March 3, 2019
The unifying themes of this program are justice, love, learning and hope. The messages come from sermons and readings from Unitarian-Universalist sources. The program title comes from a beloved Unitarian-Universalist hymn, “Spirit of Life,” which includes the words, “Sing in my heart all the stirrings of compassion” and “Move in the hand, giving life the shape of justice.”
This week on the program, we get great wisdom from forestry practice. You know it. Controlled burn! Do it in your life. See the link below to access the audio right now.
Commentary
Written by Orlando Montoya
Last Sunday, the Oscars failed to recognize, among other worthy nominees, Spike Lee and Glenn Close. On Tuesday, the United Methodist Church failed to recognize its LGBT members for their inherent worth as people. Two friends left Savannah this week seeking recognition elsewhere. One friend earned a magazine’s recognition, another the Georgia State Senate’s. Recognition is important. It enhances careers, saves lives and gives us joy. We recognize ourselves when others recognize us. But I’m afraid the extreme of this becomes that unfortunate Barry Manilow song lyric: “I can’t smile without you. I can’t smile. I can’t sing. I’m finding it hard to do anything.” Hogwash and a terrible way to live. The Buddha spoke more wisely: “Be a light unto yourself.” Of course, the extreme of that becomes sitting under a tree and accepting recognitions in your own mind. Somewhere in between lies the ability to know when seeking others’ recognition is a productive use of your 525,600 minutes. Spike Lee and Glenn Close will be just fine without Oscars. LGBT Methodists and their allies now chart their next journey. Will it be fight or flight? No one can decide this for you. But I see you, dear siblings, and I see your grief. You are loved and holy just as you are. I support you whatever you do. I just know that engraved plaques, audiences, smiles, careers, votes of conferences and officials and everything else in this world vanish after 525,600 minutes times 72, the average human life span in years. Chase recognition when it does you and others good. But when it doesn’t, chuck what others think of you from your roof like David Letterman did back on 1980’s late night television. May you know when to prepare an acceptance speech, a eulogy or a splattering watermelon.
Sermon
“Controlled Burn” (2/24/19)
Rev. Aaron White
Unitarian-Universalist Church of Dallas, Texas
Sermon
“Recalculating” (8/26/18)
Rev. Shawn Newton
First Unitarian Congregation of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Sermon
TBD
Sermon
TBD
Braver Wiser
Used by permission of Braver Wiser, a publication of the Unitarian-Universalist Association
Quest Monthly
Used by permission of Quest Monthly, a publication of the Church of the Larger Fellowship
UUA Statements
Messages from the Unitarian Universalist Association
Natural Silence
Used by permission of ListeningEarth.com
UUA Principles and Sources
Our liberal faith as defined by the Unitarian Universalist Association
World Religions
Written by Orlando Montoya
Interfaith Calendar
Written by Orlando Montoya
UU FAQ
Written by and used by permission of John Sias from interviews with Rev. Steve Edington
Published by the Unitarian-Universalist Church of Nashua, NH
