RIDING THE CREST (JC)

I am so pleased and thankful to have been given the opportunity to be the Sunday morning preacher at this year's General Assembly in Phoenix, Arizona.  For those who missed the worship service , you missed a treat!  There were 192 voices in the choir, a large house band, and over 4,000 people in attendance singing along jubilantly to hymns and choir songs. Your ministers were all participants in the service and by the number of comments we received after worship ended, we could all conclude that the service was a success.

I want to personally thank Marty Day for making the lovely stoles you see in the photo.  As I said in the sermon, "We looked marvelous!"  I also want to say "thank you" to those UUCA members who came all the way to Phoenix to support us.

For me, this powerful service marks the end of my church year and the beginning of summer.  As I go into the month of July, I plan to take time for study.  I am looking forward to reading several books.  I have a few I'd like to recommend to you, as these books more than likely will influence my ministry here with you in the coming months.

• The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander (She was one of the worship leaders at GA)
• The Persistence of the Color Line by Randall Kennedy (Fred's recommendation)
• How We Decide by John Lehrer
• It Was on Fire When I Lay Down on It by Robert Fulghum
• Voice from the Margins by Jacqui James and Mark Morrison-Reed
• The New Species: A Vision of the Evolution of The Human Being by Dr. Cherie Carter-Scott
• Guns, Germs, and Steel:  The Fates of Human Societies, by Jared Diamond

I am so thankful to you, UUCA, for allowing me the spiritual time needed to continue the vibrant ministry we have together.  We have had a great church-year!  We have lived boldly and compassionately.  I look forward to continuing the journey with you soon.

In the name of Love,

Rev. John

 

The 8th Principle (C)

In the Unitarian Universalist tradition, you hear a lot about the “7 Principles”. These are the backbone of our covenant with one another, the agreement we have made to walk together in right relationship and right action. We affirm and promote, through our Principles, respect for all people and our environment, free inquiry, use of conscience and democratic process, and justice for all.

What many Unitarian Universalists, especially those who are new to our religion, do not realize, is that these were simply drafted and voted upon by a group of delegates at a General Assembly a few decades ago. These were not handed down on Mount Sinai, they are not etched in stone, and they are not from God. They were just written, and voted upon.  They can be changed! In fact, they should be changed! According the UUA bylaws, a review should be undertaken regularly of the Principles, and changes should be made accordingly.

I'd like to propose an 8th Principle (This could be a suggested principle for our own hearts, even if it's never officially on paper) … "We affirm and promote these Principles, and honor our Sources of Inspiration, with a spirit of openness, gratitude, and humility."

Sources of Inspiration? These are the items that immediately follow the 7 Principles any time they're printed! You can find them in our gray hymnal or on the back of our Orders of Service. They describe the multiple ways Unitarian Universalists are inspired in their path, including one's own experiences and conscience, Judeo-Christian tradition and world religions, wisdom teachings of prophetic men and women, Earth-centered traditions, and science and reason. The beautiful thing about these sources is that they are ALL available to us for inspiration. One or two might speak more loudly to you than the others, but they come together. They are not a menu from which to pick and choose.

A Spirit of Openness?  We pride ourselves on our open-minded approach to theology, but when it comes down to it, we can be as fundamentalist as any religious zealot. It is good to know your truth, and to speak it, but when you do that to the exclusion of other possibilities, or other ways of life, you have abandoned the true Unitarian Universalist path.

Gratitude? Most newcomers to our churches, when I first speak to them, say something like this: "I am so grateful to have found a place where I can truly be myself, believe what I have known all my life, and ask questions!" At what point do we begin to take all of that for granted? Let's remember the gift this faith has offered us, and receive it with gratitude over and over again.

Humility?  Humility is the fruit of gratitude. When I first attended a Unitarian Universalist church, I remember the minister opening her prayer with the phrase "God of many names, whose mystery is beyond all our naming…" and I remember feeling so humble in that moment. We don't know God's name. We don't know much of anything, as humans. We strive to learn and grow each day, but we are still small, and we are still a piece of this grand universe. Fred told the story last Sunday of the blind wise people and the elephant. Each held a piece of the truth, but they could not grasp the whole thing, and so they misunderstood each other. Let's remember to be humble in our dealings with each other, with others we might not understand, or those with whom we disagree.

Our 7 Principles are a covenant, not a statement of belief. A covenant is a promise we make to each other, about how we are going to live our lives and create the beloved community. I would like us to think about not just WHAT we are going to do, but HOW we are going to do it. With openness, gratitude, and humility!

Blessings… -Rev. Christina

Running as a Spiritual Practice (AZ)

In eighth grade, I started running X-Country.   I think I initially joined because, like many 13-year olds, several older classmen that I most admired ran X-Country.  They exuded joy, pride, and enthusiasm; I wanted those things.  I imagined that I too would have boastful tales of how many miles I ran that week, and would be able to commiserate over how many hills or flights of stairs I tackled that day.  In short, I was young, and wanted to have my own experiences and stories.

