Beyond Pews

The Roman Catholic Church is experiencing a tough time.  The Church is journeying through a very rough period, similar to but unlike anything in its history.  The Vatican will soon have a newly elected Pope and a Pope Emeritus; Catholicism is immersed in several scandals that remind all of its fallibility; the faith is hemorrhaging members and advertises for priests; it refuses to hear anything that suggests of breaking the male oligarchy of apostolic succession.  So it was with great interest that I read a recent New York Times op-ed piece.  The title caught my eye immediately: “Give Up Your Pew for Lent.”  The author, Paul Elie - a Roman Catholic and a professor at Georgetown - suggests that with all the confusion-creating events and misconduct in the Catholic Church, it’s time that the faithful take a break and collect their thoughts; he’s urging the faithful to take a “time out” and vacate their pews for a weekend.  And do what with their time?  He’s very clear how the break should be spent:

We should seize this opportunity to ask what is true in our faith, what it costs us in obfuscation and moral compromise, and what its telos, or end purpose, really is.  And we should explore other religious traditions, which we understand poorly. (3/01/2013

I don’t think the writer really believes that anyone who reads his column will follow his advice by spending the weekend church-free.  I’m not really sure that this was his hope or point, but, as I said, the headline sure caught my attention!  And so does the idea.

No, I’m not urging you to take a Sunday off from UUCA.  But consider this: If Elie’s use of “pew” is simply metaphoric - “pew” meaning stability, stasis, or what's expected from the church and yourself - then yes, give up your pew for Lent and maybe more: Give up your pew, forever.  When shouldn’t we be asking what is true in our faith?  It’s always appropriate to wonder what the opaque places are in your belief.  What purpose does your faith serve?  How are we as a faithful community serving each other and those in our region?  How much do you know - first hand - about other religious traditions?

     There are religious traditions where a believer or member can fall into a rut, a routine, the predictable.  I’ve never thought about Unitarian Universalism in this way.  If anything we are just the opposite, often taking great pride in living our faith outside the expected, and contrary to perceived norms.  Yet even the unpredictable can become predictable. Have you ever heard someone at UUCA tell a newcomer after a service, “It’s not this way every Sunday.”  Put enough of those experiences together and it becomes that way every Sunday!  Even in our theology, spirituality and social justice outreach, you’ve got to wonder if there is a particular way to be a Unitarian Universalist.  In other words, taking the time to review and reflect on your faith - to give up your pew - is always a good idea.

          Take care and see you soon,

                   Fred

Post-election News

As the post-convention months passed, my tolerance and attention for the news (reports on the election) grew shorter and shorter. I grew weary of election politics.  I sought relief and found it in watching Comedy Central’s “The Colbert Report.”  Stephen Colbert’s satire on conservative journalism was just what I needed to keep my head up and get through to Election Day.  If good humor is created in the space between reality and absurdity, then Colbert is one of the best at it.  Of course, good humor also forces you to think about yourself, as in: “Could that joke/story/event be about me?”  Once upon a time, this was the role of the court jester (those who survived!) - to help royalty laugh at themselves without mentioning names.  Today’s comedians are a bit more straight-forward and blunt.

     Recently, Stephen Colbert reported on a meeting between famed evangelist Billy Graham and Presidential hopeful Mitt Romney.  Gov. Romney was seeking Graham’s endorsement, especially since the Mormon religion, according to Graham, is a cult.  After their conversation, Graham removed LDS from his list of four.  Read The Washington Post’s article on their meeting here. 

     Now that that is settled, what are the three remaining cults?  Jehovah's Witness, Scientology and .... you may have guessed it: Unitarian Universalism.  That’s right, Billy Graham has named us a cult!  Here’s how Colbert reported it: “Oh yes, the dangerous cult of Unitarians [whose] sacred texts are the Old Testament, the New Testament and ‘Free to Be You and Me.’”  Watch the report  (the piece on Romney and Graham begins about 3 minutes in).  Colbert, as you can see on the video clip, reports that Graham says “Cults do not adhere solely to the sixty-six books of the Bible as the inspired Word of God.”  Yep, that’s us.  Guilty as charged.

