​Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Central Michigan
Minister’s Column
 
These words of wisdom come from the ancient Chinese text Tao te Ching by Lao Tzu, translated into English by Stephen Mitchell:

One area where I need the wisdom of the Tao te Ching these days is the presidential election. As I reflected recently in my “election stress and self-care” sermon, I am seeking a balance in accepting things the way they are versus acting to change things. This ancient text reminds me to be who I am, grounded. This brings a sense of calm and belonging. When I read the last three lines of this excerpt, I understand it to mean that I accept and celebrate all of life (“the wonder of the Tao”)—and this gives me the calmness to accept whatever is happening. The ultimate acceptance, of course, is knowing that I am going to die. I don’t know when. I’m sure of the outcome but unsure of the timing. If I can strive for such a state of equanimity that I am not troubled by my own death, then surely the outcome of a presidential election is also something I can take in stride.
 
Easier said than done, but I am working on it.
 
I also like this verse because it has such direct and concrete advice about how to be in the world. “Kindhearted as a grandmother / dignified as a king” is a great aspiration. It suggests a groundedness and humility coexisting with a sense of being in my power. Finally, the beginning of the verse names the importance of seeing the source, the core of things—rather than being caught up in the surface, the every day. This is the essence of spiritual practice for me: seeing a deeper truth; connecting to a deeper place where there is more wisdom and calmness. That place is always within me, and a poem or a sacred text can help me be in touch with it.
 
PRAYER:
Blessed be the words of the Tao te Ching, whose wisdom has touched people around the world for centuries.
May each of us find our tools for being calm and grounded – in the face of dire political events; in the face of our own mortality.
May we connect to the infinite source of wisdom and love; may we be reminded that we are not alone.
Amen.
 
Rev. Drew Frantz
September 10, 2024

Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Central Michigan
Minister’s Column
 
This week I had some long overdue repairs done in my house. I knew there was a rotten board just under the siding by the porch. As they pulled back more of the siding, more and more rotten wood was revealed: water had been getting behind the siding for years evidently and damaging layers of the wall. A one-day project turned into two and a half days: it felt like they were tearing off and replacing a whole corner of the house. Luckily the work is done now, and should be sturdier and drier than before.
 
In my role as minister to this Fellowship, I regularly encounter people who need help, and many of them are outside of the congregation. In my five years working here I have helped people dealing with mental illness, addiction, physical health problems, financial problems, homelessness and legal trouble. I have practiced this helping ministry in psychiatric wards, county jails, and cheap motels. Sometimes I have had to learn to say no and to set boundaries. While it is heartbreaking, sometimes I can’t help any more than listening to a person’s troubles and offering compassion and affirmation. Other times I can help more materially, with the available resources of my time and the money in the Minister’s Discretionary Fund. This fund is money set aside in the UUFCM budget for those in financial crisis, and is replenished when congregants make a donation especially for that purpose. The generosity of the congregation is astounding, and has allowed me to help quite a few people—including in the past few weeks.
 
When I find myself in the role of helper to someone who is in a crisis and has very few resources, I am in touch with my compassion and with a perspective of gratitude. A person experiencing homelessness or mental illness is not a worse person than me: they are having a worse experience; and they might have a life history that contributed to this moment. On the other hand, I have a life history of privilege with a comfortable upbringing, a college and grad school education, and financial security.
 
Which brings me back to the house repairs. Yes, it was alarming to see pieces of my house ripped off and strewn about the yard, exposing inner walls. Yes, the cost of this unexpected repair will put a dent in my household budget. And—I have a safe home. I have a good job. I have good mental and physical health. I am privileged to have enough and more than enough for myself, and to be able to share something with others.
 
PRAYER:
For the ones who are out of doors tonight: may they be safe and well until the morning.
For the ones who are struggling to pay the rent: may they find the resources they need within themselves and outside of themselves, to keep progressing forward.
For the ones who are distraught and overwhelmed: may they know that they are loved and OK just the way they are.
May peace and healing, safety and rest come to all of God’s children.
May it be so.
 
Rev. Drew Frantz
September 3, 2024

Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Central Michigan
Minister’s Column
 
On Saturday, the Board of Trustees had its annual retreat. Monica Jean graciously hosted us at her cabin in Canadian Lakes, where eight of us gathered from 9:00-4:00, seated in a circle in the shade on a beautiful summer day. As morning turned to afternoon, the sound of pontoon boats and jet-skis punctuated our conversation; Monica’s dogs made their rounds, befriending the board members and the minister.
 
