Welcome to the Harbor Unitarian Universalist Congregation: March 2005 Archives

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March 29, 2005

HUUC Vision & Mission

At the March board meeting the Board of Trustees approved a new Vision and Mission Statement for HUUC. It will be approved by the Congreation at the upcoming annual meeting.

HUUC VISION

Harbor Unitarian Universalist Congregation is a dynamic liberal, religious community that protects and nourishes spiritual
freedom, integrity, intellect
and service.

HUUC MISSION

We welcome all and reach out to those who seek a liberal faith community.

Our religious education for children and our services and programs address spiritual, intellectual and ethical life issues.

We provide friendship to the lonely, comfort to the sick and distressed, assistance
to the needy and fellowship to all.

We invite you to come walk with us.

Posted by harboruu at 01:54 PM | Comments (0)

March 27, 2005

At Home in the Universe

When I was a child, attending the Methodist Churches of my native Southern Illinois, I was a good and faithful Methodist. I believed the stories I heard from my Sunday School teachers were literally true. I loved them. Jesus was a miracle worker who turned water into wine, walked on water, healed sick people, raised Lazarus from the dead, and came back to life following his crucifixion.

The Methodist Church of my adolescence had a very good youth minister. We gathered in talk sessions that ranged over matters of faith and morals. No question was out of bounds. However, I soon learned that the answer to some of my questions was often, "Oh, you have to take that on faith." I felt like I had bumped my head on a ceiling.

When I left for college at age 17 I also left the church. I was a long time coming back. I knew I could no longer accept the Biblical and Faith stories I learned as a child as fact. But I had nothing else with which to replace them.

In Theological School, I learned that this is a usual path for faith develop-ment. Most of us learn a simple, literal faith when we are children, assuming our parents expose us to religion. In adolescence we outgrow our childish faith and reject it. Later, as we learn and grow, we move on to an adult faith, often within the same church in which we learned our childhood faith.

It took me a long time to find an adult faith. For many years I kept religion at a distance. Finally, in my late 30s I found the Unitarian Universalist church in Jackson, Mississippi. I felt like I had come home. Here was a rational religion that did not insult my intelligence. I embraced it eagerly.

Later, after experiencing tragedy, I deepened my faith. I learned that there was more to my church than a rejection of irrational beliefs. I learned that it offered a faith that supported me through dark nights of the soul. Finally I truly felt At Home in the Universe.

Bringing God Home is the title of Unitarian Universalist minister and author Rev. Forrest Church's latest book. In it he traces the development of his faith, much as I just did for you. The title of this sermon, At Home in the Universe, is taken from a concluding chapter in that book. I was captivated by the title; feeling At Home in the Universe seems like a great accomplishment. One must have gone through a great deal of spiritual development to claim that one really feels At Home in the Universe. One must have battled through the demons of doubt and despair to be able to say those words.

One must have confidence in one's current faith stance, one must have experi-enced testing, and comfort, and joy and sorrow to be able to express that one is At Home in the Universe.

So, how do we get there? In crafting this sermon I began by thinking about the nature of humankind. We humans are certainly based in our animal bodies. We can trace our similarities to other animals. Scientists tell us that we share a very high percentage of the same genes as many other animals--including mice! We are cousins to the dolphins and kissin' cousins to chimpanzees. We are certainly creatures--and yet we are also more than animals.

We are animals raised to consciousness. We are able to reflect, and to reflect on reflection. As far as we know, we are the only creatures able to do so. We don't quite fit with the rest of the animal world.

Orthodox religion expresses this as saying that humans are only a little less than the angels. We are seen as all Children of God, with a spark of divinity that re-sides within each human heart. We are more than animals and less than angels.

There is a classic scene in Stanley Kubrick's movie, 2001: A Space Odyssey that illustrates this uncomfortable fact. Ape-like hominids gather in a circle, a fight imminent. One picks up a stick to use as a club, and tosses it into the air--where it morphs into a space ship. Animals have transmuted into humans, raised to consciousness, but carrying with them the needs and some reactions of their animal ancestors.

Faced with this reality, we look around and say, "Who's in charge here? Surely there is something larger than I, something that planned this whole thing--this earth, this universe, this cosmos. What does this all mean? What does it mean to be alive, and to know that I must die? Where do I fit in this immense universe?"

From antiquity, even from pre-history, it has been the task of religion to struggle with these questions. Many religions have condensed these questions into one central one: Wherein lies the Divine?

And the differing answers that humans found have shaped lives and tribes and societies and empires. They have caused wars and struggles and pain and distress. And they have inspired writers and artists and peace activists and people who feed the hungry. Wherein lies the Divine? And what must I do in response to my answer?

Our nation is observing with rapt fascination the effects of two answers to those questions. In Florida a young woman lies, near death now, in a comatose state. Her husband understands his response to the above questions in one way. Her parents understand theirs in another. They have been locked in a political and legal struggle for 12 years over their response to her condition.

I weep for all members of the family of Terri Schaivo. I am a bereaved mother and a widow. I know the depths of grief. There is no good and easy answer to the questions raised by such cases. Michael Schaivo understands the Divine in one way, and he is responding responsibly to that understanding. Mr. & Mrs. Schindler understand the Divine to require different action. How our government has responded and continues to respond to their pleas will shape our society.

How each person and each society answers the question of Wherein lies the Divine? shapes their society and how it responds to the world. Through the course of time, many answers have been found. There are theist and non-theist answers. Within theism there are monotheists and polytheists. Within mono-theism there are competing claims for the name and allegiance to of the one god.

Here, in this faith community, there are also differing answers to the central question. And they reflect the variety within the world at large. We have theist and non-theist answers, monotheists and polytheists, and differing understand-ings within monotheism. The difference is that, unlike the larger world, where people war over their differing understandings of the Divine, here we coexist peacefully.

We honor each person's search for truth and meaning, and if we find different answers, we respect those answers as being true for that person. We gather in classes where faith is explored in four paths; humanism, mysticism, naturalism, and theism.

We select which path is most true for us, and we listen to the truths that our com-panions on the path have found. Then we listen to the truths that companions on the other paths have found. We support all our faith companions on their journeys.

Or we explore together as each person seeks to build his or her own theology. And we respect the answers each person finds. To do so, we use several methods. There is a phrase used by orthodox ministers, Search the Scriptures. We utilize this method also, however our definition of scriptures is broader than the Holy Bible of Christianity. We include the writings of many religions, the learning of Science, and the wisdom found in poems and literature. And we search all these scriptures for truth.

