December 11, 2019

Season’s Greetings!

As we head into the holiday season, I would like to wish joy and peace to each one of you. You’ve made my transition to GNUUC a truly pleasant and welcoming experience. I thank you.

Just because I say that does not imply that we as a congregation, or you, have no challenges. If you need my services, I will do all I can to make myself available. I know that because I commute weekly, some of you feel that my time is limited. But please know that I have time, and can make time, when needed (or even when not needed!) I look forward to what organizers call “one-on-ones” with each of you.

My time in Nashville is usually Thursday morning until Sunday evening or Monday morning. I plan to do my utmost to be at the building on Thursday during office hours (10-2). I’m often there much of Friday, and part of Saturday, when I cook while finishing up my tasks for Sunday. Still, it’s best to call or text me ahead of time in case I’m meeting with another individual or group. My number is available to members… ask someone in leadership, call the office, or ask me!

I’m almost always there on the first 3 weekends of each month. There are times when that may be different, so check the church calendar to be sure.

This past week I was at a training for NOAH/Gamaliel national which was held in Nashville. This was a great opportunity to learn more about this worthy organization and to become acquainted with many of its members and Staff. I know that GNUUC went through conflict last year because of one NOAH decision; however, I submit that while that may have been the last straw for some who chose to leave, the camel was weighed down in other ways. I hope we can take a fresh look at NOAH, because most UU congregations do belong to a similar organization (they fall under different umbrellas but all operate in a similar fashion), and it is truly the best way to overcome racial boundaries, involving, as they do, most of the Black congregations and many progressive mostly-white ones. Just stay in the conversation!

Here's a link to the Gamaliel website: https://gamaliel.org/about-us/

And here’s a (ten-year-old) post from a conservative group which hates it! https://capitalresearch.org/article/the-gamaliel-foundation-alinsky-inspired-group-uses-stealth-tactics-to-manipulate-church-congregations/

I didn’t see any manipulation or scare tactics whatsoever! Instead, I was genuinely impressed by how much attention went into acknowledging gender neutral and gender identity issues, how much effort they are putting into including people who are atheist and Humanist as well as those of more traditional faiths, and how radically inclusive they are of mentally and physically differently-abled or atypical persons. Jewish and Muslim congregations are active participants. I think in 2020 it would be great for us to have some conversations about Gamaliel and NOAH.

Last Sunday, I addressed awe and wonder in the Wizard of Oz story. I suggested that we could all find a sense of reverence and awe if we change the way we look at each moment of the day. I hope you’ve given that a try! This week, we look at darkness and its many gifts, and that includes but is not limited to depression and times of spiritual despair.

I’ll be starting off with a poem by one of my favorite poets (and one of the best American poets in the 20th century), Theodore Roethke. Here’s a link to the poem…in case my fellow English majors and poetry nerds want to puzzle over it ahead of time!

https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/43347/in-a-dark-time

I hope to see you Sunday.

With great affection,

Cynthia