Monthly Archives: August 2010

We are a “Faith Beyond Belief,” notes UUA President Peter Morales.

I welcome this reminder that Unitarian Universalism — although begun in theological dispute — is much more than trying to craft a “right belief.” Indeed, as I visit with congregational leaders, our leading cause of congregational heart-burn stems from some trying to enforce a creedal purity, even to the point of censoring what words we use to express our highest hopes and deepest aspirations.

Were I to wave the magic wand for our District congregations, it would be to put an end to the word wars that so often divide, even hurt our sense of beloved community. Not having such power, I call your attention to our origins: Our congregations were born in the mid-17th century ambition to be a community of inquiry, as noted in the 1629 Salem Covenant: We bind ourselves together “to walk together in all God’s ways, … as he is pleased to reveal himself to us in his Blessed word of truth.”

A less archaic version updates that ideal:

“We covenant with one another ? and do bind ourselves together in the presence of this religious community to express our deepest and most cherished convictions, as they are borne by each person, to find a common vision for a better world, to seek the life of the spirit, as it is known by each person, choosing with reverence its name, and to walk together in the way of truth and love, as it is shown to us and to all people, in word and deed.”

At our best, we Unitarian Universalists show respect for each other’s worth and dignity by engaging in an on-going dialogue toward mutual spiritual growth.   At our less than best, we sometimes try to clone one another spiritually.

As we move toward the annual fall up-charging of our ministries, I pray you will keep in mind we are one heart and one ambition — to nurture the soul & heal the world — amidst all our diversity of faith conviction and expression. Our faith is a way of life, far more than it is a way of belief. May we walk well together, my friends.

Rev. Kenn

“When does church begin?” I naively asked upon arriving to take up my ministry at Fort Myers seven years ago. I knew it really just keeps on going, but the Sunday after Labor Day was always some kind of new beginning in my prior congregations. Noting that schools in Florida open in early August, that seemed a bit late. So, I wondered, when?

My observations revealed that, with but modest weather-swings and less dramatic changes in daylight, with an early school start and an dispersed snow-bird arrival, planning a rally-together Ingathering or Home-coming Sunday is hard to do.That said, school does start in a few days. Families will shift gradually to a “fall” mindset when Sunday worship and faith education become more central. Our congregations should be gearing up by now. “Church” begins!

Some congregational Boards hold planning retreats in late spring and over the summer. Many wait ‘til fall. It doesn’t matter, as long as you have one. Here are some questions our leaders ought to consider as you think of the program year ahead:

What are our strengths, what things do we do very well?
What do we do okay but we could improve?
What new thing should we begin to do?”

The first is the most important. Also, too often, I see congregations over-reaching and stressing themselves out. So, I argue our congregations should do fewer things better. That alone should help you with your planning.

There is one other, a fourth question, that too rarely is asked: We have to live with limitations, so now and then we should ask:

“What is it that we should stop doing?”

Remember the seven last words of a dying congregation are: “We have always done it this way.” Inertia is the enemy of both quality and excitement. As you think of gearing up your ministries this fall do two things:

Go with what you are really good at, more vigorously.
Go with what excites you now, not yesterday.

You’ll serve your ministry more effectively and with more satisfaction.

Wishing you a joyful and spirit-filled year, Rev. Kenn

PS: Congregational Leaders, come bring hour planning challenges to this month’s Leadership Roundtable, in Tampa, August 21st, or next month in North Palm Beach, September 18th. Click here for more information.