Tell me about this god you don't believe in (CL)

In my third year of graduate school to become a clinical psychologist, I finally had a true calling to the ministry. In seminary they make you tell your "call" story a lot, and I had never thought about calling before that moment in graduate school, but that's what it was. I was learning to do a form of emotion-focused psychotherapy in which the client considers a question or decision in their life. The technique is to have the client "split" the two sides of the decision into two chairs, and to take turns speaking fully from each side, so the two sides can communicate and hear one another. I was playing the role of client, so I chose an easy question... "Should I leave graduate school and go to seminary?"
First I spoke from the chair representing the stronger side: "No, I should stay in graduate school." The voice from that side was rational, methodical, and convincing. There were many reasons to stay in graduate school.
But when I was asked to switch chairs and speak from the side representing the part of me which wanted to leave and go to seminary, I hesitated. Then a voice from within me, a voice I had never heard or acknowledged, spoke loudly and clearly: "You. Never. Listen. To me!"

Whoa! I was floored by this voice that needed to be heard (and my poor classmate had a harder case on her hands than she was prepared for).
I don't know if that voice was my subconscious, my heart, or God.
I choose to call it God.

Now let's just get something straight. I don't believe in God. 
Well... this story might better explain it...
There's a story of a minister-- some say it's an Episcopal Minister, others attribute it to a Harvard chaplain, or to Marcus Borg (a liberal Christian theologian), Forrest Church (a UU minister),or to John Buehrens (past President of the UUA)-- the minister tells someone on a plane or train that he is a minister and the person replies, "Oh, I don't believe in God," to which the minister responds, "Tell me about this god you don't believe in. Chances are, I don't believe in that god either."  That's me. I don't believe in THAT God.

The truth is, there are myriad religions in the world, all of whom have slightly, or largely, different viewpoints on who or what God is or isn't. Even the Christian community has widely varying viewpoints on the characteristics of God, and the Bible contains a wide range of perspectives about God.

When I say I don't believe in THAT God, I mean the general idea of God as an entity, a force with a will, a being that I can talk to. But I do believe in a force beyond myself, an energy-source greater than the sum of the parts I can observe in the universe.
Maybe it's quantum physics.
Maybe it's the interdependent web of all existence.
Maybe I just want a simple word to sum up the beauty, grandeur, power, and energy in the cosmos.
Maybe that's why I use the word God.

I know that can be confusing to people. But I'm okay with being a little confusing. I'm okay with asking folks to think outside of a little box that contains that god that some people believe in, and for which most people have different definitions. I'm okay with stretching the definition of words a bit to use them in a new and powerful way (isn't that what the gay community did with the word "gay"? And what a beautiful thing that was! Why can't we do it?).

That voice that spoke to me... or from me... That day in graduate school forced me to reconsider the path I was on. It called me beyond my reasons and my calculations to something that could only be based on faith... Faith that if I followed that calling, it would work out alright. I followed that calling, and I am grateful to the God of Many Names for speaking loudly that day.

To the Supreme Court I go... (JC)

During Bill Clinton’s re-election campaign, laws to strengthen the US/Mexico border were enacted in order to influence voters in the large electoral states of California and Texas.  In particular, one law required that a 14-foot fence be built across 40 miles of the border, essentially blocking access to California.  If immigrants from Mexico wanted to enter the US now, they would have to cross extremely desolate area of the Arizona desert – something US officials considered highly unlikely.

However, they underestimated the desperation of immigrants who sought freedom from poverty and oppression.  What happened next fundamentally changed the country’s relationship with the state of Arizona.

The floodgates of Arizona were opened; and the border crossers, determined to find freedom and opportunity, continued their trek across the desert.  Some found their freedom, but many perished on the journey.  The dangers of the desert do not deter these people, and many lose their lives each day.

In 2010, Arizona State Senate Bill 1070 (SB 1070) became law and made national headlines.  It had many similarities to the controversial Patriot Act, in that it gave law enforcement officers the power to detain and/or harass anyone they felt “looked suspicious” or those resembling “illegal” immigrants.  This heavy-handed response was, in part, Arizona’s answer to the Clinton Administration’s border laws.  Arizona lawmakers felt such laws sent Mexicans pouring across their borders, and “infecting” their state with immigrants.

The real problem is SB 1070 which exacerbates racial profiling and discrimination against Mexicans.  It takes us back to the “Jim Crow” South, and more recently to the Trayvon Martin case – if you look a certain way, you are automatically “suspicious” or a criminal.  My friends still kid me about “Driving While Black” – but, unfortunately, it is true that when you are a person of color, whether Muslim, Black, or Hispanic, you are often-times guilty until proven innocent.

On Monday, April 23, I will be speaking out against SB 1070.  Join me, other Unitarian Universalists, and people of faith at 10:00 AM in front of the Supreme Court building in Washington, DC to say NO to this bigoted bill.  Come stand in solidarity with our brown brothers and sisters who deserve to be treated with worth and dignity.  “Can I see another’s woe and not be in sorrow too?” (William Blake)

There is no easy solution, but SB 1070 is not the answer.  Arguments are being heard by the Supreme Court next week which could render the bill useless, or uphold this prejudiced law.  We all agree that a solution must be sought, but intolerance is not the way.  Will you stand with me?

