February 9, 2022
Feb. 9, 2022
Anyone who genuinely and consistently with both hands looks for something, will find it.--Rumi*
Beloveds,
The Soul Matters theme for this month is Widening the Circle, inspired by the title of the report released by the UUA’s Commission on Institutional Change not quite two years ago: Widening the Circle of Concern, which focuses on addressing racial discrimination and dismantling systems of white supremacy within our Unitarian Universalist movement. (It’s a big topic and a report worthy of study, if you feel called.) I particularly appreciate the title of this report because it feels both strong (centered, if you will) and compassionate–truly welcoming and offering an invitation into expanding our learning about systems and social/cultural dynamics which some of us have not recognized, understood, or considered until recently.
I don’t know about you, but this time of year–winter, post-holidays–always seems like a good time to learn something new or to delve deeply into a topic only vaguely familiar. If this is you, if you’re wanting to widen your circle of concern or itching to hang out with a few other committed and interesting souls to explore how our UU values intersect with and guide our everyday choices, you’re in luck! Beginning soon are two opportunities to learn with other Nashville UUs:
Let’s read & discuss: Defund Fear: Safety without Policing, Prisons, and Punishment, by Zach Norris, was chosen as this year's Common Read by the UUA, and several of us (including me) are planning to meet on Zoom starting in two weeks to discuss it as we read. (See the announcement for more details.)
My friend Marguerite Mills, Director of Lifespan Religious Education at First UU Nashville, has invited parents and caregivers of young folks to join an upcoming class at FUUN. It will support you as a sexuality educator and will quite likely be loads of fun, as well. No registration is required, although participants should be willing to commit to all four sessions. Marguerite says you can just show up for the first Zoom meeting. (See announcement for details.)
If these sound appealing and you’re ready to spend time reading and learning in community, either (or both) of these could widen your circle this winter/spring.
Yours in ever-widening and deepening connection,
Rev. Denise
Rev. Denise Gyauch
Minister, Greater Nashville UU Congregation
RevDenise@gnuuc.org
*I know, it’s the same quotation I used a few weeks ago, but it’s good for this month, too!