By Rev. Nina D. Grey
April, 2003
|
By Rev. Nina D. Grey April, 2003 |
Liturgically, April contains the holy days most expressive
of freedom and hope. Passover reminds us that freedom does not come without
a struggle. Easter tells us that renewal and the rebirth of possibility are
glorious realities, to be celebrated joyfully. But we make a mistake if we separate
Easter from the depths of Good Friday. Hardship and renewal are often tied together
in intricate ways. Still, if we take the Easter story at all seriously, if metaphorically,
we remember that the suffering does not cause the rebirth. Rather it is God,
or as the Universalists said, the power of Love that enters in and brings new
life.
We are entering and already are in uncertain times, both “out there” in the world, and “in here” in the church. In the world, our nation has chosen pre-emptive war without benefit of Congress’ official declaration and consent, but with its full support. These are times when the so-called rules of international relationships are shifting. There are repercussions at home and abroad. As citizens, mostly, of the U.S., and as residents of the world, we need to be aware. We need to wonder aloud and with each other, what this means, and how we shall respond. Though we are just a dot on the face of the world, in terms of our size and influence, still what we do or don’t makes a difference.
And “in here” we are struggling with financial challenges (as are many congregations and people). We need to reflect deeply, together, about the nature, vision and commitments of our religious community. We need to think creatively about how we shall sustain and strengthen our vision, for ourselves, all the generations, for the future.Join us, in joyful and thoughtful worship, in celebration of the human gifts of freedom and possibility. Join us, in reflection and important decision-making, as we respond to the challenges “out there” and “in here.” Participate in the life of this community, with your presence and your perspective. To embody our freedom we need to hear all the voices, across the generations. You are bearers of hope and possibility.
In the face of safety concerns, last year we made the decision about the spire and now, in early spring, the scaffold is up and the spire is coming down. While it pointed to the sky (and our weather vane told us which way the wind was blowing), it is we who make the decisions about the direction of our religious life.All our voices count as we strive to be the church we want to become, responsive to the needs of the individuals and families in our church and also to the principles of our faith. In the coming year we look forward to creating new statements of mission, vision and covenant. These will help shape our goals for every aspect of church life.
If we are to move forward both sustaining and enlarging our commitments to our ministries, our programs, and most primarily, the needs of the families and individuals who are here, if we are to attract new members who will help us create a vital, exciting future, we need your strong support, your ideas, your commitment and your generous financial contributions to our life.The children and adults of our faith community, those who will join us in the months and years ahead, the city of Chicago, the neighborhood of Hyde Park and Unitarian Universalism need the strong visible presence of a thriving First Unitarian Church. As you consider what you will pledge for the 2003-2004 church year, keep in mind the $20,000 anonymous pledge challenge. It will match, dollar for dollar, every increased and new pledge. We encourage you to do all you can to bring us forward into a bright and faithful future.
In faith, with love,
Nina