by John Wright, M.Div., Minister
I love spring. What a wonderful time of year! The days are getting longer, the weather a bit milder, trees are budding and flowers are bursting into bloom. It is as if the entire natural world is looking for opportunities to shine.
We at UUFS also look for opportunities to shine, don‘t you think? We look for ways to care for each other and the greater community. So what kinds of opportunities do we, as a religious community, offer? I believe that a church in our tradition does five things.
First, it provides an opportunity for communal worship. Each week, we meet for “worship” or “spiritual sustenance” or to “get our spiritual battery charged”. Whatever the term and whatever form it takes, when we come together, we do so to “drink from the well”- to quench our thirst for connection to something greater than ourselves. We can be challenged, stimulated, even provoked. But in the final analysis, each of us should also feel energized and filled. Our worship really should be a time of renewing our spirits and reminding ourselves that while the world can be a dark, sad and terrible place, our Fellowship is a source of hope and sustenance.
Second, it provides opportunities for fellowship and connection. Each of us might think of ourselves as a “host” each week- welcoming each other into our spiritual home. It is an opportunity for each of us to meet newcomers, discover new things about each other, and find ways of being together, even if we don’t always agree with one another.
Third, it provides opportunities for social action. Last month (March) marked the 6th anniversary of the war in Iraq. I am proud that our Fellowship was such a strong supporter of the events marking that anniversary. We, as a Fellowship, stand in witness against injustice and tyranny from whatever source, and for an ever-evolving sense of our commitment to justice and inclusiveness. Through our active and dedicated Social Action Committee we can be assured that our Fellowship continues to be a force for justice in our community and the larger world.
Fourth, it provides opportunities for spiritual growth and development. Through our children’s Religious Education program we are able to help our children begin what is, hopefully, a lifelong commitment to their spiritual development. This month, we are beginning a more formal approach to adult Religious Education with our New UU class. This will, hopefully, be expanded in the next church year, with additional classes.
Fifth, it provides opportunities for involvement in the inner workings of the community. There are a plethora of opportunities in our Fellowship for this kind of involvement. This month, our annual pledge drive is concluding. If you haven’t already sent in your pledge, I urge you to do so. Next month (May 17- save the date!) will be our annual Congregational Meeting- please plan to attend- you won‘t be sorry! Join a committee, teach an RE class, volunteer to be a greeter, clean the church, devote an afternoon to our church cleanup, or …well- you get the idea. Only the time, talent, or treasure you are willing to devote limits the possibilities.
I believe each of these functions is vital to the health and growth of our congregation. The future of UUFS is, truly, in our hands. We can sure use your help- get involved! Find an opportunity to shine!
Wishing you blessings and peace,
John