We add to the truth that we find there the wisdom of experience. Ralph Waldo Emerson, Unitarian minister, poet, essayist and orator, addressed the graduating class of Harvard Divinity School in 1838. He told the graduates that it was part of their task to present to their parishioners life passed through the fire of thought. Emerson's phrase highlighted the emphasis of the use of reason that marked Unitarians as different from orthodox Christianity.

Reason has been celebrated as desirable and necessary from the early inception of our faith. We do not check our minds at the door. We do not require a suspension of the laws of Nature to make sense of our faith. We take the wisdom of scriptures AND the wisdom of our experience and pass it through the fire of thought. Then we find what rings true for us, and declare it to be our source of faith.

For Forrest Church, that source changed during the course of his ministry. He was a rational humanist at the beginning, adorning his walls with architectural drawings of great buildings. However, over the course of his life, he changed. The challenges of ministry were part of the change. The challenges of living and especially the challenge of overcoming his dependence on alcohol were parts of the change. Now, he counts himself as a theist, and van Gogh's Starry Night adorns his wall.

However, it is not the god of childhood that he embraces. It is closer to the god of process theology. That is the god who creates good in the world. This god continues to create good throughout history. Since humans also create good, they are included in the godhead. It is this god that he posits as a possible part of a theology for the 21st Century.

Let us return to his metaphor of the Cathedral of the World, with an infinite num-ber of windows through which shine an infinite number of patterns of divinity. He says that,

As with any extended metaphor, this one is imperfect. The Light of God (or Truth or Being Itself) shines not only upon us but out from within us as well. Together with the windows, we are part of the cathedral, not apart from it. We constitute an interdependent web of being. The cathedral is con-structed out of star stuff, and so are we. We are part of the creation that contemplates itself. (Church, Forrest, Bringing God Home, St. Martin's Griffin, New York, 2002, p. 219)

The Cathedral of the World is vast, and our lives are short, so we can only experience a small part of creation. We can only speculate on the truths illuminated by a small number of windows. Church then says,

A twenty-first-century theology based on the concept of one Light and many windows promises its adherents both breadth and focus. Honoring many different religious approaches, it excludes only the truth claims of absolut-ists. This is because fundamentalists--whether of the right or on the left--claim that the Light shines through their window only. Skeptics draw the opposite conclusion. Seeing the bewildering variety of windows and observing the folly of the worshipers, they conclude that there is no Light. But the windows are not the Light, they are only where the light shines through. (Ibid.)

He pursues his argument against fundamentalists, saying, "Not only have they been taught to worship at a single window, but they also incite one another to demonstrate their faith by throwing stones through other people's windows." (Ibid)

Church suggests that the one Light and many windows approach can be called universalism. He says that "a twenty-first-century universalism tempers the consequences of inevitable ignorance and meets the need for focus, while addressing the overarching crisis of our times: dogmatic division in an ever more intimate, fractious, yet interdependent world. It posits the following fundamental principles:

1.There is one Power, one Truth, one God, one Light.

2.This Light shines through every window in the cathedral.

3.No one can perceive it directly, the mystery being forever veiled.

4.Yet on the cathedral floor, and in the eyes of each beholder, refracted and reflected through different windows in differing ways, it plays in patterns that suggest meanings, challenging us to interpret and live by these meanings as best we can.

5.Each window illumines Truth (with a capital T) in a unique way, leading to various truths (with a lowercase t) and these in differing measure according to the insight, receptivity, and behavior of the beholder.

And, Church claims, when we find the window through which our own Truth (with a capital T) shines, we will then be At Home in the Universe.

Whether this truth be theist, as it is for him, or non-theist, as it is for many liberal religionists, it is the truth that will help us find meaning for our lives. It will allow us to explore the Light deeply, to search for its subtle shades of meaning, to see how they relate to the Lights refracted from other windows.

On this Easter Sunday, the millions of people who find their Light shining through the thousands of windows labeled Christianity celebrate the resurrection of their god as experienced in the life of Jesus of Nazareth. For them, this day com-memorates the event that was most significant in their faith. I honor their celebration and their faith.

For many of us Jesus of Nazareth was a great prophet, who taught lasting lessons of how to live justly and kindly in a difficult and dangerous world. We celebrate his teachings, and catch a glimpse of his Light through the windows that shape our understanding of the Divine. I believe that Jesus was At Home in the Universe, as he understood it.

However, like Forrest Church, I believe that there are many windows through which the Light shines, and there are many understandings of the Divine that make us feel at home in a world of trouble and an Universe far more immense than we can imagine. I encourage you to honor your family member or friend who celebrates Easter today, and the one who celebrates Seder next month. I encourage you to explore the radical monotheism of Islam with your friend and the mystical polytheism of earth-centered spirituality with your niece or nephew.
I encourage you to look for the colorful window through which your new acquaintance sees the Light.

Let us all see the Light that gives meaning to our lives, and let us all respect the Light that shines through other windows in the great Cathedral of the World.

Amen.
Blessed Be.
Shalom
Saalat.

Posted by harboruu at 08:54 AM | Comments (0)

March 23, 2005

HUUC Just Might Need You...

Currently we need to fill several positions in the congregation's leadership.

For instance we have 2 officers and 2 board members whose terms are coming up.

We need a permanent Worship Committee chair & are looking for someone to serve as a Volunteer Coordinator.

Also we want to appoint a new Finance Chair.

As ever there will be more openings after these are filled.

Our current Board of Trustees has a variety of members. Some have been with HUUC since 1987. Others just joined in November of 2003. 5 of the members have joined since I did in late 2001. So, no matter if you are a long time HUUC er or still feel new to the place, there is a role for you.

As I write we are in the midst of our annual pledge drive. Early indications are positive. Many have been able to be generous and increase their pledges. If you haven't returned yours yet please do so. This will make things more efficient for all.

It's not just your money we need. That's right we also need your time! I'm greedy I admit it. Those positions listed above aren't filled by magic or hypothetical people or someone else. They need to be filled by you.

In making this ask I want to be gentle, but not too much so. I know people lead busy lives, have families, and other obligations besides HUUC.

Nana often says that the UUA is us, in that we are the congregations that make it up and fund it.

Well, I say, we are HUUC. If we don't write the pledge checks, or fill leadership positions then it is not going to happen.

Recently the current hard working board approved a new Vision and Mission Statement for HUUC. The vision portion says, HUUC is a "dynamic liberal, religious community." Are we not liberal enough? Do you seek more dynamism? Then perhaps the worship committee is for you!

It then reads,HUUC "nourishes spiritual freedom, integrity..." It's hard to do that without funds. Perhaps there's a new finance chair out there?

