Opening Words

Out of the stars in their flight, out of the dust of eternity, here have we come,
Stardust and sunlight, mingling through time and through space.  

Out of the stars have we come,  up from time,;
Out of the stars have we come.  

Time out of time, before time in the vastness of space, earth spun to orbit the sun,
Earth with the thunder of mountains newborn, the boiling of seas.  

Earth warmed by sun, lit by sunlight;
This is our home;
Out of the stars have we come.  

Mystery hidden in mystery, back through all time;
Mystery rising from rocks in the storm and the sea.  

Out of the stars, rising from rocks and the sea,
kindled by sunlight on earth, arose life.  

Ponder this thing in your heart; ponder with awe:
Out of the sea, to the land, out of the shallows came ferns.

Out of the sea, to the land, up from darkness to light,
Rising to walk and to fly, out of the sea trembled life.

Ponder this thing in your heart, life up from sea:
Eyes to behold, throats to sing, mates to love.

Life from the sea, warmed by sun, washed by the rain,
life from within, giving birth, rose to love.

This is the wonder of time; this is the marvel of space; out of the
stars, swung the earth, life upon
earth rose to love.            

This is the marvel of life, rising to see and to know;
Out of your heart, cry wonder: sing that we live.

"Out of the Stars" by Rev. Robert Weston
Reading # 530 in the hymnal Singing the Living Tradition  

Reading  

I was in Denver last Sunday, serving on a denominational Commission, the Commission on Appraisal.  We were working at one of our sister churches, the First Universalist Church of Denver, and it was there that I found a church banner that said, "Those who dream, touch the stars."  The phrase captured my attention, and I immediately wrote it down.  It wound up becoming a significant part of the sermon I delivered in Clearwater Friday night, at our Florida district's annual meeting.  

I wanted to share this phrase with you, "those who dream, touch the stars," because it's relevant both to our worship service and to our own annual meeting, which is happening today.   

Our church has been for some while, and still is, in the midst of dreaming; we are dreaming about what our congregation might look like next year, and in years to come.  We are all a part of that dream, in some way.  Those of you who are church members, you joined this community because it found a way to speak to your spiritual dreams and aspirations.  Those of you who visit here, and return time and again, return because something in this community has connected with you.  This congregation has touched each of our souls in some way, and that's the reason why we keep coming back.  Within that connection lies something of significance -- the characteristics of this community that you have found deeply meaningful, and would want to be a part of whatever dream we come up with for tomorrow.  

I've invited several members of the church -- Julie McNeil, Stuart Farnham, and Karen Coale  -- to share with you their individual dreams for our community.  We'll hear from them shortly.   

As we look forward to that, I'd like to take a moment to reflect together on this phrase, "those who dream, touch the stars."  I'd like to share a short reading by a freelance writer named Glenda Hayman.  I selected this reading, because of the theme of miracles. She writes:    

"I stood in my kitchen window today, watching my daughters playing on the swing set.  I struggled not to run and help as my disabled 5 year old tried over and over to get herself sitting on the swing.  As I was about to look away and regain control of my emotions, she succeeded and sat there in her Blue's Clues hat looking very happy with her accomplishment. It was the hopes of that look that held me back from running to her aid.  

"As I watched her there rocking back and forth on the swing, I wondered if she would ever be sitting [there] swinging toward the sky, as her big sister does. I started remembering...all the times we'd reached for the stars.  All the accomplishments we had been told to never expect.  My baby girl had reached for the stars many times before, and grabbed hold and done what she was never supposed to succeed at.  Why would this time be any different?  

"The same baby they told me would never hold up her own head, now sat on the swing set, proud of the fact [that she'd gotten] there by herself.  The little one the doctor refused to brace because, after all, 'she's never going to walk', [she] was using those very same legs to kick the ground and move the swing a little.  I stood there reminiscing, remembering all the [small], and not so [small], miracles we had seen.  As I came out of my reverie, still staring out the window, I realized I was witnessing yet another miracle.  For there was my [youngest] daughter, her feet firmly planted on the ground, pushing with enough force that her swing was swinging her higher, bringing her closer to the stars.  

