Minister's Column

Dear Ones:

Our ministry theme for June is “Flourishing Together.” As soon as I read these words, I thought of a recent New York Times opinion piece by Kit Dillon, a senior staff writer at Wirecutter. Dillon’s piece is titled “You’ll Never Survive a Disaster Alone.” Dillon critiques survivalists and the so-called “preppers”—people who gather endless stores of food, medicine, guns, and other supplies with the goal of living through a cataclysm. The assumption among preppers is that it is possible to survive a disaster on one’s own.

Dillon says this assumption is false. Though he is immersed in the “preparation” culture; and though he believes it is wise to keep water, food, medications, and documents on hand in the event of an emergency, he has also had the misfortune to live through seven natural disasters and be trapped on a subway during the 2003 New York City blackout. Given this, he says, “you might think … I’d have a go bag always ready, especially since I review bags for a living as a reporter…. But I don’t. What I’ve learned, from every one of these close calls and near misses, is that what keeps us safe isn’t the stuff we pack or stockpile; it’s the community we build before calamity strikes. At a time when Americans are increasingly isolated from one another, we must see our ties with our neighbors as essential preparation for the future ahead.”

Dillon’s message isn’t important only for what he is saying about disaster preparedness. His message is important because human beings are fundamentally social creatures. We flourish when we connect with one another. We thrive when we connect with one another. We learn and grow when we connect with one another. Our neighborhoods, communities, and institutions are stronger and more resilient when we connect with one another.

This is why I am so committed to the local congregation (regardless of denomination). Local congregations, when healthy, are places of connection first and foremost—places where we can see our ties with our neighbors. Local congregations offer a ready-made antidote to social isolation. Local congregations provide opportunities for people to care for others and receive care from others. Local congregations provide opportunities for impacting the wider world in positive ways. Local congregations provide opportunities to mark the most sacred moments of our lives—birth, coming of age, marriage, and death. And while they may not be able to solve all of our problems, in the very least, local congregations let us know we are not facing our problems alone.

As I look back at the 2025-2026 congregational year, I believe our connections at UUSE are strong. We are flourishing as a congregation. Kit Dillon ended his opinion piece by saying, “Pack a bag if you want to. But the real preparation begins when you knock on your neighbor’s door and invite them over.” For me, this includes being part of a local congregation. I am exceedingly glad you have chosen to “prepare for the future ahead” with the UUSE community.

With love, care,

Rev. Josh

#JuneNewsletter