Our fifth week observing chalica invites us to reflect on our commitment to, “The Right of Conscience and the Use of the Democratic Process Within Our Congregations and in Society at Large.”

If you are observing at home, you might use these words from Viola Abbitt as you light your chalice.

As we light this chalice [this evening], may it serve to give us clarity of purpose and illumine our way as we set about doing the work of this congregation, in commitment, in cooperation, and in love.

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Here’s a fun way to discuss the meaning of democratic processes with your family or friends: plan a day together using the democratic process. You might even go over the top with democratizing your process to explore what it is like to make decisions together. Nominate a chairperson and someone to take minutes. Invite an exploratory session to gain ideas. Develop a proposal together, and vote on it, including amendments if necessary. After you’ve enjoyed your day together, talk about how you enjoyed the day and what was challenging and enlightening about the process. Do you feel more invested because you heard other voices in your planning? Were you frustrated about compromises you had to make? Would you involve other parts of the process if you were doing it again?

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Engaging in the democratic process and promoting democratic values in the world is something our community strives to do in many different ways. In the next few weeks, there are a number of ways to live out these values with UUCC and other groups we connect with. You or you and your family could:

• Participate in the Legal Aid Society advice clinic.
• Join in the discussion of the new, documentary film Origin, sponsored by the UUCC Racial Justice Leadership team
• Support and/or sign the petition to end partisan gerrymandering in Ohio!
• Connect with people at the Environmental Arts Night organized by our very own Anya Ustin!

Allan T. Georgia, MDiv, MTS, PhD