Sept 18 – Dear Friends,
I see a marvelous, UU-oriented weekend ahead of me, and I marvel at the richness of my life in this community. Three different events claim my attention, and each resonates with a number of our Unitarian Universalist Principles and Sources. Through these events, we can move our thoughtfully held values into action
This Friday the 20th marks the Mahkato 47th Annual Traditional Powwow at Land of Memories Park, running through Sunday the 22nd. The powwow calls our attention to the historical reality of the thirty-eight Dakota people hanged in connection with wars between indigenous peoples and white homesteaders. Through participation in the powwow, Euro-Americans can challenge ourselves to a “free and responsible search for truth and meaning” about uncomfortable events, as well as participate in the acts of reconciliation so central to the lives of indigenous peoples. Thus, we may all progress toward “Justice, equity, and compassion in human relations.” I look forward to attending the powwow this Saturday.
Also, this Friday, three days before the UN Climate Summit in New York City, begins the “Climate Strike.” In the US, youth and adults, institutional and grassroots organizations, climate-focused and social justice groups, are coming together as a unified front to demand the change we need to save our future. The youth have been leading the way and demanding bolder action, and now it’s time for everyone else to back them up. Indivisible St Peter/Greater Mankato has organized a protest on Friday from 6-7:30 pm in Minnesota Square Park in St. Peter. You can show that you are a Unitarian Universalist in action by clicking here. This link will also enable you to register for the St. Peter Strike. This action resonates with the call to “Humanistic teachings which counsel us to heed the guidance of reason and the results of science.”
And on Sunday and 22nd, we worship in an All-generation Service celebrating International Day of Peace and our congregation’s ongoing commitment to “The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all.” Coins collected will be available to our children and youth as they discern the justice actions they would like to support this year.
Through all of these activities, we honor the “inherent worth and dignity of every person” and the “interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part” and never apart from. May you find an event that speaks to you. I will be there, too.
Blessings and best wishes, Rev. Rita