In our system of governance, the Board has responsibility for the Fellowship’s money—including yearly budgeting and spending as well as long-term saving, planning, and endowment. They also serve as the personnel committee, approving job postings, hirings, and changes in employee compensation. They create policy and coordinate the work of the Fellowship’s committees and teams. As minister, I am part of the Board’s discussions. I do not vote, but I advise the Board and try to keep our focus on the Fellowship’s mission.
 
Saturday was good because Aaron, Norma, Terrie, Laurie, Monica, David, Annette and I got to know one another better. In the morning we shared our life stories and our history with Unitarian Universalism. At lunch time we had hamburgers and corn on the cob at a picnic table next to the lake. In our business meeting, we agreed on some things and disagreed on others. The Board made some decisions, and identified some issues to bring to the congregation as a whole.
 
Board members work long hours--all as volunteers of course--because of their commitment to the health and well-being of the Fellowship. On a Saturday in August, these eight UU’s chose a Board retreat over spending time with their own families. I am grateful for their dedication. Boards have to deal with many things, from copyright laws to the minister’s health insurance and the agreement to share the parking lot with the library. Their work behind the scenes allows for the joy and connection that everyone else can enjoy on Sunday mornings. May we all be thankful for what they do.
 
PRAYER:
Spirit of Life and Love, I ask your blessing on the UUFCM Board of Trustees.
 
May their judgment be sound; may their communication be direct, clear and compassionate; may their vision be inspired.
 
Grant that they may be appreciated and validated in their work, and grant them rest when the tasks are too much or the burden of decisions too great.
 
Blessed be.
 
Rev. Drew Frantz
August 27, 2024

Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Central Michigan
Minister’s Column
 
Today I traveled to Brighton, Michigan for an anti-racist event hosted by the Unitarian Universalist congregation there. It was held in response to a disturbing event on Saturday, when members of a white supremacist group demonstrated in the city. According to local news reports, a similar event occurred recently in nearby Howell, with the group chanting “We love Hitler! We love Trump!”
 
Community Unitarian Universalists of Brighton (CUUB) is a small congregation, similar to the UU Fellowship of Central Michigan. Their minister, Rev. Rudra Dundzila organized and hosted today’s event that was small but very fulfilling. It had a dynamic mix of clergy and lay people; members of CUUB and others from the Brighton community. I appreciated that the event offered two spaces: the sanctuary for reflection, prayer, and singing; and the lobby for conversation and networking. In the face of bold racism on our public streets and the stressful reality of an upcoming election in a swing state, I believe that we need both things that this event offered. We need a safe retreat for our emotional and spiritual well-being, and we need vibrant interaction with our allies to inspire and energize us. I felt that I got these two needs met today, and I believe that the others at CUUB did as well. They showed up because of their shared values. They showed up with shared concern for their community. They showed up because they wanted to know what else to do, how else to be involved; and they showed up to be assured that they are not alone.
 
We are stronger together. Today I saw Unitarian Universalists connecting across the state of Michigan, religious leaders coming together to denounce white supremacy, and community members declaring that hate has no home in Brighton or anywhere else in Michigan. The strength that I felt at today’s gathering reminded me that I am not alone and that we make each other stronger. May we go forward in hope and in love, not in fear.
 
PRAYER:
May God bless the people of Community Unitarian Universalists of Brighton and their minister, Rev. Rudra.
May people everywhere be emboldened and courageous in their resistance to white supremacy and other forms of oppression.
May the masked demonstrators who disturbed the peace of Brighton with their hateful ideology find the way to love in their hearts—may they learn that all are holy and all are loved.
May harmony and loving community come to Howell; to Brighton; and to every human community on the face of the earth, with no exceptions.
Blessed be.
 
Rev. Drew Frantz
August 20, 2024

Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Central Michigan
Minister’s Column
 
On Saturday I was watching the Olympics with my wife and sister-in-law, and I was moved by a race on the track and the story behind it. Often I focus on the athletes from the USA—as does the network covering the games. (An American network whose first audience is American, this makes sense.) This story, however, was about a runner from Kenya, Faith Kipyegon, and her attempt to win her event for the third Olympics in a row.
 
Two things moved me the most in this story. First were the images of the runner with her young daughter. Seeing this side of her—not just a gifted athlete in a uniform—showed her humanity. It also spoke to the strength and determination of this woman, especially when they explained that her training routine took her to a training center away from her daughter five days a week. Even more compelling were the images of the city in which Kipyegon lived, because it gave me a glimpse into a different world. I have never been to any country in Africa. My world-view is often local and often national: my job and the city where I live; the politics and the sports of my country. In Kenya, unlike the United States, long distance running is the national sport. The champion runners there are famous and revered the way football, baseball, or basketball stars might be here. Therefore this woman, when she competes, is an inspiration to her country—and when she wins, a source of national pride. She said that hearing girls say they are inspired by her gives her great joy.
 
