UUS:E is unique. We have a community that transcends individual beliefs. Think of a painting on a canvas. Background colors lend a solidity and substance to the painting. With a background set, the artist builds on this foundation. New colors add a depth and vibrancy to the original work. As each of the elements interacts on the tableau, new subtleties appear. I like to think of our church community in these terms.
Different backgrounds, different beliefs, yet one canvas and one faith. Some may find faith an odd word to use in describing Unitarian Universalists. For me, being a Unitarian Universalist is an ultimate commitment. If we are to be measured on this earth, the quality of that measure will be the beliefs we hold and the actions we take in support of those beliefs. Critical to me is the democratic process; the worth and dignity of all humans; and the human spirit. Those are critical aspects, to be nurtured and protected. If we don’t act on those values, how can we ask that of others. That is our ultimate responsibility as UU’s and as people.
We are on the same path, but at different places on that path. We respect the journey, and are glad to be able to help others in their quest for meaning, just as they will help us. Please stop by on a Sunday morning and learn more about us.
President's Column
As many of you know, food is one of the passions that Nancy and I share. Foods that are more exotic, from the near and far east, specialty baking, and stir fries are some of her many specialties. Like most men, I seem to specialize in the grilled foods, whether firing up the charcoal, turning the old Weber grill into a smoker for hams, turkeys or ribs, or moving inside or the broiler like tonight’s lamb chops.
One of our favorites though, is a good stew. It is almost like magic. First, braising some chunks of meat, getting that nice carmelization on each piece, and then setting them aside. Next might be the onions. It seems you can never have too many. After you put them in the pan, they begin to sizzle a little in the olive oil. Throwing a little butter in helps with the browning of the onions, and they also begin to take on that caramel color and surrender their sweetness to the developing dish. Chunked carrots might come next. They add more sweetness, beautiful orange color, and something to really sink your teeth into. More browning, and then it is ready for some seasoning, and liquid of one sort or another. Sometimes we might use some red wine, maybe beer, maybe the remains of a homemade broth still kicking around the fridge. By now, it is time to put the potatoes in, and add the meat back for additional cooking time.
The aromas are mingling with one another, and the flavorful broth is beginning to turn into that hearty beef stew. The final magic doesn’t happen though without some flour. This is the original flour power, long before the summer of love. Once flour is added, all of those discrete elements, the meat, carrots, onions and potatoes, the spices and liquid, turn into that chocolaty colored gravy that gives stew its distinctiveness.
All of the elements work together to make themselves a community of flavor. We have our
own community of flavor at UUS:E. Some of us add the tanginess of spices, others the substance
of those potatoes in the stew. We have our flowers that bring our flavors together, like
the flour above melds the constituent parts. That stew is made more savory and flavorful when
each adds meaning and compliment to the other. We not only have that wonderful mélange of
membership each Sunday morning, but a variety of offerings on the menu. Sunday Services
committee, building and grounds, youth adult activities, small group ministries and so many
more provide each of us the opportunities to deepen our interactions with each other. Each ingredient,
each member, becomes more than the individual component when combined with the
others. When you make those combinations, you have the opportunity to deepen relationships
and develop a more meaningful nembership for yourself and for each of us. Don’t stew in your
own juices, come and add your sweetness to the wonderful concoction we
have each Sunday. Join a committee, look for involvement, add more
meaning to your membership.
Unitarian Universalism is about living intentionally, while remaining open to wonder and mystery. Both led to the discovery of UUS:E in the early 1990s when I was seeking a truly humanitarian spiritual community for our family—one that I could not name, but could clearly envision. Imagine my surprise upon opening the door at 153 West Vernon Street to find not merely what I had expected—a Gymboree class for my active preschooler—but also my soul’s yearnings made manifest. The instant I saw the “belief” quilt in the foyer I knew I was home.
As UU’s, we choose to better our planet and the lives of all of its inhabitants, not because a book or a parent or a law tells us so. At UUS:E we come together to heed the highest callings of our hearts and minds, to guide and support each one another in walking our talk. Each of freely brings pieces of our selves to this patchwork of beliefs and passions. Our work in progress is ever inspiring, always warm, and uniquely beautiful.
The tow-headed toddler who eagerly pulled me towards UUS:E and Unitarian Universalism has grown; and so have I. The words he learned in religious education still speak the simple truth. Ours is the church of the open mind, the loving heart and the helping hand. I invite you to open to the door to UUS:E. Bring the best pieces of yourself, enter with intention, and remain open to wonder. You may find yourself at home.
Lesley Schurmann, Vice President
Last Updated March 3, 2008