"I wish I could express the happiness that it brought, not only to me, but to her little face.  She sat swinging, holding on tightly, with fingers that were never [supposed] to grasp a thing, reaching again [and again] for the stars."  

"Reach For the Stars!" by Glenda Hayman

Homily
by Julie McNeil

Manish asked us to speak today. Well, you never say no to the minister.  These requests have always come with some with questions or things he asked us to think about.  They really make you think and do some soul searching. It's not easy but always rewarding. This time he asked us about the following:

Mission- what do we think the mission of the church should be?

I think our mission should be -

To be a liberal faith based voice, known in our community for advocating the fair and compassionate treatment of all human beings.

Vision-what do we think the vision of the church should be? How we get there-what steps do we take?

Step 1.

I think we need to start with ourselves.

Learn to identify and let go of fear.

Step to the edge as Ginny Coulter encouraged us at Manish's installation last fall.

Have faith in ourselves, each other and in a higher power if you so choose.

Work together.

This is a story I found in a book called the "Art of Possibility" by Benjamin Zander.

-A monastery has fallen on hard times. It was once part of a great order which, as a result of religious persecution in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, lost all its branches. It was decimated to the extent that there were only five monks left in the mother house: the Abbot and four others, all of whom were over seventy. Clearly it was a dying order.

Deep in the woods surrounding the monastery was a little hut that the Rabbi from a nearby town occasionally used for a hermitage.  One day it occurred to the Abbot to visit the hermitage to see if the Rabbi could offer any advice that could save the monastery. The Rabbi welcomed the Abbot and commiserated "I know how it is," he said, "I know how it is," he said, "the spirit has gone out of people. Almost no one comes to the old synagogue anymore." So the old Rabbi and the old Abbot wept together, and they read parts of the torah and spoke quietly of deep things.  

The time came when the Abbott had to leave. They embraced." It had been wonderful being with you", said the Abbot, "but I have failed in my purpose for coming. Have you no piece of advice that might save the monastery?"No, I am sorry," the Rabbi responded, "I have no advice to give, the only thing I can tell you is that the Messiah is one of you."

When the other monk's heard the Rabbi's words, they wondered what possible significance they might have.  "The Messiah is one of us? One of us, here at the monastery? Do you suppose he meant the Abbot? Of course- it must be the Abbot who has been our leader for so long. On the other hand, he might have meant Brother Thomas, who is certainly a holy man, or could he have meant Brother Elrod, who is so crotchety? But then Elrod is very wise, surely he could not have meant brother Phillip-he's too passive. But then magically he's always there when you mean him.  Of course he didn't mean me-yet supposed he did.  Oh Lord, not me! I couldn't mean that much to you- could I?"

As they contemplated in this manner, the old Monks began to treat each other with extraordinary respect, on the off chance that one of them might be the Messiah.  And on the off, off chance that each Monk himself might be the Messiah, they began to treat themselves with extraordinary respect.

Because the forest in which it was situated was beautiful, people occasional came to visit the monastery, to picnic or to wander along the old paths, most of which led to the dilapidated chapel.  They sensed the aura of extraordinary respect that surrounded the five old monks, permeating the atmosphere.  They began to come more frequently, bringing their friends, and their friends brought friends. Some of the younger men who came to visit began to engage in conversation with the Monks. After awhile, one asked if he might join. Then another, and another.  Within a few years, the monastery became once again a thriving order, and- thanks to the Rabbi's gift-a vibrant, authentic community of light and love for the whole realm.-  

It's about showing respect for each other.

Within the Welcoming Congregation Program there are many tools that we can use to help us learn more about each other and develop ourselves and this respect further.

It about how are with each other-

How we grow together.

I often look at the slats in the roof of the sanctuary.

Each one by itself is limited in its usefulness.

Together, they from a roof, a shelter.

Together we form a shelter, a safe place for people to be.

There is great strength in acting together as a beloved community.

There was a time that Gabby and I really wanted to have our commitment ceremony at this church. We called and called and no one returned our calls.  And finally one day a woman answered the phone who said we don't do those at this church.  As of today a commitment ceremony or ceremony of union has never been performed a this church.

