Index of Rev. Grey's Columns

The ending of February and beginning of March spell our entrance into that month famous for its own beginning and ending, that month that comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb. This month also marks the beginning of a spring sermon series on our seven Unitarian Universalist principles. In our March 5 service, Reverence for Life, we'll reflect on the personal, social and political implications of our first principle, the inherent worth and dignity of every human.

Spanning the end of February and beginning of March is an important interfaith event that echoes respect for that worth and dignity. That is "Death Penalty Awareness Week", co-sponsored by the Chicago-based Campaign to End the Death Penalty. The Hyde Park and Kenwood Interfaith Council, to which we belong, is also co-sponsoring this Awareness Week, which began February 27 with an interfaith service at the United Church of Hyde Park and will end with a screening of the video documentary "The End of the Nightstick" at the University of Chicago School of Social Service Administration at 6 p.m. on March 3. We've posted and announced information on the week's events on our bulletin board. By the time of the newsletter's printing I will have attended the interfaith service. These events mark the 30th anniversary of the reinstatement of the death penalty. Hopefully some of us will be able to witness to our first principle by our participation in this nationwide death penalty awareness week.

The middle of the month brings the official change of the seasons, the spring equinox, and we'll mark it with our March 19th service, For All That Dwell, a contemplation of justice, equity and compassion for all beings, in the second of our sermon series on our UU principles. So in this month that comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb, we'll be thinking about ideas and images that lead us to a greater respect and cherishing of the natural world.

This month's focus is on life -- all life -- and the conditions that make for justice for all beings. As we reflect on these themes, we celebrate and affirm the power and spirit of life itself. We are warmly invited to join in reflection, affirmation and celebration, as we worship together and join in the other important events of our living faith community.

With love, in faith,

Nina