Dear Ones,

The US Youth Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman wrote this in the poem she presented at Joe Biden’s Inauguration: “There is always light./Only if we are brave enough to be it.” War continues, violence continues, poverty continues, addition continues, oppression continues, bigotry continues. Part of the wide world and also part of our immediate world, for some of us. Within our UUFM community, we wonder what a pledge drive delivering less than hoped for might mean—to our work for justice, our efforts are compassion and companionship, our efforts to reach out with the saving message of Unitarian Universalism.

 

There is no reason to be afraid or anxious about the fund drive, nor really about any of the horrors of the world. These are mere realities, part of the fabric of living, in these times and in all times. Those we confront today are the manifestations that all us to “be the light”—ours to acknowledge, ours to confront, ours to address. Ours. Not any one of us, but all of us, together in patterns and configurations of each other in this religious community and with others in the world also seeking to be the light. May our lights shine. May our lights swell together. May we kindle and tend those flames of solace and of aid, given without expectation of conclusion.

 

Have faith in the light of this caring community, as you remember also that you are loved, you are worthy, you are welcome, and you are needed. May you feel it so, and may it be so.

 

Rev. Rita Away March 24-April 3

Rev. Rita will travel this week to the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of San Miguel de Allende in Guadalajara, Mexico, accompanying a minister friend who will serve as that congregation’s Minister-in-Residence. She will enjoy the sunshine, warmth, and opportunity to learn how Unitarian Universalism is practiced in this context. Contact the Care Team (Jane Schostag) or Board President Bob Finley if you need assistance during this time.