November 2009
mUUsings from joan,
As I sit to ponder my mUUsings column on this last Friday before the Thanksgiving holiday, it will be no surprise that my thoughts roam towards gratitude and all of the many gifts for which I will give thanks this holiday.
Of course, I continue to feel blessed by my family, particularly, my daughters who bring light and love into my life on a regular basis. And with the anticipated arrival of my first grandchild, well, my heart is beaming with thanks. I am also grateful for my siblings, with whom I do not always agree but who continue to support me in many ways grand and small.
But on a day-to-day basis, I am most grateful for the religious community I have been called to serve at First UU in Indiana. The love and support that I receive from you (both individually and as a community) allows me to be the best minister I can be in varied situations each and every day. Most importantly, I am grateful for the trust that we have developed and continue to nurture. A healthy minister/congregation relationship does not develop without intention and commitment. And together we have a strong bond that continues to allow our congregation to thrive in our small, western PA town.
Recently, I began making a list of all the things our congregation does that make me proud. First of all, for 50 years we have maintained a liberal religious presence in Indiana. This was not always easy, but we have never given up. Our beautiful sanctuary that was built with such care and continues to be maintained with such love is a blessing to our community and beyond. Our commitment to Unitarian Universalism on a local, national and global level is a commitment to all that the Principles of our faith call us to be – equitable, fair, just, loving, responsible, and giving.
Of course, we always want to be better and to do more and this is a good thing. But today I want to recognize all that we are and all that we do. Our mission is to maintain a liberal religious voice in Indiana and in her neighboring communities. And we do that. But we do not stop there. In addition to financially maintaining our congregation and growing staff, the Ohio Meadville District, and the UUA, we offer our time and our money to several local social justice organizations. There are few if any local charities that do not have a UU presence. We are a small congregation but we love mightily and give generously and our voice is getting stronger all the time.
On Thanksgiving this year I hope that you will take a few minutes to appreciate the strength of our beloved community and to recognize the many ways in which we support each other and give back to our community.
My prayer today is that First UU makes it onto your gratitude list this year. That those of you who are traveling do so safely. And that each of our holiday tables is blessed with loving family and friends.
Fondly,
joan