October 21, 2018
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.”
Saying "Yes" to life is the message in Rev. David Breeden's "The Night of Possibility, The Day of Reality."
Commentary
By Orlando Montoya
Unitarian-Universalism affirms seven principles, the fifth of which is “use of the democratic process.” I struggle with this principle the most. The ways in which democracy fails are legion. There was that time when I, as a 24-year-old newly minted Savannah resident, joined a non-profit board, raised money, kicked butt, did great things, only to be cut down after years of hard work by older, more established locals in that non-profit. It felt like adolescent drama more than democracy. There was every city council that I’ve ever seen. Before I came to Savannah, before I had a job that took me to councils, I thought that politics closer to home were less bitter. How can there be a bitter way to fix potholes? Well, there is. Now, early voting has begun in our biennial climax of national democracy. To point out the election’s adolescence and bitterness states the obvious. I’ll instead promote our first principle of Unitarian-Universalism, the inherent worth and dignity of every person. Together with the fifth principle, our shared values mean that every vote counts. Reports of voter suppression, in Georgia and elsewhere, offend me. But so, too, does self-imposed voter suppression, all the excuses people give for not voting. “There’s no choice. They’re all the same. It doesn’t matter.” It does matter. This country supports my values much more than our politics reflect because so many young, smart, peace and justice loving voters stay at home. Democracy fails a lot. But we fail democracy, too. I’ve stayed away from boards since my come down, 15 years ago, even though I’ve been asked several times to serve. This election, don’t let failure’s memory extinguish the fire of your younger self, the one that wasn’t bitter, the one that was hopeful, the one that participated in democracy every single time.
Sermon
“The Night of Possibility, The Day of Reality” (9/30/18)
The Rev. David Breeden
First Unitarian Society of Minneapolis
Sermon
“Call Me to Life” (9/23/18)
The Rev. Matthew Johnson
Unitarian-Universalist Church of Rockford, Illinois
Sermon
TBD
Sermon
TBD
UUA Principles and Sources
Our liberal faith as defined by the Unitarian Universalist Association
UUA Statements
Messages from the Unitarian Universalist Association
Natural Silence
Used by permission of ListeningEarth.com
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
World Religions
Written by Orlando Montoya
Interfaith Calendar
Written by Orlando Montoya
UU FAQ
Written by John Sias from interviews with Rev. Steve Edington
Published by the Unitarian-Universalist Church of Nashua, NH