     Whether it’s Colbert on politics or religion (or politics and religion), his commentary seems to always be challenging authority (which is our Novemeber theme here at UUCA).  Like Colbert, if there’s one thing that UUs love to challenge, it’s authority!  It seems to be part of a UUs DNA to “Question Authority” as one popular bumper sticker declares.  There are good reasons for this questioning spirit: Our faith tradition has been marginalized for centuries; our leaders and ministers have been isolated, ostracized and martyred - of course we question authority, it’s a matter of survival; many of our members come from faith traditions where they felt abused or ignored and now they seek a place where they are “free to be you and me.” Yet, sometimes the challenge to authority can feel like backlash, even juvenile, often picky and prickily.  Which is all to say, that we must force ourselves to seek balance and moderation - something that the nation as a whole doesn’t have much interest in.

            Our “Principles” state it best: We affirm and promote ... the free and responsible search for truth and meaning; the right of conscience and the use of the democratic process ...”  Balancing personal, individual needs and desires with those of the community and congregation is a way to spiritual depth, theological meaning and congregational health.  Moving too far in either direction requires a return to a place of balance.  May we always seek that balance as we deepen our relationships with one another and share the gospel of Unitarian Universalism.  Take care and see you soon,

 

Fred

The Wife of Jesus

The Hollis Chair of Divinity at Harvard Divinity School holds special meaning for Unitarian Universalists.  The professorship is the first and oldest endowed position in the U.S. It began in 1721, back when HDS was understood to be Calvinist in its theology and direction.  But times changed and with the liberalizing of New England, the status quo was challenged.  In 1805, Henry Ware, Jr., a Unitarian, was elected to the Hollis Chair and from that point on HDS was considered Unitarian (today, it’s an interdenominational graduate school of theology from which many UUs graduate).  Needless to say, Ware’s promotion created quite the flurry of fury among the orthodoxy.  Today, the Hollis Chair is held by Karen Leigh King - the first woman to hold the office - an Episcopalian, who, like Ware, has caused quite a fuss and stir (maybe it comes with the job!).
On Tuesday, September 18 (2012), Dr. King presented a finding while attending an academic conference in Rome (of all places!).  You probably have read or heard about it: “She identified a small fragment of fourth-century papyrus that includes the words, ‘Jesus said to them, “‘My wife.’”  Another clause appears to say, “‘she will be able to be my disciple.’”  Uh-oh!  What next?  Now, before you go and get all Dan Brown on this (Brown is the author of the wildly popular The DaVinci Code which is based on a similar kind of revelation), step back, take a deep breath and finish this blog posting.
For me, this is really not about Jesus.  Though our theologies are quite different, I  understand (and if I were a Christian I would agree with) Rev. James Martin, a Jesuit priest who wrote a NY Times op-ed piece entitled “Mr. and Mrs. Jesus Christ?”  Martin’s bottom line is that King’s revelation will make little-to-no difference for his faith: “[Jesus’s] life, death and, most important, resurrection would still be valid.  Nor would I abandon my life of chastity, which is the way I’ve found to love many people freely and deeply.  If I make it to heaven and Jesus introduces me to his wife, I’ll be happy for him (and her).  But then I’ll track down Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, who wrote so soon after the time of Jesus, and ask them why they left out something so important.”  Yes, track them down Father Martin, and then after the gospel authors confirm that they included Jesus’s wife (girl friend, partner or disciple), then track down the early church leadership - the church fathers - and ask them about their editing, censorship and oppression that shaped the message they wanted Christians to hear and experience.  In other words, it’s all about power (and this is where Dan Brown got it right).
There is a growing body of evidence suggesting that women had critical and integral roles in the shaping of the early church; they played important roles in the life of Jesus.  We know that there are other scriptures that were hidden; we know that in the copying (rewriting) of scriptures, they were edited; we know that the early church created a male dominated, misogynistic hierarchy.  That Jesus may have been married makes him more human and appealing to me and, more importantly, I feel, makes church fathers and their followers more suspect.
I’m proud to have our way of faith associated with the Hollis Chair of Divinity at HDS!  Those who have held the position (since Ware, there was another Unitarian Universalist) have been progressive and prophetic truth-tellers who are compelled to share their findings, beliefs and vision.  As we prepare for October's theme of vision, may we all do the same.
    Take care and see you soon,
       Fred