On Saturday at the Olympics in Paris, Faith Kipyegon won the 1,500 meter race earning her third consecutive gold medal in that event. In a close race until the end, Kipyegon ran away with the victory on the home stretch.
 
I enjoy watching sports because the competition sometimes brings out amazing performances where athletes transcend their limitations and do amazing things. I like the drama, excitement, and joy that many sporting events contain. What this moment added for me was a glimpse into my place in the world and the diversity of human life on this planet: an athlete whose homeland, language and culture are foreign to me; yet her humanity as a parent, as a competitor, and as a winner reached me from around the world.
 
PRAYER:
Nike, goddess of victory, bless Faith Kipyegon and her young daughter. Bless the country of Kenya, so rightfully proud of their countrywoman whose determination makes her a champion.
 
May all of us rejoice in the abilities of our bodies, the amazing gift that life gives each one of us. Fast or slow, able-bodied or differently abled, may each of us strive and achieve like champions.
 
Blessed be.
 
Rev. Drew Frantz
August 13, 2024

For this week’s minister’s column I offer the following poem:

Rain Delay
We arrive at the ball park, shepherding three grandkids.
It’s the Fourth of July, and the Loons vs. White Caps game
will be followed by fireworks.
 
The rain starts Before we even make it to our seats--
we dash to shelter beneath the outfield video screen
as tall as a house, and we keep squeezing backwards as the rain blows in.
 
Next to me, a dad and his son have brought their gloves
 to catch a foul ball or a home run.
Others carry plastic cups brimming with beer.
A woman behind me checks the radar on her phone.
 
For half an hour we are squished in that anonymous crowd,
protecting three girls from rain.
The little one wants to be held and I pick her up,
bouncing to the stadium music.
 
This is not the bonding I envisioned, but it may be
the most memorable part of the holiday:
holding these kids close and mingling with the crowd.
 
Drew Frantz
July, 2024

Last Sunday was the annual Flower Communion, one of the two “high holidays” of Unitarian Universalism. It represents the end of the worship calendar as we transition to a summer schedule. And it represents community and diversity, as everyone brings a flower to the service and takes away a different one.
 
This worship service has been a favorite UU moment for me ever since I became a UU 25 years ago. Joy and sharing are at the center of the ritual, and it connects us with Unitarians from the past (the flower communion comes from the Unitarian Church of Czechoslovakia in 1923) and with Unitarian Universalists today (nearly all of the 1,000 UU congregations in the United States today celebrate the flower communion in May or June).
 
Last Sunday was a high point for me and gave me a joyful perspective on this community. A great piece of the joy was the fact that four new members joined the Fellowship that morning: Sierra Burke, Kirsten King, Jenny Main, and Janet Olson signed the book and were welcomed by the congregation. We also celebrated the graduations of young people who attended UUFCM as children.
 
In the fellowship hall after the service, everyone was holding the flower they received in the ceremony; there were new people; there were congregants who had returned after months away…the room was full of joy and love. Taking in the moment, I felt a profound personal joy: for me to be minister to this vibrant congregation is a dream come true—as much as I could have ever hoped for when I decided to go into UU ministry.
 
Yes, there are challenges here: we have a budget deficit that required the Board to make cuts to important programs for next year. We just said good bye to our Youth Coordinator and don’t have a new one in place for the fall. We have just completed a vote on Article II that shows an ongoing division about the direction of Unitarian Universalism at the national level. And--those challenges are small compared to the joy and unity that was present on Sunday at the Flower Communion. As 19th century Universalist Hosea Ballou said, “If we agree in love, there is no disagreement that can do us any injury, but if we do not, no other agreement can do us any good. Let us endeavor to keep the unity of the spirit in the bonds of peace.”
 
In addition to the Flower Communion, the other high holiday of Unitarian Universalism is the Water Ingathering at the end of summer, when congregants bring water and pour it into a common bowl. We will practice this ritual on August 25.
 
PRAYER:
May Love bless every Unitarian Universalist congregation.
May Love bless every delegate attending GA this month.
May this religion continue to bring joy and togetherness to diverse communities everywhere. Blessed be.
 
Rev. Andrew Frantz
June 12, 2024

Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Central Michigan
Minister’s Column
 
It is not often that I come to our worship service on one of my Sundays off. Usually that is personal time. On this past Sunday, however, the topic of “Transgender: Stories of Our Lives” compelled me to be there.
 