So from late August through early December, I ran roughly 20 - 30 miles a week, skipping Sundays.  Here are a few things that I learned through this practice:

1)      It always helps to have a “restart” button to any day.  I loved that no matter how badly my day was going – no matter the grade in Math or French – I was able to start again with X-Country in the afternoon, and there, try to accomplish something.  I discovered that a day’s fate is never sealed.

2)      It isn’t about beating the competition; it is about doing your best.  Because people have different bodies and differing levels of running experience, it quickly seems impractical to simply compare runner to runner.  But every runner knows what it means to chase their PB or BT – their “personal best” or “best time.”  That is the kind of challenge I want to face every day.

3)      Only rarely do we reach our maximum potential.  Sometimes, I would find myself making excuses, or holding back.  It is easy to think that “Well, I will push it on the straight away,” or “I am so tired today.”  During my final race in eighth grade, I really wanted to do my best, so I decided to set my pace to another runner – Elaine – who was a stronger runner than I was.  I stayed with her for the first third of the race, until her contact fell out and she had to stop.  She encouraged me on, into the hills, but I felt demoralized.  How could I do my best without Elaine?  I ended up walking off and on through those hills until I recognized that I was the one running, that I had been keeping up with Elaine, and that I still felt strong.  I pushed it in for my season’s PB.  When I hear such thoughts now, and at other times of the day, I am better able to recognize that I likely have capabilities that I am not allowing myself to tap into. 

4)      It helps to have a place where everyone knows your name.  During X-Country practice, I got to share of myself and hear others’ stories in return.  We would talk – even sing – as we ran, which helped build up our lung capacity, but which also built a spirit of community.  Because we were runners, we knew what it meant to feel empowered and to respect our bodies.  I would turn to these wise young women for advice, support and commiseration.  With them, I always knew I would be welcome.

5)      I don’t run; I am a runner.  Many people can run, but not all of them will love it.  For not all of them will it become part of their identity.  I run because it is who I am.  I run because when I run I feel incredibly myself – honest and aware of where I am, and how I am living my life.  I am forced to acknowledge any anxiety I bring, or anger, or fear, or hurt.  I run to discover, and to know myself more deeply.  I run to meditate and reach that state where I am simply being and not processing.  Through running I discover a sense of easy companionship with myself.

I identify running as a spiritual practice for me, because it helps me become more grounded, more aware, and less self-focused.  I am grateful for all the places I have run, for the people I have run with, and for my ability to return to this life-affirming practice.   I hope that your practice – whatever it may be – also provides valuable life lessons and that it becomes a meaningful part of your identity. 

- Anastassia

Phoenix, Here We Come! (FM)

Every June thousands of Unitarian Universalists gather for the UUA annual General Assembly.  This year’s event will be in Phoenix, AZ.Ministers arrive on June 18 and lay delegates come on June 20.It’s a unique Assembly this year because the theme is “JusticeGA.  ”You can hear President Morales’ invitation by clicking here.  At least a dozen members of UUCA will be attending and bringing home the “Good News” of GA.
           For your Ministry Team, this GA will be unlike any other.  We are excited about having been asked to bring our ministry to Phoenixand sharing it with so many other UUs.  As your ministers, we have always known that UUCA is a special congregation; now we’re going to share it with thousands of others during two major gatherings

           On Wednesday, June 20, I will be delivering the 192^nd Berry Street Lecture. Started in 1820 by William Ellery Channing, the BSL is the oldest continuing lecture in North America.  Rev. John will be introducing me to the audience of 500+ UU ministers.   My presentation is entitled “From iChurch to Beloved Community: Ecclesiology and Justice,” and in many ways you have heard it all!  That is, much of what I will be sharing grew from ideas that originated here at UUCA. Two ministers will give responses to my lecture: UUA President Morales and Kimberly Tomazewski (last year’s UUCA intern). I am honored and humbled to have been asked to do this (and will be happy when it’s over!).

           Then on Sunday, June 24, your Ministry Team will be conducting the biggest worship service of the Assembly. Anastassia will be lighting the chalice and giving the opening words, I will be speaking the prayer/reflection, Christina will be telling the “story for all ages,” and John will be delivering the sermon. The congregation will number 4000+! It promises to be an experience to remember. You can watch the service live by tuning into the streaming video link on June 24 (at 12 pm). We hope to arrange for watching it here at the church, so look for an announcement about this special and fun gathering.

           Both of these experiences are “once in a lifetime” opportunities. We will be holding you – the members and friends of UUCA – in our hearts and spirits as we travel to Phoenix and tell of the ministry we share with you.
           Take care and see you soon,
                         Fred

The Meaning of Membership (CL)

At the December congregational meeting, the "Improving Congregational Meetings Committee" passed out index cards and invited people to submit questions regarding the budget, which Jackie Heimbuch and Rev. Fred answered. 

One question wasn't really related to the budget, but Rev. Fred held on to it, and passed it along to me to answer…

"What are the advantages of church membership or incentives for membership? Other churches charge more for workshops and classes for non-members. Can non-members still wear blue nametags? Why be a member if you still have all the privileges if you don't pledge?"