P.S. - Following Sunday's service, several asked me for my "introduction" to UUism.  For those who were not in church, here's the context: I was role-playing what I would say if I went door-to-door sharing our faith - as the Mormons do. "Hi, I'm Fred Muir.  I live here in Annapolis.  I’m a Unitarian Universalist and you may have never heard about us, but we are the religion claimed by five Presidents of the United States, five Nobel Laureates, an abundance of American writers, poets, activists and yes, even some heretics. We are a religion of open minds, loving hearts and helping hands.  I'd like to leave you a pamphlet that tells you more.  Have a great day!"

Closed Mouth, Opened Heart - Conscious Listening (JC)

In the Hindu/Buddhist tradition many believe there are seven chakras or seven centers in the body where one can collect energy, wisdom, insight, foresight, strength, compassion, power and love.  These energy centers are connected to particular glands in the body.  As one becomes master over oneself, he/she can open and close these energy centers as needed given the situation.

As an example, if I wanted to intuit a person's motives I could open my sixth chakra, also known as the "third eye" which regulates clarity, intuition, clear thinking and vision.  This energy center is located just above the eyes in the center of the forehead.

Chakras are important when I think about our ministry together at the UUCA.  We are in the business of developing intimate relationships with one another.  We grow closer by getting to know each other.  We get to know each other by listening to each other's stories.  When we hear each other in, love pains are endured and healed, wounds are closed, and love is given and received.

To build better relationships at church, at home or at work we must become better listeners.  That's what our monthly theme Sabbath is about to me--being quiet long enough to hear the other. When listening, practice opening only two energy centers (chakras 4 and 7) the heart and crown chakras which regulate love and spiritual connection.  When we enter into relationships from a spiritual perspective guided by love only good can be manifest.

I have personally felt the power of these energy centers in my life for better and for worse.  I've been in difficult conversations where I want the other person to see what I see.  I intentionally kept my third-eye chakra open trying to guess what this person is thinking, trying to convince them that my way was better.  But ultimately the conversation failed.  It is only when I made the decision to close the third-eye chakra and focus my energy on compassion and love, in the name of Spirit, that I began to hear/see things anew.  The conversation continued and healing occurred.

For the rest of this month of Sabbath, try to consciously listen to others.  Open your heart and spirit to love.  Take your eyes off of yourself and place them on someone else.  Practice conscious listening and things will transform!



Love and light,

Rev. John

Connecting as True Religion (CL)

Why do you come to church?

People have a variety of reasons:   Singing in a group, living their values in the community, hearing thought-provoking sermons, providing a safe environment for their children to grow, enjoying coffee and conversation…

All of these reasons have one thing in common: CONNECTIONS.

Connecting is why we come to church. Whether we are connecting to others in community, connecting to our larger world, or connecting to our deeper selves, the whole point is to connect. Hopefully, after we connect, we transform… We grow, we learn, we improve ourselves, or improve the world. But first, we have to connect.

The etymology of the word "religion" is "to connect."  (Re-ligare, like the word "ligament.")

I've said it before, and I'll say it again: We need to reclaim this vision of religion.

Do your beliefs and practices connect you, or separate you? If they connect you, to your own values, to others, and to the world… then that's a real religion! If they separate you, through fear, guilt, shame, or hate… then that's a false religion. I'm not afraid to call a spade a spade. I believe, as Unitarian Universalists, we need to celebrate real religion--those beliefs and practices that connect, support, and encourage people. And we need to denounce false religion-- those beliefs and practices that demean, belittle, or frighten.  We are NOT a religion that says "We can believe whatever we want." Connection is what we believe in. 

Our Seven Principles are accompanied by Six Sources of Inspiration.

These 6 Sources include:

- Direct personal experiences of wonder and transcendence.

- Words and deeds of prophetic, challenging men and women throughout history.
- Wisdom from the world's religions which inspire our ethical life.

- Jewish and Christian teachings which call us to love our neighbors as ourselves.

- Humanist traditions which encourage us to heed the guidance of reason.

