Lately, I've been giving much thought to why we come to church, what the tangible benefits might be, and why it is important to us that our children join us. We each have our own personal reasons, but it seems there are reasons we have in common as well.

If we believe that Unitarian Universalism holds a meaningful place in our lives, it is important that they experience it firsthand. If we believe that our lives are richer, deeper and less selfish because in part of the relationships we develop within this community, there are real ways for that to happen. 

Annie Lammot sums up some of my thinking in her book "Traveling Mercies" when she writes:

"Sam is the only kid he knows who goes to church - who is made to go two or three times a month. He rarely wants to. This is not exactly true: the truth is he never wants to go. 

What young boy would rather be in church on the weekends than hanging out with a friend?

You might wonder why I make this strapping, exuberant boy come with me most weeks, and if you were to ask, this is exactly what I would say. I make him because I can. I outweigh him by nearly seventy-five pounds.

But that is only part of it. The main reason is that I want to give him what I found in the world, which is to say a path and a little light to see by. Most of the people in the world I know who have what I want - which is to say, purpose,  heart, balance, gratitude, joy -- are people with a deep sense of spirituality. They are people in community, who pray or practice their faith; they are Buddhists, Jews, Christians --- people banding together to work on themselves and for human rights. They follow a brighter path than the glimmer of their own candle; they are part of something beautiful.

I saw something once from the Jewish Theological Seminary that said, "A human life is like a single letter of the alphabet. It can be meaningless. Or it can be a part of great meaning." 

Our funky little church is filled with people who are working for peace and freedom, who are out there on the streets and inside praying, and they are home writing letters, and they are at the shelters with giant platters of food."

For my time and money, Lammot has it right. One thing I want for all of us, old and young, wise and naïve, overtly spiritual and brazenly secular, is "a path and a little light to see by" even if it means coming when we'd rather stay home with the Sunday paper, or when the kids are clamoring to go the park. For here, in this beloved community, there is the very real possibility of being part of something of great meaning.

With love and peace,

Rev. Beth

Children and Youth Programs this Sunday

PreK-5th grade and Youth (5th-8th grade) programs are available as well as  Nursery care for infants through age 4

Children please remain in the sanctuary until after Children's Benediction

This marks the 6th year of celebration with a continued mission of making our region a more diverse, inclusive and safe place for everyone!

  Together we can do great things!

   http://www.uujustice.org

   Emmy Lou Cholak, Co-Chair UU Social Justice

- Cancelled - June 23 class with Tony Wilgus

Tony's class will resume July 14 & 21, "Miles Before I Sleep" Parts I & II

- Mindfulness Meditation: Sunday, June 23,  5:00 - 7:00 pm, meditation room.  See www.tcmmg.org for more information

- Bridge Club: Tuesdays @ 1:00pm, social hall

June 21, 2019

This is the solstice, the still point of the sun,

its cusp and midnight, the year's threshold and unlocking, where the past lets go of and becomes the future; the place of caught breath.

~ Margaret Atwood