The mission statement begins by saying "We welcome all..." That we do and we also welcome all to the Board of Trustees including the officer positions. This ask is a chance for you to help us welcome all by serving on the board.

"Our services and Programs" are mentioned. You can influence these by serving on the Worship Committee.

Let me add my personal philosophy. HUUC is a lot like the environment. What does this mean? Well, the environment is not out there. It is not a place we visit. It is in fact part of us all.

HUUC is the same. You are a part of our quest to become a "dynamic, liberal religious community". When HUUC needs something be it time, money, your skills, your strong back, your keen mind etc. part of you
should feel compelled to answer HUUC's needs. Because we are HUUC and we need to work together, not sit on the sidelines together.

As our mission statement reads: We invite you to come walk with us.

Ike Stephenson, Presdient of the Board of Trustees.

If you are interested in these positions contact myself, Anne English Rappaport of the Nominating Committee or Nana.

Posted by harboruu at 11:02 AM | Comments (0)

March 20, 2005

The Age of Prophets

The service today is a continuation of an occasional series on the sources of our Unitarian Universalist faith. We often preach on the seven principles that incorporate our values. However, seldom do we look at the six sources of these values. Both are printed in your Order of Service.

Earlier I have examined the first and fifth source, and the Christian half of the fourth source--Jewish and Christian teachings which call us to respond to God's love by loving our neighbors as ourselves. Today I examine the Jewish half of that source.

You will note in our reading today that Jeremiah was a reluctant prophet. "I am not a good speaker", he said, when Yahweh told him he was destined from before his conception to be a prophet. "I am too young." However, Yahweh was familiar with reluctant prophets, and did not take "I'd rather not" for an answer. "Don't be afraid," he said. "I will put my words into your mouth, and you will prophesy to the nations."

Now, this was not the first reluctant prophet Yahweh called. Do you remember the story of Moses and the Burning Bush? Moses also said he could not speak well. And Yahweh had an answer for him. " Your brother Aaron will assist you," he said. And thus Moses became the leader (with assistance) who, according to the Biblical story, freed the Israelites.

We think of ourselves as a prophetic faith. Much of that history comes from our Jewish ancestors. Today we are examining The Age of Prophets.

This week Grand Rapids hosted the Ten Commandments. Not just any Ten Commandments--this was the icon made famous by Judge Roy Moore, who erected it in an Alabama State courthouse. He was ordered to remove it by the Supreme Court, refused, and subsequently lost his job. This huge granite slab with the Ten Commandments is currently on tour in the United States.

Do you know what the very first Commandment is? Thou shalt have no other gods before me. When the ancient Israelites told the story of their founding, this was the most important part of their identity. In a larger culture that recognized many gods, the Israelites were monotheist. Most historians of the Bible think that monotheism developed gradually. They think that the no other gods before me phrase recognized that other nations had other gods. The unspoken name of the god of the Israelites, which we have variously translated as Yahweh, or the Lord, or God, has transmuted into the monotheist claim of the singular God.

Thus, the primary role of the ancient Israelite prophets was to remind the people that there was only one God, and that he was a jealous God. Time after time the Israelites were tempted away by other gods, who were, after all, present in the land of Caanan before the invading Israelites and their upstart Yahweh arrived in the land. There was Baal, a rain god, who was very important for pastoralists in a dry land. And there was the little goddess, Asherah, the goddess of fertility, who was very attractive to Hebrew women, whose worth was measured by the number of sons they produced.

Scholars tell us that the very fact that it was so often necessary for the prophets to remind the Israelites of God's singularity shows us that the transition from multiple gods who took care of differing problems to a single God of infinite power took a long time. Baal, Asherah and Yahweh coexisted uncomfortably for centuries. It took the work of the prophets, who spoke for Yahweh, combined with a difficult history of invasion, enslavement, survival and rebuilding to per-suade the Hebrews to embrace monotheism completely.

The second thing the prophets were called upon to do was to remind the people of their covenant with Yahweh. According to the Exodus story, here is what Yah-weh, speaking through Moses, promised the Hebrew people. "I am the LORD. I shall free you from your labors and deliver you to slavery. I shall rescue you with outstretched arm and with mighty acts of judgment. I shall adopt you as my people, and I shall be your God. You will know that I, the LORD, am your God, the God who frees you from your labors in Egypt. I shall lead you to the land which I swore with uplifted hand to give to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob. I shall give it you for your possession. I am the LORD."

Thus the LORD, or Yahweh, promised to give the Land of Caanan, or modern Israel, to the Hebrews in return for their adoration. However, the Israelites were also required to obey the commandments of Yahweh.

The Ten Commandments were only the beginning of Yahweh's laws. If you wish to read Exodus, chapters 20 forward, you will find many of them listed. (And if you wish to read the fine details, ad infinitum, they are in Leviticus.) They define the relationship of the Hebrews to Yahweh, to other people and to the land. They show a great concern for fair treatment, especially for powerless people. There are laws regarding how one must treat slaves, how one must compensate for accidental losses, and how one must treat widows and orphans. For example, in chapter 22 of Exodus, verses 22 - 24, we read; "You must not wrong a widow or a fatherless child. If you do, and they appeal to me, be sure that I shall listen; my anger will be roused and I shall kill you with the sword; your own wives will be-come widows and your children fatherless."

Many of the rules listed are specific to the land of ancient Israel both in time and place. They were formulated in a society that was tribal in culture. The people were traditionally pastoralists who were transitioning to an agricultural society. Thus, many of the rules are outdated. Few of us have to worry if our ox will gore the neighbor, or his pregnant wife or his slave. However, many of the rules were concerned with basic justice issues. While some of the rules had to do with economics, they expressed a concern that economic decisions be fair and equitable.

So, when a Jeremiah was called forth to speak God's words, the words were concerned with treating people fairly. He berated the rich and powerful, and those who worshipped Baal. Here is Jeremiah 2:29 - 34:

"Why argue your case with me? You are rebels, every one of you. This is the word of the LORD. In vain I punished your people--the lesson was not learnt; your sword devoured your prophets like a ravening lion. Have I shown myself to Israel as some wilderness or waterless land? Why do my people say, 'We have broken away; we shall come to you no more?'

Will a girl forget her finery or a bride her wedding ribbons? Yet times without number my people have forgotten me. …

Yes, and there is blood on the corners of your robe--the lifeblood of the innocent poor, though you did not catch them housebreaking. For all these things I shall punish you."

In this passage Yahweh speaks through Jeremiah, condemning the Israelites for straying from his worship, and for mistreating the poor. And he speaks of punish-ment.