- Earth-centered traditions which honor the cycles of the seasons and of life.

All of these sources are available to us as Unitarian Universalists. We are not limited by one source of scripture, or one particular prophet. We are open to a variety of ways of being inspired…  Of course, any of these sources could be abusive or hateful, if taken to an extreme or used in particular ways. But by remembering the root of real religion, we remember how to use these sources in a way that supports our lives and our community.

If you are looking for ways to connect at UUCA, you can visit our CONNECTIONS table starting on September 30. Our catalog will detail the classes you can take, the groups you can join, and the other opportunities for connection in our Unitarian Universalist community. In the meantime, you can contact me, Rev. Christina, at 410-266-8044 or FaithDev@uuca-md.org to discuss where you can get connected. 

If you need one-on-one support or pastoral care, remember, ALL of the ministers are available to talk or to listen. Just contact us directly and we'll find a time to meet.

In the spirit of love and connection…    - Rev. Christina Leone

RIDING THE CREST - Conscious Giving (JC)

Like many of you, I follow the UU Seven Principles and Six Sources as a guide for my life. These beliefs should not be seen as dogma or a creed but rather as guideposts for our lives.  I use them, daily, to help me navigate my moral compass in all situations that I'm presented.  I use these teachings to remind me of my highest aspirations.

In addition to the Seven Principles and Six Sources, I have also created seven ways of thinking that guide my life.  I believe when I have "right thinking" I am in line with my path, Spirit and life.  I have named this way of thinking "The Seven Principles of Consciousness.  They are:

 

            1.   Conscious Listening 

            2.   Conscious Learning

            3.   Conscious Loving

            4.   Conscious Giving  

            5.   Conscious Relating

            6.   Conscious Eating

            7.   Conscious Living

In this blog, I want to briefly focus on my 4th principle.

CONSCIOUS GIVING

To be conscious means we are aware of something.  Our awareness is shaped by our varying experiences.  Each day we learn something new.  My challenge to me is to be aware of what I am experiencing and learning.  I want to be fully present and in the moment so that I will not miss the lesson that is being given by life.

As a result of this awareness, I am conscious about my giving.  I ask, "How am I generous with my time, talent and treasure?  How am I being generous in my relationships--with my family, spouse, kids, colleagues, and congregants?  How is my generosity reflected in the quality of time I spend with folk in the community?  How am I using my gifts to serve others?  Am I sharing a positive word whenever possible?  Am I taking time to do the little things like holding the door for someone or buying the guys coffee ahead of me?"  Am I managing my financial resources in a faithful way?  Do I give, financially and generously to my church and other charitable organizations?  Am I active in any capacity where I am serving others who are not family or friends?"

When we are a conscious giver we are AWAKE and sensitive to our giving actions.

If you are not already, you can become a conscious giver today.  Just say, "I intend to be a conscious giver for the rest of my life" and you begin your new exciting path!  Yes, we all fall short of our expectation(s) but the goal is to keep reminding yourself to be generous and abundant in all that you say and do.  This is the secret to your success as a conscious giver.

In that light, I want to give you an opportunity to be generous.  The UUCA has an online store.  Books and other products you would normally purchase online can now be bought through our online store.  Here's how it works:
 
1. Go to the UUCA online store.
2. Click on "powered by amazon" in the upper right hand corner and anything you buy will benefit the UUCA. Thank you in advance for your generosity.

Love & Light,

Rev. John       
         

From iChurch to Beloved Community: Ecclesiology and Justice

This year was a special year for the ministers of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Annapolis.  At the Unitarian Universalist General Assembly in Phoenix, not only did our Rev. John Crestwell lead the Sunday worship service, but our senior minister, Rev. Fred Muir, was selected to give the Berry Street Lecture.  This is the oldest continuous lecture series in North America. Several times a week, people ask me, "How can I get access to the Berry Street?"  Well, here you are folks... Rev.  Fred lecture, and the responses from UUA President Peter Morales and the talented Rev. Kimberly Tomaszewski (former intern minister at UUCA).  Enjoy!!!

Rev. Fred's Berry Street Lecture
Responses by Morales and Tomaszewski

- Anastassia Zinke