Step 2.

I think we need to continue building infrastructure, putting into place policies, and practices that help us to stay on track and focused toward our goals.  These will support fairness and equity in all that we do, to allow for transparency so that we all can feel that we are an integral part of this congregation. And continue to support and develop programs such as the Social justice programs that give action to our convictions.

Step 3.

Streamline our communications, so that to the choir loft and the last pew and beyond-people know who we are and what we are about.

An example of this is Podcasting. When we start to broadcast over the web Manish's sermons-shuts ins, people we may never meet in person will become part of our congregation.

Step 4.

Reach out for new members. UU is the best kept secret. Seek diversity in our new members.  Let's face it -sooner or later you're going to run out of neighbors to ask to become members. Make deliberate attempts to reach out to new people outside of our comfort zones.

Step 5.

Develop a long range vision for the church reaching far into the future- 100 years plus

Dreams- Manish also asked us what our dream is for this congregation.

So, what's my dream?

I'll leave the dream about my hope for the three story church activity center complete with elevators, a parking garage, kitchen and dining facilities to feed 200 and a bus for bring people to church who can't drive- I'll leave that one for another day.

For today-

Remain seated, Close your eyes and walk with me for a moment. This is my dream for this congregation

We walk up the steps and into the church,

To the right is a plaque and it reads-

We welcome you whoever you are, whatever tradition, gender, race, economic status, genetic makeup, sexual orientation, or age you represent.

In our presence may you walk the ways of truthfulness, service and reverence for life.

And as well, may you experience the warmth, support and challenge of this liberal religious community.

This plaque is the kind that is displayed in a congregation once it becomes a certified welcoming congregation.

 Sermon

"Those who dream, touch the stars."   

Having heard some moving individual reflections on the dreams for our congregation, I'd like to turn now to our collective dreams.  A few Sundays ago, during our worship service on April 15th, I led us through an activity.  I invited those who were present to reflect on your personal dreams for this congregation.  I asked you to think about what those dearly held hopes and wishes were, the ones that keep you coming back, Sunday after Sunday.  We passed out index cards and pencils, and invited as many of you as were interested in participating to write down your thoughts and share them with us.  I promised at that time that I'd return to you with an idea of what your responses were, and I'd like to do that today, very appropriately on a day during which we will be planning for the future of our church.  

To give you an idea of the response rate, and what it might represent, I'll start by sharing that our canvass data indicates that our total church population, which I'm defining as members as well as pledging friends, is slightly above 180.  We had approximately 100 people in the sanctuary that Sunday, and roughly two-thirds of those attendees participated in this 'dreaming' activity, that's a significant participation rate, and a good cross-section of the community.  This response rate roughly correlates with about one-third of the entire church population.  

So, what were your responses?  The responses fell into four broad categories, which also, I'm sure not by coincidence, represent some of the most significant ministries of our church.  I'm going to summarize, and try and give you an overall feel for each category, since we don't have time, given our annual meeting, to go into the specifics of each card.  

The largest percent of responses, roughly 28%, cared that this community continue to be open, accepting, loving, and one in which diverging opinions are handled respectfully.  This group cared deeply about the atmosphere, the vibe, the pastoral tone of our church.  Those in this group generally found this to be a warm community, one in which we care about one another's humanity and feelings.  This atmosphere is the main reason why you all, from this group, attend, and it's important to you that this vibe be maintained.  (I'll add that this characteristic also reflects our commitment to humanism, the kind that we heard Stu Farnum, talking about earlier - the commitment to our shared humanity and its potential.)  

The second and third categories were practically a tie at 26% and 25%.   

Twenty-six percent (26%) of you identified religious education as your primary dream.  You want to see this church bustling with children, and with lots of meaningful activities for them.  You want to see those kids learning about our UU values and our approach to religion and life.  You want to see us building connections between the generations.  And, you want to see these kinds of opportunities for adults through expanded adult ed programming.   25% of you identified music as an absolutely central part of your dream.  You want to see a dynamic music program, one with a larger choir, and a choir that is engaged in an even wider variety and depth of music.  You want to see more guest musicians during worship, and you want to see the church be a recognized venue for musicians and concerts.  

