The UUSS Mission is: Connecting in spiritual community, we celebrate life with joy, grow in compassion, create justice. It gets formatted in different ways, with and without punctuation. We have often wondered if some of the lines themselves might be better arranged in a different order- when we grow in compassion, we may be moved to create justice, and when there is more justice in the world, we all can celebrate life with joy.
However one reads it, the mission guides UUSS. This month, we’ve been exploring the first line of the mission statement. Connecting can come in many forms. Feeling connected means different things to each of us. Some want to have lots of friends and activities. Others a more subtle journey with a few close beloveds. Still others want to be nearby but also left alone. Spiritual in some contexts implies something about god and in other uses is the essence of humankind-how goes it with your spirit today? Community also comes in many forms-covenant circles, worship, religious education classes, congregations, neighborhoods, identity-based groups.
It can be tricky when words mean different things to different people. When we are practicing the pluralism of Unitarian Universalism, we are in some ways, living into the UUSS mission and exploring a variety of meanings. Communication gets even trickier when we understand a perspective to be ‘the only one’ rather than ‘one of many.’
And still, we strive to communicate Unitarian Universalism. And one fun way to connect in spiritual community this week is to come to the Dinner, Dancing, and a Rock & Roll Raffle. Get your tickets today as we need to give numbers to the caterers first thing on Wednesday.
Can’t afford it? Pay what you can on the form. Can easily afford it? Give a bit more to offset someone else’s attendance. But register today so we can make sure to have enough food ordered for you/your family/your friends. Delicious food from Simone’s and Perreca’s (including mac n cheese!) and desserts from Villa Italia and Market 32.
Everyone who comes will get a small door prize and if you sign-up to volunteer you will get entered into a separate raffle for a gift sponsored by your ministers!
Dress up as your favorite rock star, wear your favorite concert t-shirt, wear something you like to dance in-whatever you wear, come share your fabulous self and connect in this spiritual community!
We hope to see you there!
Rev. Wendy and Rev. Lynn