives and often don’t value those moments to sit and be present, with ourselves or others. We often feel as though time not spent working is wasted time. It is not. This Lent, I encourage you to take some time each day for fika, whatever that looks like for you. Set aside time to be present to yourself, to God, and/or to others. In doing this, we will experience another dimension to our lives. 

Peace and Grace

Pastor Travis