From the Minister's Desk - July 2008

As I write this my thoughts are turning to the General Assembly of the Unitarian Universalist Association, being held in Fort Lauderdale next week (two weeks ago as you read this – confusing, isn’t it). One of the gifts that this congregation makes to the UUA (beyond our fair share financial support) is a significant amount of my time as a member of the General Assembly Planning Committee. We meet for three days, three times a year, and work by email the rest of the time. Planning a conference for 3,000 people is not an easy task.

The eleven volunteers that make up the Planning Committee take the responsibility very seriously.

Why am I willing to serve? Why do I think you should be glad to offer my services?

The Unitarian Universalist Association (an association of congregations) exists to foster cooperation between and among our churches, fellowships and societies and to do those things no one church or cluster of churches could do on their own.  The UUA creates religious education materials, publishes hymnals and books, speaks to national issues and shares best practices with its member organizations. It is the embodiment of an idea – the institutionalization of religious freedom. At a time when religion seems more likely to divide than unite, Unitarian Universalism is a beacon of hope for a future where all people will be able to explore their deepest spiritual nature – safe and secure, because we will have learned to provide safety and security for all.

Even as we make a gift of our resources to the UUA, the UUA offers, to the world, the gift of the example of a religious idea that may save the world.

All my best,

Walt

Rev. Dr. Walter F. Wieder

(please respond to: wwieder@uuma.org)

posted on-line (6/16/08)