Sep 9, 2021 | Weekly Message
OK, first things first, if you haven’t watched the video of Revs. Cathy and Claudia, please stop reading and click on this link. Their energy and giggles will improve the quality of your day as it did mine and I think we can learn from their general approach–reframing disappointing news as an opportunity for growth. They explain the rationale behind the decision NOT to meet for in-person services at UUAsheville due to the delta variant of the coronavirus. As a scientist, I understand we made these decisions keeping in mind the recommendations of the CDC and the Unitarian Universalist Association regarding the variant.
Personally, I am disappointed by the news we will not meet in person for services in our beautiful sanctuary. I consider myself to be a rather rigid person who thrives when things go according to plan and schedule. My children ask me about “church” and the coronavirus (will there be a spiritual developmental lag?) and when we can go there. I have been fumbling for answers, but now I will fumble less because there will be creative opportunities for outdoor gatherings spearheaded by Rev. Cathy, Rev. Claudia and other members of our community.
But I can’t help noting that their approach of reframing the bad news as an opportunity is a characteristic of lucky and happy people. Social science researcher Richard Wiseman writes that people who consider themselves lucky often imagine how things could have been worse. I have very little trouble imagining services resuming at UUAsheville and coronavirus infections happening as a result. It would be devastating to have infections or deaths of members of our family, possibly young and old, because we rushed getting back together. When I think about it in this fashion, the decision to wait is much easier to stomach, but the work to keep the commnity together through this time will not be, and the congregation will need to shoulder some of the load. If something has resonated with you from a service, send a message to Cathy or Claudia. If you have ideas, please let us know! We want to hear from you.
Luck researcher Wiseman highlights other attributes of lucky people and describes them as resilient, optimistic, intuitive, and open to chance encounters – all qualities I strive for personally and qualities I am attracted to in organizations and people. Our congregation is filled with such people and participating in services and UUAsheville activities increases the likelihood of a positive chance encounter with such individuals. We are also very lucky to have two resilient and optimistic women leading us, so please join us virtually on Sundays and in-person for fun events. I hope to see you soon!
Adam Griffith, UUAsheville Board of Trustees
Sep 5, 2021 | Sermons
Sunday, September 5, 2021 Live Zoom
Rev. Dr. Cathy Harrington, Interim Lead Minister
Our Unitarian Universalist congregational polity is affirmed by our covenant with one another; to support, to honor, to grow into a greater affection for ourselves and the world. Our vision of becoming better people, better parents, better citizens of the world, are only made possible by our willingness to walk together on the journey.
Sep 2, 2021 | Weekly Message
As we enter the beginning of the new church year and embark on the work of interim ministry together, we are challenged by unforeseen circumstances that keep us from gathering in person. This is disappointing but know that much work is being done behind the scenes to make our return to church as safe as possible. Sadly, Buncombe County has a “Very High Risk” level and large indoor, in-person gatherings are not possible. This Ingathering Greeting from UUA President Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray https://youtu.be/RSqmSeyhQ-Y offers UU congregations both guidance and comfort as we navigate these difficult times. She acknowledges that the Delta variant setback has left us feeling frustrated, heart-broken, and exhausted.
We hoped to be in the sanctuary together by September 12 but since that isn’t possible for a while, Rev Claudia, Linda, and I have been brainstorming ways to gather safely outside while the weather permits. The Dedication Ceremony of the beautiful new patio on Sunday, October 3 from 1-3 promises to be lots of fun with a food truck and music. Another opportunity for fellowship and fun is being planned for Thursday, September 16 at 5:30. We will call it “Third Thursday” and while this is still evolving there is a rumor that drumming will be involved.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of 9/11, and you are invited to stop by the church from 4-5 pm on Saturday, September 11 to light a candle of memory and hope. Rev Claudia and I will be there, and Les will provide beautiful piano music to honor the solemn occasion.
Our Soul Matters theme for September is Embracing Possibility invites us to consider that “Embracing Possibility has more to do with being a people of vulnerability and courage than we’ve thought. The work isn’t just about believing in possibility. It’s about being willing to endure a few wounds along the way. It can hurt to be hopeful.” Taking care of ourselves and one another needs to be a priority for us right now. The pandemic has shown us what matters most in life, and family, friends and beloved community have moved into a prime priority position for many of us. Margaret Wheatly sums it up best: There is no power greater than a community discovering what it cares about. Ask: “What’s possible?” not “What’s wrong?” Keep asking. Notice what you care about.
This is just one of many gems of wisdom found in this month’s Soul Matters small groups packet. Soul Matters groups will be starting again in October, but if you are interested in having an experience of a small group but aren’t ready to commit for whatever reason, I’m going to offer a monthly “Taste of Soul” session. Even if you don’t join a small group, the monthly packet is a wealth of resources for self-reflection and exploration. This month we will meet on Sunday, September 26th at 1 pm via Zoom. I hope you will give it a try!
I look forward to meeting you, and in addition to my Zoom office hours and outdoor UUCA events, we can meet for a walk, a one-on-one Zoom appointment, or share time enjoying the beautiful UUCA campus. Email me for an appointment and join me in embracing the synergy that emerges when we ask one another, “what is possible?”
In faith and love,
Rev Cathy
Sep 2, 2021 | Family Ministry
I’m Kim Collins, religious exploration coordinator here at UUCA. You’re going to hear a lot about Family Ministry from me this year. So, what does that mean? What kind of family am I talking about? I’m talking about all families. We are all part of a family. Some of us hold tight to our families of origin, others feel love and comfort with their chosen families. Families need not have children in them. Pets definitely also count as family as my pups will attest. I’m not just talking to those of you with children at home, this is for all of us. Every member of this congregation is part of our family.
One of the most important lessons that we have learned during this time is that we need community. The good news is that we have this community that we’ve all been cultivating for years. I think that our community can be stronger than ever. What would it look like if we were all taking care of each other? Would we be able to help each other before the challenges in our lives became emergencies? Our UU faith is not just something that we do on Sunday mornings, it’s how we are in the world. It’s how we are with each other and it’s reflected in our Mission and our covenant to each other.
I want to remind you that UU’s can’t just believe whatever we want. While we all have our own personal relationship with spirituality, we do all share the same values as outlined in our principles. Those shared values are what make us a community and our covenant is what binds us together as a family. Things will never look the same as they did pre pandemic, but I think they can be better. I think we can do better. Our UU identity is a gift we give to the world. Let’s work together to nurture future and current generations of UU’s. Let’s find the joy in taking care of each other.
