Kat’s Korner for March 2010

by the Reverend Kathryn Hawbaker

After another busy holiday season, through the grey days of winter, we may feel fatigued.  We are certainly tired of the demands we feel, all the people in need, all the justice undone, peace unmade, and progress to pursue.  Despite all that threatens to overwhelm us, we still do care.  It is in our nature to care about ourselves and those around us.  When disaster, earthquakes, or tragedy strikes, we care and want to respond to those in need.  These good impulses and intentions must be matched with good planning and structures that help us to work together in an organized way.  

Our congregation is a voluntary association of people who care about each other, our communities, and the future of this world.  It is our mission to nurture a diverse community devoted to spiritual growth and freedom of thought for the benefit of all.  Because we care about providing a warm and welcoming space for all our activities, and for the community, we are continuing the renovations to Fellowship Hall (Phase 2 begins in March). The nursery space is getting an early spring cleaning & sort, (thanks to Elin, Sara & Cindy).

We are people who care about our congregation.  We certainly are a community of people with diverse interests, views, and experiences, and proud of it.  I have found our people to be devoted and dedicated to their own growth and development, and to our collective advancement, as well as being a voice for progress in our wider communities.  We cherish our freedom and democratic process for the results it yields and the principles it upholds, although at times it is not the easy route.  As we remind our children, “everyone should have a voice and a vote about things that concern them.”  All that we do as a religious congregation has at its core, the benefit of all, not just what we individually want, although that is where we each begin.  We began this year with a Congregational Assessment, managed by the Committee on Ministries with the blessing of the Board, because we care about what you think and how people invest in and experience our congregation.  The Long Range Planning Team has worked with the committees to outline some shared goals and action steps for the next five years because we care about our future. 

We are people who care about Unitarian Universalism and our larger movement.  I am really proud of our increasing engagement in UU campaigns and programs.  In recent years, we became an “Honor Society,” a fully Fair Share Congregation and have financially supported the larger association in many ways beyond paying our dues-with hundreds of dollars given to the various campaigns: Association Sunday, Standing On the Side of Love, UUA Veteran’s Day Appeal and the UUSC -Guest At Your Table program.  I hope that money and increased awareness will go hand in hand.  The Ohio Meadville District Annual Assembly is being hosted by the Southern Cluster in St. Clairsville, OH. (March 26-27) and offers numerous opportunities for training and networking. 

  For our FUUSM congregation, we continue to practice good stewardship and planning through our budget process and committee work.  May this next year be one in which our words and deeds join the cloud of witnesses working for justice, equality, peace and freedom for all.  Outreach efforts are an area in need of leadership and engagement if we are to raise our voice, gather our resources and make a difference in the world.   We are better able to accomplish this, not because we have made a New Year’s Resolution, but because we have a Long-Range Plan to promote our priorities, shape our programs, and measure our progress toward our goals.

We are people who care about our neighbors.  Compassion for our community neighbors is manifested through the Secret Santa program, the Community Thanksgiving meal (through Gilman Methodist), the Community Garden and local Food Pantry, the 12th Night Concert, and the Great Community Airplane Contest (March 7,2010).  Many of our people are also active with Habitat for Humanity, Restore, the Recycling Center, E.V.E. Shelter, Humane Society, and Harvest of Hope.  Some families have been involved in Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, 4H, and Key Club. Our people are active in numerous educational programs, international student exchange, and local arts programs.  People get involved because they care and want to make a difference.  I’m always interested in the network of service organizations that our members and friends support. 

Opportunities for partnership and mutual aid have always been part of our UU heritage, and First UU Society of Marietta has a proud history to uphold.  This Spring, there will be a renewed effort to address and organize our archives.  
We are people who care about the earth.  We study reports and labels, and learn where our food comes from and how to be responsible consumers.  We work with the Green Sanctuary (UUA program) and advocate for ethical eating, recycling programs and environmental justice.  We see that many social issues and oppressive structures and attitudes are linked and interwoven, and we endeavor to dismantle the systems of injustice wherever we can.  Yes, we can make a difference.

We are people who care.  Because someone cares, the heat is turned on (Joe, Dan, Ron, Rhea, Kevin & Elin), the sidewalk shoveled (Bud & Roger), the coffee made (thank-you, Diana), cookies shared (thank-you Jean & Neva, and many others) and a warm welcome is at the door (Adeline, Darryl & Cynthia, Kerry, Nancy, Tanya, Don & Beth, Jim, LeRoy and many others), and the outside lift makes our sanctuary accessible.  The sound engineers (Eric, Gil, Ralph, Mike & John) help all to hear, and worship leaders (Rev. Kat, Martha, Rebecca, Debra, Kerry, Carolyn, Jim & John) and musicians (Randall, Nancy, the Choir, Steve & Chase) stir our spirits with comfort and inspiration.  Our teachers (Jay, Cindy, Chris, Martha, Kevin, Rachel, Stassa & Robin, and other helpers) connect with our young people, and committee members (everyone) plan for our best programs.  Nursery care is provided for our youngest folk and elders are remembered.  The office (Chris) and website (Ralph) help us to get our work done and communicate with one another in our efforts.  We care about each other much more than the work itself.  It is our caring that directs our congregational priorities which are people centered.  We are a caring congregation because you care enough to make a difference.  Thank-you for all you do, and the many ways you care.