Jeremiah lived in Jerusalem just before, during, and for a short while after the Babylonians conquered the city and destroyed the temple. He interpreted this event as the just punishment Yahweh meted out because of the unfaithfulness of his people. Today we would probably name this as "blaming the victim." However, at the time his work helped the Hebrews find meaning in the disaster.

He, and those writing in his name, interspersed threats of righteous punishment with messages of hope and consolation. Always the LORD called his people back to him, pleading for their love and esteem. Jeremiah did not have an easy life, nor an easy vocation.

So, what do Jeremiah and the other Hebrew prophets have to do with modern liberal religion? Classic Unitarianism developed because minister scholars studied the Bible and could not find satisfactory evidence of the doctrine of the trinity. They moved to an affirmation of the unity of God. They were radical monotheists, along with Jews and Muslims. Today, we embrace a variety of theologies, which range from atheism to earth-based spiritualities that may embrace polytheism. However, in the development of our faith, we moved from understanding God as a trinity to God as radically one.

We also understand ourselves as a prophetic faith. We have been concerned with helping the widow and orphan, just as were the ancient prophets of Israel. I use the term widow and orphan metaphorically to stand for all those suffering people with little or no power who are oppressed by systems of injustice, or by individuals or events that deprive them of basic necessities. We too, have prophets who spoke or acted to change society to bend toward justice.

I name Theodore Parker, who spoke out against slavery when many other churchmen found it uncomfortable or impolitic to do so. Parker founded a church in Boston that nurtured abolitionists who struggled for years to rid this country of our deepest societal sin. He helped runaway slaves on their route to Canada and freedom. He was nearly lynched by a mob as he struggled to help one such slave to a ship ready to set sail for freedom land.

One member of his congregation was John Brown, a fiery eyed prophet who took his passion to Kansas in the struggle to keep that territory free from the taint of slavery. Brown and his small militia saved Lawrence, Kansas from a raid by pro-slavers bent on murder and mayhem. Later he planned the failed raid to free slaves at Harper's Ferry. He wrote Parker that if it had been white folks he was trying to free, he would have been hailed as a hero. Instead, he was hanged.

We have modern prophets also. The Rev. James Reeb answered Martin Luther King's call for clergy to support his march from Selma to Montgomery. Reeb was attacked and beaten with an ax handle. He died of his wounds. When King pulled back to regroup, he again called for support. The Board of Trustees of the Unitarian Association was meeting in Boston. They recessed their meeting to fly to Selma and join King, along with many Unitarian and Universalist ministers. One of them was my friend, Gordon Gibson, retiring this year from his pulpit in Elkhart, Indiana. Gordon is writing part of the history of Unitarians and Univer-salists in the Civil Rights movement, so those examples of modern prophetic action will not be forgotten.

I believe that the prophetic voices modeled by the great Jewish prophets con-tinue to influence our faith today. Justice is the only concept that is lifted up twice in our Seven Principles. We covenant to affirm and promote justice, equity and compassion in human relations, and the goal of world community with peace, liberty and justice for all. Justice is seldom achieved without prophets who are willing to name the injustice, and who then rouse others to act to correct it.

In the last 40 years, members of our faith have taken active roles in several prophetic movements. Some ministers and churches were very active in the anti-Vietnam war movement. Some churches served as sanctuaries during the struggles in Central America. Some churches opposed the war in Iraq, and hosted peace groups, and still do. Some of our churches have pursued racial justice issues and reconciliation between the races. Because we embrace a diversity of opinions about these and other issues, the appropriate actions to bring about justice often require a great deal of discussion.

The role of a prophet is uncomfortable today, just as it was in 587 B. C. E. when Jeremiah challenged his neighbors and friends. And yet it is as necessary now as it was then.

To speak out for the rights of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people brings the wrath of right-wing ideologues pouring forth. I am proud that the leaders of my faith have spoken and acted on this issue.

The lead plaintiff for the lawsuit in Massachusetts that brought legalized gay marriage to that state was a Unitarian Universalist. Our headquarters in Boston, located next door to the State Capitol, carried a banner in favor of gay marriage. And the president of our Association, the Rev. Bill Sinkford, performed the marriage of the lead plaintiff after the State Court ruled that it was legal to do so.

The right to marry is a symbol of many rights that are denied our gay friends and family members. It is right in the middle of the culture wars that have divided our nation for at least the last two decades. As such, it is an uncomfortable place to be. To speak out in favor of it places one on the firing range of public dissension.

Recently I met and talked with a teacher at Muskegon High School. She asked if she could give my name to the student/teacher coalition that is attempting to start a gay/straight alliance there. "It was difficult," she said. "When they put up fliers about the first meeting, some of them were taken down by teachers, who said, 'I'm broad-minded, but I'm not that broad-minded.'" When I stopped pounding my head on the table, I told her to please have them call me. I don't know exactly what, if any, role I can play in their endeavor, but at least I can express my support.

Our Jewish friends continue to work for justice. One of our members sent me an essay from the Jewish World Review by Lenore Skenazy. She wrote that she managed to ignore the Darfur catastrophe UNTIL her rabbi gave a sermon about a national four-day Darfur letter-writing campaign.

So she called up the coalition sponsoring the program, Save Darfur. She learned three things:

"First: Yes, there is a war going on in Darfur. The government is bombing its own villagers, by helicopter. The government's allies, a group called the Janjaweed, kill the villagers, too, in horrible ways.

Second: (She lists) the ways. (They are very nasty. I don't want to assault your ears with them at this time.)

Third: … (H)ere's what you can do: Join Save Darfur's "100 Hours of Con-science." Through Sunday, (that's today) you and I are asked to write letters to Congress and the President urging them to 'Do Something.'"

The coalition believes that China is the key. China purchases most of the Sudanese oil that is part of the underlying reason for this tragedy. They believe that if President Bush were to call the Chinese leadership, the situation could be solved. (http://www.jewishworldreview.com/0305/skenazy031705.php3)

The tradition of prophetic voices and actions continues from ancient Israel. Modern Jews speak out and write letters and make telephone calls. And our faith, inspired by the example of our Jewish forbears also continues to bear witness to injustice, and to struggle for justice.

As we go forth, let us remember this Jewish gift from the sources of our faith. Let us find strength in the example of prophets, ancient and modern. Let us lend our strength to the struggles that call to us in our day. "Let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing sea."

Amen.
Blessed Be.
Shalom.
Saalat.

