I’m sure a lot of you have been having some of the same feelings that I have since the new administration took over the White House a month ago. Horror and shock, even though they are doing exactly the things they said they would. Anger and helplessness, even as we have to keep doing the normal and mundane things that keep our lives going. Especially here in Asheville, where life is still so much harder in the wake of a major natural disaster. We are all worried for our loved ones, near and far, as Americans are under attack by our own government. A lot of us are wondering – what can I do?
Here’s the thing though – you’re already doing the work. You’re coming to church on Sundays to be in community with us. Every time you walk through our doors, it’s an act of resistance. You’re taking some time out of the grind to be intentionally loving to yourself and others. Maybe you’re on the board, or part of a committee, or maybe you help put away tables and chairs or open the door and greet people on Sunday mornings. You are engaging with this intentional community that seeks to make the world a better place. You are also doing one more really important thing, you are showing up for our children and youth.
Every Sunday morning, dozens of children and youth come into this place and they bring their worries, hopes, and dreams. Over the last 10 years I have watched this congregation transform from a place where children and adults were routinely separated and siloed into a truly multigenerational community. You can see it when our Sanctuary is overflowing and our children are right up front, the best seats in the house, so they can see and engage with our sacred rituals. Our kids bring their whole authentic selves to us and they are surrounded by loving adults who are fighting for them. One of the most important things we are doing is raising the next generation of Unitarian Universalists. When you show up to eat pancakes and support our youth on their journey to General Assembly this year, when you smile at a little kid who may be here for the first time, and when you use a youth’s new pronouns without batting an eye, you are telling our children and youth that they are important and their voices are important and that we are here to listen to them and protect them to best of our abilities. This Sunday is our annual YRUU worship service – show up for our youth and hear what they have to say!
Kim Collins
Faith Formation Staff