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.