September 2010 Monthly Column - "May the Force be With You" by Rev. Allison Farnum

This summer I have been hearing a lot about Unitarian Universalists.  Friends and colleagues who went to support the struggle for human rights in Arizona sent news back of Unitarian Universalists showing up in full force.  And “full force” means doing what we do best- being loving, peaceful, and keeping spirits up in the face of challenging moments.  In the Arizona jails, those arrested for acts of civil disobedience were buoyed by Unitarian Universalists who engaged in meaningful conversation and sang songs to keep up morale.  On the streets, we brought a multi-generational liberal religious presence that made an impact in by witnessing on the side of Love.

I also heard reports about Unitarian Universalists showing up for the Coalition of Immokalee Workers’ mid-Atlantic and New England summer tour of the mobile Modern-Day Slavery Museum.  Reports are in from New York City and Boston- area, with congregations’ members and ministers returning to their home congregations inspired to incite participation in the Campaign for Fair Food. (The very same one that continues locally here with Publix Supermarkets).

Friends, I write these reports to convey to you that our Unitarian Universalist congregations and community ministries make a difference.  And though we are tucked away in a corner of paradise, our congregation has historically stuck its neck out in its leadership and willingness to take risks to further the Unitarian Universalist liberal religious voice in Southwest Florida and beyond.

This year, I invite you to articulate for yourself how you can bring Unitarian Universalism “full force” into your life.  This year, the church leadership and denominational leadership will provide ample opportunities for spiritual growth, religious enrichment, and leadership development.  My hope is that our leadership development will continue to push the question: how might this particular and unique congregation bring itself full-force into the larger community, enlivening its mission as an engaged, unified entity?  Moreover, the congregation has the opportunity to be WILDly* loving and caring with one another in the process.  I have also heard these to be your hopes for the future of this congregation, anchored in a rich history of achievement.  I hold great faith that a full-force community-oriented congregation is already in the works, made possible with the force of your commitment, participation, and trust in the transforming reality of love in the world.


May the Force Be With You,
Rev. Allison

*Welcoming Involved Loving Diverse