Lay leader Norma Bailey, a member of the worship team, came up with this idea and asked a few members of the congregation to speak from their own experience. Norma’s invitation was for each of the speakers to address the question, What would you like the congregation to know about being transgender?
 
I wanted to be there for three reasons. First, to support the speakers who had agreed to speak on such a personal topic. Public speaking is never easy, and sharing something personal can be especially difficult. Second, I wanted to be there as the congregation heard these messages. My sense is that our mostly cisgender congregation is well-meaning but not totally well-informed when it comes to gender, and I was curious to see how these messages – from people who share the sanctuary with us regularly – would be received. Finally, I had some safety concerns. Thankfully our congregation has not been a target of attacks or protests from intolerant people as some UU congregations have been. Yet advertising this transgender service, I imagined, could possibly attract someone wanting to disrupt or harm our worship service—and I wanted to be there in case any problem occurred.
 
There were no disruptions, and the messages were amazing. We heard from the parent of a transgender teenager; from a gender-fluid teenager; and from a transgender adult. I was reminded that the idea of gender binary (people fitting into either a male or female box) is a social construct reinforced by our medical system—and that humans born as biologically intersex are more common than identical twins. The stories and experiences shared by the three members of the congregation were, of course, varied. The term “transgender” is a broad category that includes many identities and experiences. And my biggest take-away from the service was that each person is unique…and that gender expression / gender identity is only one part of who a person is in their complete wholeness.
 
Like many cisgender people in this congregation, I want to be an ally to my transgender siblings. Attending this worship service and hearing these testimonials helps me to be more informed and compassionate. It allows me a glimpse into someone else’s life experience that is different from my own, and reminds me that we all are beautiful, complex, and fluid. I am grateful to the speakers for sharing and for trusting the congregation with their stories.
 
PRAYER:
Mother-Father God, Divine energy that has no gender and contains all genders: be here now.
 
Bless today the ones in this city and everywhere around the world who are discovering their gender identity and courageously claiming it.
 
May we all build a world in which all are welcome; may we all expand our awareness of the incredible rainbow of humanity.
 
May each person find their place in that rainbow, knowing safety and love.
 
Blessed be.
 
Rev. Drew Frantz
May 28, 2024

Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Central Michigan
Minister’s Column
 
In gardens, lawns, and parks at this time of year, flowers are blooming everywhere. The days lengthen with early dawns and late sunsets. I love the season of Beltane.
 
In the flow of the Fellowship’s year, this is a time for reflection and planning. The Board of Trustees leads the way in this process by organizing the annual meeting, held last Sunday. The written annual report, for anyone who wishes to read it, contains summaries from the many committees and groups of the Fellowship. And it contains the budget.
 
Two Sundays ago, I was present for the Board meeting when we confronted the fact that pledged donations for the coming year (beginning July 1) were short of the proposed budget by about $12,000. The Board went to work, cutting about $4,300 from the budget—still leaving about $7,700 to be made up by increasing revenue. The Board and the Stewardship Team are brainstorming about this now. During the budget-cutting session, I said out loud to the Board: This is stressful. Yes, and we can figure out a way forward.
 
Also, it is the time to reflect on other aspects of the Fellowship year: what went well this year, what can be improved…how we can grow into our mission to create a loving community of liberal religion here in central Michigan. Approaching the end of my fifth year serving this congregation, I sit alongside the Board of Trustees holding those questions. Like the Board, I am striving to be a good leader of the congregation and to nudge us toward being an even better version of ourselves. Perhaps a pair of guiding questions for May and June, the end of the Fellowship year, would be: What is UUFCM doing well that shouldn’t be changed at all? Where can UUFCM improve and grow?
 
Those two questions mirror the questions that I asked at my men’s group meeting last week—in that case, it was about my own personal growth. In that men’s circle and elsewhere, my guiding questions toward self-growth are often centered around problems or challenges in my life--what is problematic in my life that is within my power to change? And I remind myself to balance that approach with also asking: what is great about who I am and how I am showing up in the world—that I should not change at all?
 
May each of us who loves the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Central Michigan and believes in its life-saving mission find ways to keep supporting it with our ideas and our energy and our commitment. May we hold onto the good while improving the imperfect. Likewise, may each of us look in the mirror and see what is beautiful there that doesn’t need to change—while courageously working on doing better and being better day by day.
 
PRAYER:
May the flowers of May remind us of the gentle goodness of life. Long summer days are ahead. Mother Nature has gifts for us at every turn.
 
May we find the rest that we need. May we find the energy that we need to fulfill our life’s mission. Like a refreshing rain shower, may contentment and love bless our hearts and minds.
 
May it be so, for all living beings. Amen.
 
Rev. Drew Frantz
May 21, 2024