Dear Ones:

Our ministry theme for April is Embracing Possibility. Our friends at Soul Matters (the independent Unitarian Universalist resource hub that provides materials for the exploration of the ministry themes) offered the following quote about who we are as Unitarian Universalists:

Of all our themes this year, Embracing Possibility is arguably most central to our faith. It has distinguished Unitarian Universalists from our beginning. Historically, when others saw depravity and sin at the core of human identity, we saw potential. When many were preaching that this world is fallen, we fell in love with the possibility of heaven on earth. Theologically, you might say we were the people who believed that God hadn’t given up on us and so we shouldn’t give up on each other or this world. Psychologically, it’s led to us being a people of “why not?” Why not give people another chance? Why not fight what seems like a losing battle? Why not risk a little failure? Or forgiveness? Why not trust in the possibility of a new dawn?

I think this is a wonderful “elevator speech” to begin a conversation about Unitarian Universalism with someone who is unfamiliar with our faith. But for now, I offer it as a guide for our spiritual reflection during April. While I am not asking anyone to turn away from all that is happening in our country and the world, all the cruelty and corruption, all the depravity and sin we witness on a daily basis (indeed, we ignore it at our peril), I am inviting you to focus on where you see potential. I am inviting you to focus on when you fell in love with the possibility of heaven on earth. If we’re spiritually descended from the people who believed that God hasn’t given up on humanity, who are you not giving up on now? What in this world are you not giving up on now?

Or, right now, to what new idea—no matter how wild or unreasonable—are you say “why not?” And if there is no new idea in your life, is it time to grab hold of one? Why not? Who in your life deserves another chance? What losing battle still seems worth fighting, even if it means failing over and over again? What apology might you owe to someone who is waiting to offer forgiveness?

What new dawn are you waiting for? Can you trust that it is possible?

We’ll be asking these questions in a variety of ways this month – in Sunday services, in small groups, in Children and Youth Ministry, and more. I urge you to let these questions seep into your consciousness. And as always, I am interested to learn your answers. Feel free to reach out either by email or phone. If you want to get together in person to talk more, please don’t be shy. I’d like to know more about whatever new dawn you trust is possible.

With love, care, hope … and possibility,

Rev. Josh

#AprilNewsletter