In both these areas, religious education and music, you used adjectives like "expand, deepen, and improve."  Your responses generally reflected a desire to take what we currently have in these two programs and make them even better, to build upon what we have at present.  

The fourth category, which 21% of you indicated was an important part of your dream, was social justice, social activism, in a broad sense.  You are drawn here because this is an activist church, and for you that justice-oriented work is a way you express your values and spiritual commitment.  By far, the largest number of you expressed the dream of seeing our church active on issues affecting the gay, lesbian, bi, and transgender communities.  The next largest number spoke about environmentalism, something that, at present, is not a major focus for us -- but certainly could be!  The next and final group shared feelings about our work with communities that are low-income or homeless.   

Now, to clarify, these responses don't mean that the rest of us don't care about social activism, we know that we do.  But, for the people who identified social justice as the central part of their dream for this church, working on issues related to sexual minorities, environmentalism, and working with individuals with low or no income, were the three most essential issues.  

So, in fairness, you're probably thinking, "Well, we've had a chance to hear what our responses were, so what does the minister think?  What are his dreams?"  I'm aware that our annual meeting is today, so I can't go into a full sermon on any one of these topics, though each is certainly worthy of it.  I'll share instead some quick reflections.  My response is that I share your dreams, and very much so.   

In terms of the general atmosphere and vibe of the church, I absolutely agree with you, dead-on.  I think we've done a fantastic job at this.  The community has been working really hard to show one another, especially our guests and visitors, the character of our congregation - it's heart.  You have been warm and friendly, and effusively so.  Pastorally, you reach out to one another all the time in support and love.  To the extent that there have been diverging opinions or experiences within the community, any such situations have been addressed quickly, respectfully, and with great care.  I'm incredibly proud of this community, in terms of how we've created a loving and respectful environment.  I hope you are too.  

I was encouraged to see that more than half of the responses expressed dreams about our religious education and music programs.  These are two of the bedrock programs of any religious community, and rightfully so.  I dream of thriving programs in both these areas as well, and right now one of the obstacles to that dream is lack of clarity around leadership and vision.   

Given the strength of the dreams you have expressed, I will recommend, to what will soon be our newly elected Board of Trustees, that we solidify our leadership in this area.  I will recommend that it be a priority that the church permanently fill both the Director of Religious Education and the Director of Music positions.  This involves position descriptions, open search processes, and clear terms of employment as reflected in contracts or letters of agreement.  At present, one or more of these is missing for each position.  

In terms of social justice, I would only add, by way of affirmation, that this is one of the jewels of our church.  I have said it before, and it's worth saying again, that I have never before seen a church of our size that is this committed to social activism.  This activism is one of the key ways through which we bring our spiritual values alive.  What we do in this area shows who we are at the level of our souls.   

I would extend an invitation, to the many of you who expressed a deep interest in environmentalism, to please come to a Social Justice Committee meeting.  There will be such a meeting this upcoming Wednesday night, May 2nd, at 7pm, here at church.  We need your participation to help us develop a deeper commitment to environmentalism.  There is will, please help show us the way.  

An important footnote to all this, your dreams are the potential end product of a lot of hard work.  Not my work, but our work together, our shared ministry together.   

Your Board of Trustees is currently engaged in an important project through which the church will officially state what its mission, what its purpose is.  Flowing from that mission will be a vision - the broad idea of what we do in the service of that mission.   

What I've led you through over the past two weeks is a process of dreaming about what will be the end product.  It's the culmination of many things that need to precede.  Your elected leadership now needs your help in articulating all that stuff that comes beforehand.  Please get involved in this process, it is one through which we will define, and share with the world, who we are as a community.  The next such opportunity to participate in a Board mission and vision meeting is this upcoming Saturday, May 6th, at 10am, here at church.  

I want to extend my deepest thanks to each of you who shared what your dreams are.  I want to encourage you to hold on tightly to those dreams - they are the seeds of what our church is and, with your help and participation, what it can be.   

May we be "those who dream," and, through our dreams, "touch the stars!"