--Rev. John

Faith at its Best…. (AZ)

Religious historian William Cantwell Smith wrote, "Faith at its best has taken the form of a quiet confidence and joy which enable one to feel at home in the universe." Unitarian Universalists also believe that our faith journeys are meant to lead us to joy and confidence in our ability to be at home in the universe.

Recently, I have used this quote and some related questions to guide my spiritual practice. First I reflected:

• What are my blessings?
• What difficult situations have I faced? What enabled me to get through these situations?
• What ultimately keeps me keeping on?
• What can I affirm?
• What gives me the quiet confidence and joy which enables me to feel at home in the universe?

From there I started to design….

My first art reflection related to a wonderful, theological poem by Kathleen Sheeder Bonanno, “You can try to strangle light.” From her poem, I borrowed the idea of having faith in the passage of time, in the continuity of the sun always rising, in life seeking one out. I placed a green circle below my boat, to reflect the living life of which I am a part. In this green circle is an eye, which represents the deep grounding I experience in witnessing to other’s lives and to having mine witnessed in return. My boat represents the great journey I am on, and my recognition that I depend upon smooth skies, steady wind, and safe harbors. Finally, the rainbow (in chakra colors) represents the covenant that I have with the universe and with myself. I covenant to show up for others and to respect the worth and interdependence of all life.

I thought that this was my response. Until I re-did the exercise again last week.

This time, it had different nuances. My base was not the sun, but the starscape. I feel great wonder and humility at living amongst trillions of stars. I feel loss at the fact that light pollution blocks this starscape from our view. Even with the beauty of the stars, the earth still has an oversized place in my heart – particularly its mountains. Upon this planet, I affirm my desire for harmony, for humans to live into the beloved community. I expressed this by having small figures dancing in a circle, holding hands. The earth is held by a heart. To me this represents the spirit of love that pervades our existence, and how we are meant to listen to the heartbeat of the universe.

Both of these art reflections are my true, and quick, answers to these deep questions. By doing this exercise twice I recognize that I find meaning, purpose and affirmations in many places. I hope this week that you also find time to explore these questions; through this exercise or another.

Blessings upon your week,

Anastassia Zinke

Keep the Faith (FM)

It was great to see and hear our youth on Sunday - they are a passionate, creative and energetic group!  At one point in the service, one of the speakers made a slip which she caught immediately: She referenced Unitarian Universalism’s seven “commandments,” paused and said, “I can’t believe I just said that.  I mean our seven Principles.”  It was a moment of lightness and transparency and everyone chuckled, in part I think, because we understand that the Principles may be the closest thing we UUs have to a creed, or to commandments.  But, of course, they are not.

            The Unitarian Universalist Principles state our faith’s vision of the Beloved Community.  I’m sure that you have heard me – and the other UUCA ministers – speak about Beloved Community, an idea authored by Josiah Royce, but popularized by the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  Shirley Strong writes that the term Beloved Community means “an inclusive, interrelated society based on love, justice, compassion, responsibility, shared power and a respect for all people, places, and things—a society that radically transforms individuals and restructures institutions.”  Our Principles describe what living as (or into) the Beloved Community means.  I love the way our UUCA Board has incorporated Beloved Community into their work.  They have written: “The Unitarian Universalist Church of Annapolis exists to create the Beloved Community by inspiring and empowering all souls to lead bold and compassionate lives.”

            Unitarian Universalism is a covenantal faith, not a creedal one. If you “clicked” on the link above and read the Principles and then kept going, through the “Sources” section (that begins with “The living tradition which we share draws from many sources …”) and then to the final paragraph where in the last sentence you finally get to the language of covenant: “As free congregations we enter into this covenant, promising to one another our mutual trust and support.” (emphasis added)  If it had been up to me, I would have begun this vital and vibrant piece – our Principles – with these words: “Promising to one another our mutual trust and support, we covenant to affirm and promote …” This says it clearly: We are a covenantal faith, a way of religion that places our relationships at the center of our vision of the Beloved Community; the Beloved Community is our relationships and we exist to inspire and empower bold and compassionate living.  Living in covenant, being in relationship, making promises of trust and support – these are not for the faint of heart; it’s hard work. It can be challenging “to stay at the table” when we don’t agree with what’s being said, when conversations get prickly, when we’re confused. 

We experienced the promise of covenant following the youth’s service when we held our Annual Meeting and we had a glimpse of what working in the spirit of covenant looks like.  The meeting was filled with thorough presentations, animated discussion following good questions and while there was room for deepening and broadening the experience, it was good.  Some of you noted that there must have been many hours of planning and conversation that went into shaping our time together – and yes there were!  Having strict and unchanging rules – having creeds – might have made the meeting move faster and more efficiently (perhaps there would have been no need for a meeting!), but this is not the way we follow in Unitarian Universalism.