My ministerial portfolio includes working with the Membership Team, which has wrestled with this very question. The question poses some interesting points; it's true, we don't charge money for our classes, for children's Religious Exploration, or for most events. We allow non-members and visitors to take part in all of those activities free of charge. Why bother being a member?

Here are some of the practical reasons:

1. Members get to wear blue nametags.

2. Ministers will officiate weddings, unions, memorial services and baby dedications free of charge to members. Building rentals are free or very reduced-cost to members.

3. Most lay-leadership positions are reserved for members. You cannot chair a committee or serve on the Board of Trustees as a non-member.

4. Members shape the direction of the church. Members vote on the budget, Board elections, calling or ordaining a minister, approving capital campaign or building plans, etc.. Democracy is a pillar of our faith (Principle #5) and exercising the right to vote is an important way of being a part of this congregation. In addition, while everyone has their opinions, the leadership of the church (including the ministers) gives the perspectives and opinions of members more weight than those of non-members.

  5. Serving as a delegate to Joseph Priestley District Assembly or UUA General Assembly is a right reserved for members. As with voting on issues of importance to UUCA, voting on issues of importance to our larger faith tradition and organization is also a privilege.

But, more importantly, I believe the reasons to be a member of this faith community have less to do with practical and pragmatic reasons, and more to do with reasons of meaning, depth, and commitment.

Consider for a moment, the debate over Marriage Equality. Why, in states where Civil Unions are legal for same-sex couples, are people still fighting for Marriage Equality? For the most part, the pragmatic details are the same. But there is something deeper, something more meaningful about Marriage, and same-sex couples and their allies are fighting for the right to have Marriage, not just the pragmatic rights and privileges. When someone chooses to join this congregation as a member, they are entering into a committed relationship, a covenant, with this community (a little bit like a marriage). The benefits are nice, but the act of taking one's faith journey seriously, and committing to walk beside members of this church as we work toward creating the Beloved Community, and being recognized as doing so, these are the real reasons we join a church community.

The Unitarian Universalist Church of Annapolis is not a pay-for-service commodity.  It is not the grocery store or the movie theater. It is an organization which provides services constantly to those who need them, whether they are members or not, whether they are UU or not. Choosing to join in membership with us says, "I believe in what this church offers. I support all the work of the church, even the parts that don't pertain directly to me. I want to partner with those efforts, and I choose to support this community with my time, talents, energy, ideas, and money." 

We are so blessed to be a community of such diverse, loving, committed people. I appreciate all of you, and I know that membership is an honor and a responsibility that most of you take very seriously. Thank you for that… It is through your commitment that this place will continue to be here, for those who seek us in the future.

RIDING THE CREST...

 
Need a visit or a call from one of your ministers?  The UUCA ministerial team is here for you.  As your Associate Minister with a social justice portfolio, I spend much of my time in the community.  However, I am still one of YOUR ministers and I'm here to provide pastoral counseling and care to you and your family when needed.  My colleagues echo my sentiment and are available as well.

Additionally, UUCA has a Pastoral Care Team that is also available.  They are just an e-mail away.  Contact Jeanne Slawson jeanneslawson@gmail.com  or Caroline Hadley c_hadley@verizon.net. 

We know there are many pains, transitions, homecomings/goings, and sorrows in our congregation.  Your ministers are here to celebrate and mourn with you.  Please do not shy away from reaching out to us.  Remember, we cannot always know your hurt or struggle unless you express it to us.

Together we will continue to build a church that nurtures the spirit and feeds the soul as we build bold and compassionate lives together.  Talk to you soon.

Rev. John
associate@uuca-md.org

Email for UUCA Ministers

Fred Muir -  minister@uuca-md.org
Christina Leone - faithdev@uuca-md.org
Anastassia Zinke - intern@uuca-md.org

Martin Luther and Diaper-Changing (CL)

On Sunday (May 13, Mother's Day), the Wonder Box contained a diaper.
You never know what's going to be in the Wonder Box!
The diaper was significant because it represented the story of Martin Luther, the 16th century priest and reformer who began the Protestant Reformation. Luther became a father and he once wrote a famous piece in which he discusses the importance of humbly serving God, in a way that allows people to respond to many callings, not just the calling to the priesthood. His point here is to emphasize serving God with humility (and while his theology is not our theology, and his times are not our times, this lesson in humility can be helpful).
I told you I'd post it to the blog, so here it is. Enjoy!   -Rev. Christina

 Here's what he wrote...

"Now you tell me, when a father goes ahead and washes diapers or performs some other mean task for his child, and someone ridicules him as an effeminate fool, though that father is acting in the spirit just described and in Christian faith, my dear fellow you tell me, which of the two is most keenly ridiculing the other? God, with all his angels and creatures, is smiling, not because that father is washing diapers, but because he is doing so in Christian faith. Those who sneer at him and see only the task but not the faith are ridiculing God with all his creatures, as the biggest fool on earth. Indeed, they are only ridiculing themselves; with all their cleverness they are nothing but devil’s fools."