Posted by harboruu at 08:58 AM | Comments (0)

March 16, 2005

HUUC Calendar of Events

What's Going On? Life at HUUC:

Day Date Time Event
Wed Apr 27 7:00p Liberal Voice, Muskegon Channel 7
Fri Apr 29 7:00p Movie, "Vera Drake"
Sat Apr 30 9:30a Yoga
Sun May 1 10:30a Service
Sun May 1 2:00p Liberal Voice, Muskegon Channel 7
Sun May 1 6:00p Building Theology
Mon May 2 9:30a Yoga
Mon May 2 9:30a Liberal Voice, Grand Haven Channel 7
Mon May 2 1:00p Writing Group
Tues May 3 7:00p Liberal Voice, Whitehall Channel 21
Wed May 4 7:00p Liberal Voice, Muskegon Channel 7
Sat May 7 9:30a Yoga
Sat May 7 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. Worship Assistant Training
Sun May 8 10:30a Service
Sun May 8 2:00p Liberal Voice, Muskegon Channel 7
Sun May 8 6:00p Building Theology
Mon May 9 9:30a Yoga
Mon May 9 9:30a Liberal Voice, Grand Haven Channel 7
Tues May 10 6:00p Slow Food Group
Tues May 10 7:00p Liberal Voice, Whitehall Channel 21
Wed May 11 7:00p Drug Policy Reform
Wed May 11 7:00p Liberal Voice, Muskegon Channel 7
Fri May 13 7:00p Movie Night "The Sum of Us"
Sat May 14 9:30a Yoga
Sun May 15 10:30a Service
Sun May 15 2:00p Liberal Voice, Muskegon Channel 7
Sun May 15 6:00p Building Theology
Mon May 16 9:30a Yoga
Mon May 16 9:30a Liberal Voice, Grand Haven Channel 7
Mon May 16 1:00p Writing Group
Tues May 17 7:00p Liberal Voice, Whitehall Channel 21
Wed May 18 7:00p Drug Policy Reform
Wed May 18 7:00p Liberal Voice, Muskegon Channel 7
Fri May 20 8:00a - 4:00p Yard Sale
Sat May 21 8:00a - 4:00p Yard Sale
Sat May 21 9:30a Yoga
Sun May 22 10:30a Service
Sun May 22 6:00p Building Theology
Sun May 22 2:00p Liberal Voice, Muskegon Channel 7
Mon May 23 9:30a Yoga
Mon May 23 9:30a Liberal Voice, Grand Haven Channel 7
Tues May 24 7:00p Liberal Voice, Whitehall Channel 21
Wed May 25 7:00p Liberal Voice, Muskegon Channel 7
Sat May 28 9:30a Yoga
Sun May 29 10:30a Service
Sun May 29 2:00p Liberal Voice, Muskegon Channel 7
Sun May 29 6:00p Building Theology
Mon May 30 9:30a Yoga
Mon May 30 9:30a Liberal Voice, Grand Haven Channel 7
Mon May 30 1:00p Writing Group
Tues May 31 7:00p Liberal Voice, Whitehall Channel 21
Wed June 1 7:00p Liberal Voice, Muskegon Channel 7
Sat June 4 9:30a Yoga
Sun June 5 10:30a Service
Sun June 5 2:00p Liberal Voice, Muskegon Channel 7
Sun June 5 6:00p Building Theology
Mon June 6 9:30a Yoga
Mon June 6 9:30a Liberal Voice, Grand Haven Channel 7
Tues June 7 7:00p Liberal Voice, Whitehall Channel 21
Wed June 8 7:00p Argument Culture Book Discussion
Wed June 8 7:00p Liberal Voice, Muskegon Channel 7
Sat June 11 9:30a Yoga
Sun June 12 10:30a Service
Sun June 12 2:00p Liberal Voice, Muskegon Channel 7
Sun June 12 6:00p Building Theology
Mon June 13 9:30a Yoga
Mon June 13 9:30a Liberal Voice, Grand Haven Channel 7
Mon June 13 1:00p Writing Group
Tues June 14 7:00p Liberal Voice, Whitehall Channel 21
Wed June 15 7:00p Liberal Voice, Muskegon Channel 7
Sat June 18 9:30a Yoga
Sun June 19 10:30a Service
Sun June 19 2:00p Liberal Voice, Muskegon Channel 7
Sun June 19 6:00p Building Theology
Mon June 20 9:30a Yoga
Mon June 20 9:30a Liberal Voice, Grand Haven Channel 7
Mon June 20 1:00p Writing Group
Tues June 21 7:00p Liberal Voice, Whitehall Channel 21
Wed June 22 7:00p Liberal Voice, Muskegon Channel 7
Thurs June 23 - 27, General Assembly, Fort Worth Texas

Posted by harboruu at 09:46 AM | Comments (0)

March 06, 2005

Growing Our Hearts

GROWING OUR HEARTS
March 6, 2005

When I first heard the story of Jesus multiplying the loaves and fishes I thought it was a miracle. As a young girl, my thinking was literal. As an adult I learned to think of this, and the other parables of Jesus, as meta-phors. I learned to look for the lessons they taught, rather than their literal meaning.

And so I came to think of the story as the origin of the potluck--that ubiquitous institution present in all churches. Potlucks are the modern manifestation of the ancient love feast. One of the first things Jesus taught was that we share our food without sorting our table mates into categories. Jesus did not divide the multitude into those people who were good, and could be invited to dinner; and those people who were for some reason, not good, and thus not fit to eat with. He invited all to share.

This was radical in ancient Israel, and it is radical today. I still think the feeding of the five thousand was a miracle; however, it was a miracle of love, of the growth of hearts, of learning to share with others. Jesus was sure that those five thousand people had not gone on a long walk on a hot day without something to eat and drink. No one did in ancient Israel. He was sure that hidden in cloaks and bags and folds of sleeves were loaves of bread, skins of water and wine, and maybe even some dried fish.

There is an old tradition that it was a few young people, teenagers maybe, who first volunteered their bread to help feed the people. Even though five loaves would not feed five hundred, let alone five thousand people, Jesus took them and spoke the ancient Hebrew blessing. I picture the disciples passing among the people, who slowly unwrapped the food they brought, bread and fish, and shared it with their neighbors. And thus was born the tuna fish sandwiches that we still enjoy at many potlucks.

The challenge remains with us to grow our hearts, so that we can share with joy the food, material goods and wealth that we possess.

It is easy to say--Be generous! Give until you feel good! Love others and share with them! It is easy to say, but sometimes difficult to do. What keeps us from being generous? What keeps us from helping, generously helping, tsunami victims, the starving multitudes of Darfur, the students at E. Grace Loftis School, or Supper House?