            Creeds and commandants would be so much clearer and easier.  As Unitarian Universalists we have chosen a challenging way of shaping and living our religion.  And I love it!

Take care and see you soon,

            Fred

Justice for Trayvon Martin and All Our Children! (JC)

Last Sunday I was in the front row, just sitting and listening, when I looked up and saw my youngest son, Zephyr, standing beside me pointing to the seat nearest me. He wanted to sit with his daddy. I put my arm around him and held him close. I cherished this moment, as it doesn’t happen as much as I’d like. As I clung to his gangly body, I felt the thickness of his jacket. I looked at him and I saw Trayvon Martin.

Zephyr was wearing a hoodie with his hood on during worship.

After church, I saw Trayvon again. My oldest son, JT, had his Batman hoodie on. He thinks he’s a superhero these days… Last Sunday I saw, in both my children, that they too could be innocent victims like Trayvon. I realized that I could no longer be silent about the murder of this innocent kid less than a month ago. As an African American man raising black boys, I have to take a stand and I’m asking you to join me!

This Saturday, March 31^st, at noon, I will be joining members from All Souls Church in a “Rally for Justice” on Judiciary Square in Washington DC (5^th and F Streets, NW, red line metro).  PLEASE JOIN ME! Look for the Annapolis banner along with my hoodie and stole.

And on Sunday April 1^st, I invite you to wear a hoodie to church in solidarity with all who seek justice for Trayvon Martin’s family.

See you this weekend!

- Rev. John Crestwell

Who You Gonna Call? (Not the Ghostbusters!)

This month, our worship theme is “Redemption.”

Redemption can mean being saved from sin or error, being delivered or rescued, or being changed for the better. Our Universalist ancestors believed that all humans would be redeemed, not just a select few. Our Unitarian ancestors believed that redemption was up to the individual; the way we lived our lives would redeem us.

These are very lofty perspectives on redemption, and they are perspectives I happen to agree with, theologically, but I can assure you that these and other views on redemption will be explored from the pulpit this month. For now, I want to talk about a much simpler, much more down-to-earth topic, and how it is being redeemed: UUCA Communication.

In the transitions of the past few years, UUCA has gained and lost staff members, and other staff members have changed roles. Portfolios that were covered by one person are now covered by two, or more, and things are a little confusing. The staff are aware of this problem, this error, and we are striving to redeem our Communication methods: to improve them for the better.    …So, who you gonna call?

Order of Service: Michele (OrderofService@uuca-md.org) You might have noticed the colored sheets in the Order of Service the past few weeks. These announcements are the same as before, but they are more clearly labeled and colored so more people will take them home, read them, and use them. These announcements are specifically for upcoming events, save-the-dates, and general announcements. Send your short announcement to Michele by Wednesday to put them in the Order of Service.

In the Know: Dayna (IntheKnow@uuca-md.org) Our weekly e-newsletter is sent out each Wednesday. To have your short announcement included in In the Know, send it to Dayna by Monday. This e-newsletter is changing a bit: Instead of starting with the Minister’s Column, it will highlight an upcoming event for that week. The rest of In the Know will be the same as before: Short, concise announcements about events in the upcoming week, with a limited number of save-the-dates at the end.

Highlights: Michele (Highlights@uuca-md.org) Our monthly newsletter is changing a little bit: Since the Order of Service and In the Know are designed to get short calendar-related items into people’s hands, Highlights doesn’t also need to do the same. Highlights is the best place to put your follow-up article (The Reason Rally was great! Thank you to those who served dinner at the Lighthouse Shelter!), inspirational story, or notice. The front page of Highlights will feature one of the minister’s articles from that month (like this one, here!). Longer articles can be submitted to Highlights, by the 12^th of each month.

Minister’s Blog: The ministers are moving their thoughts to a dedicated blog. The link to the blog will be listed on our website and in In the Know and Highlights, but if you want to know what’s on our minds, you can access the blog any time. Your four ministers will post weekly articles, as well as musings, book suggestions, notes on music, etc.  http://uucaministers.blogspot.com/

Facebook: Several groups in the church have “Groups” on Facebook to communicate amongst themselves. The church now has its own “Fan Page” that you can “Like” to continue the conversation from the sermons, events, or current issues: www.facebook.com/UUCAnnapolis

Website: Our UUCA website is still up and running. The staff has been hard at work in the redesign process, with help from web/tech professionals, to improve our website’s appearance and functionality. We hope to have an improved website up and running in the next 3 to 6 months. www.uuca-md.org

Our hope is that these various methods of communication will each serve their own unique purpose, while also creating easy-to-access venues for everyone to find what they are looking for. We hope these methods will support the work that the church is doing, that you are doing, by “inspiring and empowering all souls to live bold and compassionate lives!”  

Blessings,

Rev. Christina Leone

Faith Development Minister