Minister's Musings for June 2009
[Editor’s note” the following article is from the June Chalice Unitarian Universalist Congregation PrevUUs newsletter]
There is much to observe as we finish this congregational year at the end of this month.
We have had several deeply heart-rending losses of members and of family members. We remember and honor them and will hold them in our hearts and in our memories. We have had losses of jobs, homes, and income, and we have been a community in recognition and support for these losses as well.
The work of the Pastoral Care Team has been to support me by being present in heart, mind, touch, word, and action for those in need. And I am grateful for their shared ministry.
Yet, we have also had wonder and joy in the life of the congregation this year. We have had many new people join our community and bring their gifts, talents, financial support, and passion for a liberal religious presence in this part of the county. We rejoice in the growth of our children’s religious education programs, which we believe assist their growth as individuals with compassion, integrity, and interest in the world. And we are grateful for a place in which we can deepen the search for truth and meaning in our own lives, supported by a congregation that nurtures our spiritual or philosophical path.
Our music program is phenomenal, from Cabaret, Choir, soloists and Grunion Run, to the new groups that have started this year — groups such as the Chamber Singers, children’s choir, and Early Music Consort, along with several other groups of musicians who join together and offer differing song and instrument styles and genres. All have provided a profound experience in our worship services, as well as in the rest of our congregational life.
The action of the Social Justice program has given us an increasingly public and vocal presence in the communities surrounding Chalice. The amazing success of the Winter Shelter program, our visibility during the campaign against Proposition 8, our involvement in the BGLT community, workshops that have enriched and educated us, and our vision for a society transformed into a more just and compassionate place, all remind us why we are here.
An amazing generosity of time, energy and gifts made the annual Auction a smashing success! That has, along with other fund raisers such as the book sale, art sale, etc., added to our coffers. And the continued generosity of those who are able to fulfill their pledges from this past year, the excitement and play-
fulness of our Pledge and Play event that was such a financial success, and the pledges that continue to come in for the year ahead — all of these have, in spite of a struggling economy kept us on solid ground financially.
Most importantly, we commemorate the many volunteers who have made the above, and more than I can name in this column, possible! The individuals, committees/teams, and collective work done is far above and beyond what could be expected. I really cannot express how much the passion, vision, time, and financial support mean to Chalice’s mission. This is your congregation, it is your liberal religious community, it is your voice that speaks to our values and beliefs, and it is your generosity that has made our congregation what it is today and that which will continue to carry it forward tomorrow. So, I thank you, the generous hearts of this, our beloved community!