Welcome to the Harbor Unitarian Universalist Congregation

This past Sunday I had an enjoyable time speaking to the Congregation and talked about 'Going Forward'. A part of my message was about our 7th principle, "Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part."

In particular I mused on how as a leader of the Congregation I have to balance the needs of HUUC with those of the Muskegon community, the Heartland District, the UUA and in fact the world.

Obviously a big recent event was the tsunami. No question it is one of the worst tragedies ever. Recently during HUUC services we've heard appeals to donate money to the UUSA and UUSC for their relief efforts.

I wondered how HUUC fits into this part of the interdependent world. When we know from serving at Supper House that there are neighbors without food, when we know there are people without heat close to home how much emphasis should we give to aiding Tsunami victims? Is it the best use of our time and money?

Nana talks about growing generous hearts or overcoming pinched hearts. Maybe my thoughts on the tsunami show my heart still has growing to do.

After the service a HUUC member told me he agreed with my thoughts on the Tsunami. One of the points he made was that you could help the Tsunami victims in multiple ways. There doesn't seem to be a website, TV station, newspaper etc. that doesn't have a channel for Tsunami help.

I know I donated through amazon.com soon after the event. Even today I noticed I could still donate money while I was shopping for music at Apple's Itunes store.

I think this is a valid point. We have limited resources both in terms of time and funds. While helping tsunami victims is no question good thing, it might not be the best thing considering there are other avenues through which good can be accomplished.

And then this morning I was driving down Laketon Ave. Outside the rescue mission their notice board said something like serving others is a way to thank god.

Maybe in this case getting down to a granular level and looking at what is a better way to serve...writing a check for tsunami victims or serving food at supper house is not the point. Rather the point is that service is a way of saying thanks, being humble and getting on with what needs to be done. Good luck in all your service!

Ike