July 2011 - "Awakening New Vision" by Rev. Allison Farnum

In his essay “The Transient and Permanent in Christianity,” the Unitarian transcendentalist theologian Theodore Parker shared his wishes that humanity lead a “real religious life” that would make “every act acceptable as prayer.”  Unitarian Universalism is indeed a faith grounded in action, and every moment of daily living offers up glimpses of wonder and opportunities for re-centering around what is most important.  If every act could be a prayer, I am also reminded that every act could also be led in a different direction- one in which humans continue to divide themselves from one another, actions which divide us from the earth and from our connection to Life itself as it has unfolded from the birth of the Cosmos over 13 billion years ago.   The religious life is not about wearing hairshirts (look it up- yikes!) or having the hubris to say what God’s rules are for good boys and girls that go to heaven.  The religious life is not following a strict doctrine that, if swayed from, will result in damnation or abomination.  The religious life is one of thoughtful discernment and accountablity to all the relations one values. And the Unitarian Universalist religious life is one that is determined not by dogma, but by the free choice of people to join in this pluralistic faith, nurturing our spirits to help heal our world.  

Lee County is projected to see more growth.  People will continue to retire here, needing grounding in this life transition.  Parents and guardians will continue to seek a church where their children might freely explore religion and the pathways of the spirit. So, as this church continues to celebrate its 50th Anniversary and Awaken New Vision, wake up your minds with good questions.  Who are we? What are we called to do? Who is our neighbor? These questions, when explored thoughtfully, can be acted upon prayerfully in ways that may bless (by the work of our hands and our hearts) the next fifty years.

June 2011 - "Showing Up" by Rev. Allison Farnum

June always gets me geared up for General Assembly, our yearly national gathering of Unitarian Universalists.  This year in Charlotte, North Carolina, I can expect the same feeling of running into colleagues and Unitarian Universalist friends, a never-ending chain of hugs, hand-shakes, and "how-are-you?s" that result in glowing conversations in the hallways all over the convention center.  Chance meetings become spontaneous coffee dates in between workshops, and networking amongst strangers makes for fast friends.  General Assembly is also a time to be conscious about how I am showing up, and how we as a religious body are showing up amongst those we do not know.  This Assembly, groups will talk more together about how to be intentional in Phoenix's Justice GA in 2012.  How will Unitarian Universalists witness to the racial profiling and anti-immigrant sentiments in that state?  How will UU's be in right relationship with the humanitarian organizations on the ground in Arizona who have worked tirelessly for years on justice issues that we want to address in one week of an Assembly?  I wonder about how I might show up differently in Charlotte, North Carolina.  Who will be cleaning my hotel room?  Who will be working at the convention center taking care of garbage and waste and working the tea and coffee stands?  

It is a gift to show up for one another at these national gatherings.  I sing in the ministers' choir, and I have the gift of looking out at all the thousands gathered for worship.  And I think of all the ways those thousands in our congregations can show up in their respective communities, a beacon of liberal religion preaching pluralism, creative reason, and love that knows know bounds.  So may UUCFM show up in Lee County as a bright spot for seekers who wish to love this earth and her people.

Happy Summer!
Rev. Allison