I have to admit that I was surprised by the conversation at Sunday’s congregational meal. When a bunch of Unitarian Universalists are asked any open-ended question, I expect at least twice as many answers as the number of people present. On Sunday, we asked: What is the purpose of this congregation? And you all generally agreed on two clear answers. 

You said that UUCC is a place where people find authentic connection, and you said that UUCC is a place where spirituality is more expansive and freer than in other places around us. Without being insulting or disparaging other faith communities, it’s safe to say that Unitarian Universalism at its best does allow for a broader exploration and expression of spirituality. 

A lot of the stories we tell are in the past tense. This thing happened. And maybe we include here’s how I feel about it. When we do tell stories about the future, we often make those stories about what we’re afraid will happen. Our what if? stories seem to be full of worst-case scenarios.

The stories we tell about connection and spiritual openness are different, though. They are ongoing stories that invite us into a more promising vision for the future. And this sense of our communal purpose and possibility sparks a few meaningful questions, too.

How do we continue to create safe space for people to connect as their authentic selves? How do we continue to welcome a broad spectrum of spiritual identities and practices? What is my role in ensuring an experience of connection and free spiritual expression for other people? 

Maybe there are some other questions that arise for you as well. 

As we continue to explore some big questions about our space, I hope we keep these important keywords of connection and spiritual freedom in mind. As the world around us evolves in unpredictable ways, we may also be called to represent that sense of bold welcome and fearless exploration more visibly. Or through different relationships.

The spiritual practice of story-telling might really be about shifting more of our stories to future tense narratives about who we are becoming. And shifting our fearful predictions into visionary tales based on our values and our deepest hopes for the future. 

What story can we tell about a future that flowed from our community embodying its values impeccably? How can we bring that story to life?  

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