June 28, 2023
June 28, 2023
“We are, in fact, the bearers of magic,
and that magic is connection.”
– Rev. Leslie Takahashi
Dear ones,
I spent most of last week participating in Ministry Days (the annual gathering of the UU Ministers Association) and the General Assembly (GA) of the UU Association of Congregations, during which I collected some quotations like the one above and all of us learned and debated and voted and enjoyed good music and installed a new UUA President: the learned, wise, and compassionate Rev. Dr. Sofía Betancourt.
The Berry Street Lecture (an annual part of Ministry Days) this year was particularly spectacular & timely: “My Little Pony Was Right: Reflections on Fascism Without & Within” by the Rev. Cecilia Kingman. If that sounds interesting, you can find the link to the recording, as well as information about an upcoming Side With Love webinar further exploring the topic on this page.
If you are curious about what happens at General Assembly, I suggest you start here and click around to see what recordings you can find of worship services and general business sessions.
At the very end of GA, UU theologian and scholar, the Rev. Dr. Rebecca Parker reminded us that on our journey toward Beloved Community, “conflict and struggle persist, but love abides”. We can’t avoid struggle (it persists, just as, perhaps because we ourselves persist), but in all our strivings, we are held in a love that abides in, through, and around us. It is so. May we remember!
Magically yours in conflict, struggle, and love,
Rev. Denise
RevDenise@gnuuc.org
Important Note:
I will be on vacation for the entire month of July (July 1-31). During that time, our wonderful affiliated ministers, the Revs. Dr. Michelle Pederson and Cynthia Stewart, will be available for pastoral emergencies. If you find yourself needing to talk with a minister, please contact the church office by email (gnuuc@gnuuc.org) or phone (615-673-7699; leave a voicemail message). Our amazing administrator, Kris, will connect you with the minister on call