The need in this world is great, and we are only one small church. We cannot solve all the ills that we are called to address, but we can make a difference in some people's lives. Members of this congregation have responded generously in many ways. What keeps us from doing more?

I think fear is a major factor. We are afraid that there is not enough. We fear that there is not enough food, clothing, and shelter for everyone to be comfortable--and of course we want to be comfortable. There are good reasons for us to think in this manner. Although pundits tell us that the economy is improving, they also acknowledge that it is a jobless recovery. In many places, such as West Michigan, there have been significant job losses.

You may know that I recently housed four young adults who were searching for jobs. Two of them found brief employment through Manpower. The two who remain with me have found only odd seasonal jobs. West Michigan is not a good place for unemployed people to find jobs.

In addition, many employed people are experiencing job insecurity. No longer do most of us feel that we are safely employed in a job that will give us lifetime security. We fear the loss or diminishment of our jobs, and it is difficult to share when we fear that our future may not include a paycheck.

The political climate adds to our fear. After 9/11 we know that we are no longer safe in Fortress America. We join the rest of the world in realizing that we are not immune to violence. Terrorist activity can strike at any time. Add to this unease the images of tsunami devastated coastlines, hurricane damage in the Gulf Coast and Atlantic states, and tornadoes over Kansas, and we can become consumed by anxiety about possible disasters.

Some of us are old enough to bear scars of the Great Depression. We remember times when our parents worried about having enough food for the family. I was born post-depression, but am deeply affected by it. My parents struggled to get an education, and told stories of scarcity and the loss of family farms. These old messages of deprivation are deep in our bones. We cannot forget that hard times can, indeed, strike at any time.

Fear keeps us clutching our checkbooks protectively. We forget that paleo-anthropologists tell us that the naked apes of the African plains survived and evolved because they learned to cooperate and share with each other. Richard Leakey, of the famous family of anthropologists lost both of his legs in an air-plane accident. Perhaps this heightened his understanding when he was study-ing the bones of early and pre humans found in Kenya. Among them was an intact male leg bone, with a healed fracture. He concluded that the man could not have survived and healed alone, that he must have been supported and cared for by his tribe. Sharing and cooperation are major skills that allowed humans to not only survive, but become the planet's dominant species.

We are social creatures who need to share companionship with others. Our societies become richer and more complex because we draw on the talents of many people, who share their knowledge and expertise. Sharing is necessary for our survival and for our growth.

When we help others, whether through nursing them through an injury, or feeding them food, it makes us feel good. Those of you who serve hungry people at Supper House know that it makes you happy to do so.

Of course, really facing the fact that there are hundreds of hungry people right here in Muskegon is disquieting, and that fact that a large percentage of them are children downright discouraging. However, the knowledge that this congregation is making a positive difference in their lives warms our hearts. And each of you who contributes to Supper House by buying bread and bagels makes a differ-ence. Every one who helps serve the diverse assortment of people who come to Supper House makes a difference. And that makes us feel good.

Helping others is one very important way to give our lives meaning. This can happen in many different venues. Many of us contribute to organizations that help others. We select, out of the myriad of worthy groups that solicit our sup-port, the ones that best reflect our values. Out of those, some of us select a few to which we give our time and talent, as well as our money.

My father-in-law died this last week. His Memorial Service was Friday morning, and the family asked me to give the eulogy. To prepare for it I asked them to share stories from his life with me. I was reminded again how very caring were both my parents-in-law. Engraved on a plaque in their home is a statement from the Special Learning Center in Jefferson City, Missouri. It names Rogers and Thelma Kratochvil the parents of that institution. And it is most appropriate.

Thelma was a schoolteacher, and when she retired, she really went to work. She and Rog, and a few other people envisioned a school for severely challenged children. I saw the first incarnation, a three-room center in the basement of a commercial building. I saw the second, a little larger, with more classrooms and equipment. Today the Center is housed in a new building, designed for the special needs of the children who attend. There are numerous classrooms, a speech therapist, other special teachers, and a large playground. My parents-in-law chaired the fundraising committee that obtained the financing for the Learn-ing Center. They planted trees in the playground in honor of their deceased son and grandson. They suggested to one friend that she might like to play the piano for the children, and until her death she came out once a week to do so. And they supported the school and its staff in as many ways as was needed.

They received a special honor from the United Way for contributing to their community. At Rog's service the director, teachers and parents of the children who they helped came, wiped away tears, and hugged Thelma. However, it was not for honors or gratitude that they did all their work--which they would not have called work. They did it because they wanted to, and because it gave meaning to their lives.

The Rev. Richard Gilbert, one of my mentors, said, "To be is to be for others." It is how he lives his life, it was how Rogers Kratochvil lived his life, and how many happy people live theirs. To be for others gives our lives meaning.

How do we get from the fear of not having enough to finding meaning through sharing with others? It is a tough financial reality out there--so tough that this congregation is behind in receiving its pledges. February is always difficult for Finance chairs and church treasurers. It is post-Christmas, we are paying taxes and high utility bills, and it is easy to postpone paying our congregation. I en-courage you to celebrate the knowledge that spring is really, really on its way by reaching for your checkbook and bringing your pledge up to date.

Given this tough reality, we need to grow our hearts so that we may fully explore the warm glow and deep meaning generosity bestows upon us. I have some suggestions.

First, allow yourself to hear the stories of need. Allow yourself to identify and put a face to the people who need our help. I knew that there were homeless peo-ple, and that Muskegon had quite a few, and that a significant percentage of them were teens and young adults. However, it was not until two of them moved into my home temporarily that I actually knew them personally, knew their stories, their aspirations, and their desire to work and be independent.

I learned a lot. I learned again that not all parents are loving and supportive. I learned that good people can be trapped in bad situations. I learned, from observation, rather than words on a page, that it is a full-time job to find a job. I learned that even young people will pass up minor luxuries when they have a goal they want to reach. I really heard their stories.

I do not expect nor recommend that each of you take one or two homeless people into your living space. We can hear stories in a less drastic fashion. When we take the time to read and think about the reports of unemployment, when we hear from our faith companions that over 125 people showed up for food at Supper House, when we see the sad playground at E. Grace Loftis school, we are metaphorically "hearing" stories of need.

Next, I suggest that we allow ourselves to do some imagining. Here is a series of "what if" questions we might ask ourselves. What if the hungry person at Supper House was my son or daughter? What if I was unemployed and unable to find a job? What if the person who suffered discrimination was my parent? I am asking you to put a known and beloved face on the bare fact of need. Most of us are only a few paychecks away from economic trouble. A recent study shows that the majority of bankruptcies result from overwhelming medical bills of people who have insurance and are working! Putting a face, even imaginary, on the statistic will help us grow our hearts.

