| The human heart is the first home of democracy. It is where we embrace our questions. Can we be equitable? Can we be generous? Can we listen with our whole beings, not just our minds, and offer our attention rather than our opinions? And do we have enough resolve in our hearts to act courageously, relentlessly, without giving up—ever— trusting our fellow citizens to join with us in our determined pursuit of a living democracy? ~Terry Tempest Williams Today’s inauguration of President Joe Biden represents a sense of closure and relief, a sense of hope that saner times are ahead for the public life of this country, the space where civic and political discourse are held. The quotation by Terry Tempest Williams above helps me to bridge the gap between politics and the spirit. Williams points out that it is a matter of the heart to live up to the ideals of democracy—which are also our Unitarian Universalist ideals: equity, generosity, deep listening. This is what we are called to do. I know that many in our Fellowship will share the sense that today is a day of relief. I invite you to breathe deeply into that. Feel in your heart what is possible now. Feel in your heart the resolve to move forward with our religious ideals expressed in our personal circles, in our congregation, and out in the wider world. PRAYER God within us, divine love between us, light of mystery and wonder beyond us, hear this prayer. May this day be a new beginning for all of us who share this land: indigenous original dwellers here; recent immigrants; citizens; refugees and visitors. May we see how better to share the land with one another; may we see that our destinies are tied together. May our path forward be one of healing the earth, healing one another and keeping safe from this deadly virus. May our path forward be one of greater equity and opportunity and inclusion for all, not just for the privileged and the powerful. May we be reminded that democracy and community begin with the heart. Blessed be. Rev. Andrew Frantz |
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Karen Turnbull
1/24/2021 08:41:25 pm
This is a good way to love them. I wrestle with my family, who continues to believe the lies. This is hard, because I already love them, but I will never accept that they believe this alternative reality. It is so. Comments are closed.
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Rev. Andrew FrantzUUFCM Minister Office hours:
In-person and via Zoom: Tuesday 10-noon Wednesday 1-3 & 8-9pm Office Hours Zoom Link Outside of Office Hours, Drew is reachable at any time via text, phone, or email. Day off: Monday Contact for emergencies only minister@uufcm.org Phone/text: 440-935-0129 Pastoral Care Concerns
For support with life's challenges, please contact Drew during his office hours or make an appointment with him. For specific needs such as rides to medical appointments or meals for people recovering from illness or surgery, please contact the Arms Around team via Gisela Moffit at gbmoffit@gmail.com or 989-772-1602. Every effort will be made to lessen the burden on the individual or family who is dealing with a difficult circumstance. Archives
June 2023
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