| Dear Ones, Our liturgical theme for November is Path to Change. When I realized this, I laughed out loud. Sometimes I think the Universe is playing jokes on me and other times, like now, I think the Universe is giving me just what I need – whether I like it or not! You and I are being given an opportunity to explore the role of change in our lives – both its pain and its possibilities. A Unitarian Universalist congregation is meant to be a mission driven organization. UUCJ’s mission is by serving compassionately and connecting authentically, we change the world. You see, UUCJ is all about change. Its mission is nothing less than to change the world! One way we do that is one person at a time. The way we care for each other; the way we provide a community where it is safe to express ideas that challenge the status quo; the way we intentionally support service driven organizations within our community; and the way we fight for social justice are all ways that we make a positive difference in the world. Here are some of the activities UUCJ offers and some of the organizations that UUCJ supports: |
| Spiritual Direction Group Playing with Ideas Group Two Book Club Groups O’Leno Annual Retreat Chalice Groups Read USA Community Gardens at Tree Hill Arlington Community Services MLK Parade & Gay Pride Parades ICARE |
| They have become so routine that we forget that UUCJ regularly creates positive change for its members, as well as for the larger community of which it is a part. One might consider that the commitment to making a positive change in the world is the common thread that holds UUCJ together: There’s a thread you follow. It goes among things that change. But it doesn’t change. People wonder about what you are pursuing. You have to explain about the thread. But it is hard for others to see. While you hold it you can’t get lost. Tragedies happen; people get hurt or die; and you suffer and get old. Nothing you do can stop time’s unfolding. You don’t ever let go of the thread. (The Way It Is, by William Stafford) Blessings, Rev. Lee Anne P.S. Here’s a link to the November Soul Matters Small Group materials. P.S. In this month’s Soul Matters Small Group materials, Trent Shelton asks us if “that broken thing you keep trying to put back together is keeping your life from that beautiful thing that’s waiting to be built?” I kid you not. Look it up in the November materials. It’s something to think about, anyway. |