Then we can ask ourselves, What if I help? Sometimes one person can make a difference. More often, it takes people working together. We could each feed a hungry person once in a while. However, banding together, the churches of this community are making a big difference in the lives of many people. Five even-ings a week, over one hundred hungry people can come to Supper House and have a hot, tasty meal. We are really helping.

Habitat for Humanity is an organization that is addressing homelessness. Instead of standing by and wringing their collective hands, a small group of people decided to build one home at a time. They recruited volunteers to help, raised money from churches, organizations and individuals--and together they built one home -- and then another home--and then another home.

By opening their hearts to people who needed help, by each one contributing what they could, they are making a difference in people's lives. When they answered the question--What if I help? with their money and their time, they discovered the answer--happy families in their own homes. And their hearts grew even larger.

The third question is What if I don't help? What if I refuse to see the pain, if I refuse to hear the stories, if I can find no possible relation to those in need? Then I fear there will be no change, either for the person in need, or for the person who refuses engagement.

Fear can keep us frozen. Fear can deaden our hearts. Fear can allow us to ignore the reality of the world around us that needs our interest, our engagement and our love.

Opening your heart to the needs of the world, really hearing the stories, and putting a face on the person in need will help grow your heart. Exploring what might happen if you answer the call to help helps grow your heart. And looking at the results of what might happen if you refuse to help serves as a wake-up call.

Mary Oliver looked at the story of Jesus feeding the 5000, and she wrote of love, of the felt ferocity of love, the felt necessity of love. I think she was thinking of the large heart of Jesus--Jesus who looked at hungry people and loved them, and who challenged the multitude to share what they had. They responded generously. In the exaggerated language of story, there were 12 baskets of bread and fish left over, after everyone ate until they were satisfied.

The story concentrates on Jesus, and does not tell us what happened to the 5000 after that day. Some of them followed him, hearing more stories. Some of them went home and said, "Oh, well that was interesting. I wonder what the next wandering prophet will do to top it?" However, I think something else happened.

When people share, they build a relationship. They learn from each other and they are no longer isolated and alone. Their hearts grow, and they are not the same. They learn to love more deeply. I think the experience of the people who shared their food made a difference in their lives. They experienced the warm glow that generosity lights. They related to their friends and neighbors in a different way. Their lives acquired a deeper meaning.

Let us learn to do the same. Let us share with our faith companions, and in the life of this congregation. Let us share with our families and friends, and with the larger community. Let us grow our hearts, so that we may have the courage to reach out to those who need.

Amen.
Blessed Be.
Shalom
Saalat.

Posted by harboruu at 09:00 AM | Comments (0)

March 04, 2005

Spring 2005 Adult Enrichment

Registration forms for the courses below are available at HUUC. All classes are held at HUUC unless otherwise noted. Free-will donations are greatly appreciated! Free childcare is available with two weeks notice. Please call or e-mail HUUC at 231-755-2932 or huucmusk@verizon.net if you have any questions. Classes may be cancelled or postponed if less than the minimum number of participants registered by the deadlines indicated.

Humanist Discussion Group
The Humanist Discussion Group at HUUC meets the last Sunday of every month shortly after the service to discuss humanist perspectives on topics of interest. All are welcome.

Talking About Torture
Wednesdays, March 9 and 23, 2005
7:00-9:00 p.m. (2 sessions)
Suggested fee: $5.00
Registration Deadline: March 2, 2005
Minimum # of participants: 5

Nana’, with the assistance of Bill Wright, Craig Brown, and Kurt Troutman will lead a discussion of Torture, both in its historical context (briefly) and its current manifestation. Nana’ has gathered a large file of materials relating to the subject, which is in the Social Hall. If you wish to participate in the discussion, please select an article to read before the first session either from the file or your own resources. The first session will concentrate on discussion, and in the second we will continue the discussion and move to possible action.

Building Your Own Theology
Sundays, April 10, 17; May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; & June 5, 12, 19
6:00-8:00 p.m. (10sessions)
Suggested fee: $10.00
Registration Deadline: April 3, 2005
Minimum # of participants: 5

Explore your own personal theology. Participants in this course will examine a variety of topics to guide them in developing and articulating their own religious values.

Sharing From Our Elders
Wednesday, April 13, 2005
7:00-9:00 p.m. (1 session)
Suggested fee: None
Registration Deadline: April 6, 2005

You’re invited to spend a special evening with some of the special members of our congregation who were instrumental in the founding and development of HUUC. These individuals share a passion for this church and have many wonderful stories to share of its history, its struggles, its success, and their hopes for its future.

Jihad Vs. McWorld—Book Discussion
Wednesday, April 27, 2005 (1 session)
7:00-9:00 p.m.
Suggested Fee: None
Registration Deadline: April 20, 2005
Minimum # of participants: 5

Jihad Vs. McWorld: How Globalism and Tribalism Are Reshaping the World, written by Benjamin Barber is an illuminating analysis of the critical conflict of our times: consumerist capitalism versus religious and tribal fundamentalism. Join the discussion! Participants are responsible for purchasing/borrowing their own book.
Drug Policy Reform: Why Should We Care?
Wednesdays, May 11 and 18, 2005
7:00-9:00 p.m.
Suggested Fee: $5.00
Minimum # of participants: 5

This course will be an overview of issues regarding drug policy reform with regard to (1) the UU’s Statements of Conscience beginning in 1965, advocating for alternatives to the United States’ War on Drugs; (2) information about the human impact of Muskegon’s high rate of incarceration compared to other counties in Michigan; and (3) how UU social witness action could support current efforts in the state legislature to reform drug sentencing laws.

The Argument Culture—Book Discussion
Wednesday, June 8, 2005 (1 session)
7:00-9:00 p.m.
Suggested Fee: None
Registration Deadline: June 1, 2005
Minimum # of participants: 5

The Argument Culture, written by Deborah Tanner, examines how we communicate. In our “argument culture” war metaphors pervade our talk and affect our thinking. We often approach things as a fight between two opposing sides. Tanner illustrates a move from polarizing debate to meaningful dialogue with new ways of resolving differences and uncovering truth. Participants are responsible for purchasing/borrowing their own book.

Writing Down the Bones—Book Discussion
Wednesday, June 22, 2005 (1 session)
7:00-9:00 p.m.
Suggested Fee: None
Registration Deadline: June 15, 2005
Natalie Goldberg, in Writing Down the Bones: Freeing the Writer Within, shows us how to create good writing. The secret of creativity, she writes, is to subtract the rules, not add them. Her experience in Zen meditation provides insights to this way of writing. Join us for this discussion and free your own writer within! Participants are responsible for purchasing/borrowing their own book.

