In my last post I promised to offer another lens through which to look at the programs and projects of Thomas Jefferson Memorial Church - Unitarian Universalist to help us see how well who we say we are and who we act like we are are in agreement with each other. This is an important exercise for a congregation -- as for an individual -- to engage in on a regular basis: am I living by the values I espouse? Could someone tell what matters to me by looking at the way I live my life?
There is another reason (at least one other!) to engage in this quest to "know thyself" and live an "examined" life. We are bombarded on a daily basis with invitations to do this thing and to do that thing -- far more things than anyone could ever do. As Edward Everett Hale famously said, "I am only one . . . I cannot do everything." His point, of course, is that while we may not be able to do everything there is always at least something that we can do. An exercise such as this can help us decide among the myriad things that are calling for our attention which thing(s) we can do. Which things we ought to do. Which things we are being called to do.
So in my last post I suggested that we here at TJMC look to our congregation's Mission Statement and see how what we're actually doing aligns with the values we espouse in this core document. That's something I think we should always do when considering beginning a new project or when assessing something we've been doing for a while -- ask ourselves, in what way(s) does this enhance our ability to act on our mission in the world? In what way(s) does this further that mission?
In this post I want to suggest that another tool we might use is the well-known Principles and Purposes section of the Unitarian Universalist Association's bylaws, especially the so-called "Seven Principles."
There are the seven principles which Unitarian Universalist
congregations covenant to affirm and promote:
- The inherent worth and dignity of every person;
- Justice, equity and compassion in human relations;
- Acceptance of one another and encouragement to
spiritual growth in our congregations;
- A free and responsible search for truth and meaning;
- The right of conscience and the use of the democratic
process within our congregations and in society at large;
- The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and
justice for all;
- Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of
which we are a part.
A. 1st
& 2nd Principle Work
a. Racial
reconciliation work
i.
Partnership with Monticello
ii.
Partnership with UCARE/UVA
iii.
Partnership with Dialog on Race
iv.
Partnership with Coming To The Table
v.
Partnerships with area African American churches
b. Immigration
i.
Immigration law reform
ii.
Immigration justice
iii.
Partnership with Creciendo Juntos
c. Refugee
Community
d. GLBTI
i.
Marriage equality
ii.
Pride
e. PACEM
f.
Emotional Wellness Ministry
g. Food Pantry
h. Soup Kitchen
B. 3rd
& 4th Principle Work
a. Worship
experimentation/deepening
i.
Sunday worship
ii.
UU Christian Fellowship Worship
iii.
Clear Spring Buddhist Sangha
iv.
Labyrinth Ministry
v.
Nature Spirit
b. Lifespan Faith
Development
i.
RE for children and youth
ii.
RE for adults (AFD)
c. Covenant groups
d. UUse Guys and
UUpity Women
e. Pastoral
visitors
f.
Membership
g. Leadership
Development
h. UVA Campus
Ministry
C. 5th
and 6th Principle Work
a. IMPACT
b. PA-UN
D. 7th
Principle Work
a. Green Sanctuary
b. Mountaintop
Removal
c. Adopt-a-Highway
1 comment:
Well, Erik - your posting is both a challenge and a bit of a breathless summary of most of what are vehicles for participating in one or more of the many groups and paths that members of TJMCUU have developed on populate. For me, and perhaps for many others, it is this and these opportunites and ability to be involved in a meaningful way as a contributing member of a group that has attraction and appeal. The "lone voice crying out in the wilderness" gets a hearing, and can then join in a larger chorus that may [like the wonderful rendition of Amazing Grace by the chorus as created by Scott this past Sunday] give voice to concerns and paths to address them.
Perhaps there is an answer to "why am I 'here'" in this exploration and the insights and opportunities offered - all in the context of what is offered each Sunday and in the many wonderful AFD offerings.
I look forward to the dialogue you have requested and the doors that keep opening.
Arthur Rashap
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