David's Dialog for July

I really enjoyed working Chalice’s booth at the Rancho Bernardo Street Fair. Aside from having the pleasure of the company of some of the members of this congregation, and aside from the delicious bratwurst I indulged in from one of the food booths, it was the first time I worked a booth to support something that was so deeply meaningful for me. I have worked a lot of booths at fairs or festivals. I have worked booths for nonprofit organizations and for profit organizations. I have attempted to sell products or services and/or raise money or awareness for my organization. But after talking to a couple of people who came to the booth for information, I realized it was the first time I was not working that booth at all for me.

Sure, I hope that the membership of Chalice grows, but one of the things that I really understood after talking to some of these people was that we were at this fair in part for them. We were there so more people would be able to learn about something for which they have been searching. We were there so more people would learn about a community of seekers who can provide a tolerant, loving, compassionate and justice’ seeking vision to match their vision of the world.

I have been to other fairs where people from various religious institutions or organizations were trying to induce people to hear their message. On my way to the fair I, too, thought, “Oh, I am not so sure this is what I want to do.” I, too, have been challenged by that type of engagement in the past. But aside from the fact that it was something that I believed in, which obviously was going to have an effect on my feelings, the message being delivered at this booth was about inclusiveness not exclusiveness. I was asked about how welcoming we were and I was so happy to have a clear and resounding answer to that question. Personally, as a UU with a strong belief in our message, I appreciate all those who worked the booth and attended the fair, and I am grateful that I was so confident in communicating the welcoming message of Chalice.

Peace,

David