Writing Group
Mondays, March 7 and 21, 1:00-3:00 PM
There is no volunteer leader for March. There is no suggested topic. It is a good day to share essays, stories, poems, writings based on individual interests. The location is the HUUC building. The writing group is open to new participants and drop-ins.

Posted by harboruu at 01:33 PM | Comments (0)

RE News

I am so excited and honored to report that the RE Kids raised 346.50$ for Tsunami Relief. The money was raised through the kids performing "Random Acts of Kindness" for which they were recognized with a small contribution. Money was also raised at the Bake Sale and "Street Musicians and More" where the RE kids either performed musically or created arts/crafts to offer to the congregation for free will offerings. The kids were rewarded for their efforts with a pizza party after social hour. We also took a tour of International Aid in the early afternoon. All funds raised were donated to International Aid specifically for Tsunami Relief. Thank you to the RE
Kids for all your hard work and wonderful performances! Also thanks go to parents and the congregation for their generous support!

Coming up in April we will again have our Annual Spaghetti Dinner to raise funds for our support of Nepali Student Bikram Rai. The Dinner is tentatively scheduled on April 17th following the Earth Day Family Service. Look for more information to come in the March mid-month newsletter and the Order of Service!

For those of you who didn't get a HUUC logo shirt or bag prior to Christmas look for another opportunity to order in April!

Posted by harboruu at 01:32 PM | Comments (0)

March 03, 2005

Volunteer Coardinator Needed

If you look at our new membership directory (thanks Marv) you'll see a listing of committees and task forces. All of these are filled by volunteers. It's important that all positions are filled and it's important that new members and friends are involved to ensure a smooth running congregation. If you are a people person who would like to have a wide affect on the good of the congregation see me to discuss this vital position.

Posted by harboruu at 11:19 AM | Comments (0)

Help Wanted: Worship Chair

The Worship Chair works to ensure we have consistently excellent worship services. Duties include: Ensuring volunteers such as worship coordinators and sound technicians are filled, recruiting guest speakers, making changes and updates to our services and more. Anyone who is turned on by our weekly worship services should contact Ike Stephenson to interview for this position.

Posted by harboruu at 11:17 AM | Comments (0)

March 02, 2005

May the Wind Be At Your Back Warren

Late last week I was present when Warren Mcfearen passed away. This was a 1st for me. Warren's family was with him and the love and good memories were evident.

I spoke at the well attended Memorial Service on behalf of HUUC. I mentioned that without folks like Warren and Betty who have been strong presences through our 1st 50 years I would have nothing to be president of. We must continue their work.

I also mentioned that Betty was the one who recruited me to serve on the board. 4 minutes on the phone with Betty and that's all she wrote. So if you're looking for someone to blame....it's Betty.

Betty spoke movingly and humorously of her life together with Warren. And that's how I will always think of Warren together with Betty. I can't separate them and I don't think they ever wanted it any other way.

As I said of Warren, an avid sailor, at the memorial service- may the wind be at your back whereever your journey takes you.

This Sunday is the kick off to our annual canvass. While this is nobody's idea of their favorite it event it should be everybody's idea of what's necessary for the business of the church.

VP & Finance Chair Andy Fink gave an interesting sermon. Andy pointed out that funding allows us to do things like Supper Hourse, Loftus School & more. And when anyone of us is out in the community the rest of us are along with them. Our Congregation always needs time and funds. If you can provide for the church with a
generous pledge you will allow us to do the maximum possible with members time.

Canvass time may also time to consider what Nana mentioned in a recent sermon that you should save 10% of your money, use 80% for living expenses and give away 10%. If you can manage to be charitable with 10% of your income, that is wonderful. If you can direct some of those funds to HUUC all the better.

When considering your pledge remember there are multiple aspects to HUUC. There are the weekly Sunday worship services at which you can carry on your spiritual seeking. There are adult enrichment classes where you can participate as a life long learner. There are service projects such as Loftus school & Supper House where you can impact your community. When considering your pledge take all these aspects into consideration.

From 8 to 10 April the Heartland District will have it's annual meeting in Cincinnati. Nana assures me that the hotel and site is 1st class. HUUC needs to send 2 delegates to this event. If you are interested in going please contact me. We need to have our delegates selected by 15 March. For more on this see
http://www.heartlanduu.org/newsite/programs/registrations/2005AnnualMeetingBrochure.pdf

Help Wanted: We are looking for a new chair for the Worship Committee and for someone to fill a volunteer coordinator
position.

If you look at our new membership directory (thanks Marv) you'll see a listing of committees and task forces. All of these are filled by volunteers. It's important that all positions are filled and it's important that new members and friends are involved to ensure a smooth running congregation. If you are a people person
who would like to have a wide affect on the good of the congregation see me to discuss this vital position.

At our new member Sunday in February we gained 4 new members. Congratulations to Rebecca, Kurt, Paul & Barbara. That brings us to 79 members. Don't be shy in sharing the good news of HUUC. Each new member increases our abilities financially, spiritually and operationally!

Recently I sailed from Jamaica to Florida. During this time my world was little and blue- both sky and water. You feel as though you can see forever. Yet mathematically the height of your eye means you can't see forever. Larger waves mean you can see more, wave troughs reduce your vision.

That's a lot like life on shore, a blending of ups and downs. While I was away I missed the Sunday services, the coffee hour, and the opportunities to help others. So although I thought I could see forever I couldn't. Although we'd like HUUC to always be on top of the swell we can't always be. In both case one can grunt
up, get on with things and have a lot of fun trying to see forever.

'What the Bleep Do We Know' had a short run at the Harbor Theatre.

It was a profound and interesting film going far beyond normal movie concepts. Questions like Do all realities exist simultaneously were asked.

Another portion of the film talked about the word God as a placeholder for all spiritual aspects and possibilities. Often we UU's go through a litany/disclaimer such as: God, Spirit of Live and Love, the Unknown, Prime Mover, and so on. Maybe we could save some time if we all just said God knowing it could mean that whole list.

The film also said that quantum physics is the science of possibility. I'd like to think that UUism with it's openness and flexibility is the faith of possibility. I like to think of UUism as a spiritual search party, open to all routes and possibilities.

We invite you to come walk with us.....What's this all about? It's all about our moving forward and having a clear idea of what we want to do and how to get there.

Facio Populus
Ike Stephenson

Posted by harboruu at 03:10 PM | Comments (0)