| Oracle Articles - May 2008 |
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The Oracle - May 2008 Find out what's happening in church this month... Orders of Service May 4 | The Transient and Permanent in Unitarian Universalism May 11 | Holding On and Holding Up May 18 | Wheel of Life Annual Congregational Meeting follows. May 25 | Memorial Day Service ********************* Child Dedication on Sunday, May 11 As Unitarian Universalists, we acknowledge the birth of every child as a special and holy event, involving us in both the excitement of new life and the awareness of new responsibilities. We believe children are precious gifts, filled not with sin but with the spark of divine possibilities. When we dedicate a child in our church, we are recognizing the sacred relationship between child, parents, and the larger community. We are remembering that a child’s development depends on the care, compassion, and concern of family, friends, and society. And we are reminded as a congregation that we represent the larger community the child has entered; that we play a part in the journey of each child in our church. If you have not yet let Marni know that you would like your child dedicated on Mother’s Day, please call the office as soon as possible to indicate your interest. **************************************** REV-Viewing There ought, I thought, to be a ritual for being born twice—patched, re-treaded, and approved for the road. Stopping at a roadside information plaza on the outskirts of a Georgia town, I noticed a small tri-colored, mostly beagle-looking dog. She was lying underneath a car, taking advantage of the shade. When I looked at her, she came crawling out from her shaded spot and shimmied over to me, front paws lowered toward the ground. When I began rubbing her head, she rolled around and made the kinds of sounds that dogs make when they’re purring. I noticed immediately that she had a broken off piece of green nylon cording attached to her neck. I also noticed that she had at least a half dozen ticks camped on her floppy ears. I figured she needed help and ran into the little building to see if she belonged to anyone. The woman behind the counter already knew about her. “Oh,” she said, “she’s an old hunting dog that just wandered in here; we already called the SPCA to come get her.” For me, that pup was one of the twice-born, like so many of us. We’ve been around. We’ve done some hunting. At some point we’ve been tied up, but we found a way to get loose. Like the dog scratching her flea-infested rump, we’ve managed to attend to a spiritual itch or two. And we’ve dealt with more than a few ticks sucking the lifeblood from our veins. But still, patched and re-treaded, we purr and wag our tails when someone cares enough to look deeply at us. I count myself among the world’s twice-born patched survivors. The most fitting ritual I can think of for this declaration is simply gratitude. As our years together draw to a close, let’s find ways to let each other know that we’re approved for the road ahead. And as we often end up lighting a “virtual” chalice, know that my “virtual” tail is wagging in appreciation and affection. (This message is approved by Gus.) In the same chapter from “The Bell Jar,” poet Sylvia Plath also says, “I took a deep breath and listened to the old bray of my heart: I am, I am, I am.” Yours in our faith, Note: Though there are numerous thanks I have yet to express, here’s one I can’t do in person: my thanks to the person who anonymously mailed me a lovely note and created a “Peaceful Planet” CD. I love it! ******************************** Conversations with the Minister Tuesday, May 6, at 7:00pm in the Hiett Library Please join Marni for an evening of informal conversation. This month’s topic: Right Communication and Change. ********************** Social Justice Committee Presents Peace Activist in May The FUCO Social Justice Committee in conjunction with Amnesty International’s local chapter 519 and Valencia CC’s student chapter will host an evening of discussion with nationally known peace activist Louie Vitale, OFM, PhD. Father Louie, as he is widely known, was ordained in 1963 and has devoted his life as a Franciscan priest to peace. He is a co-founder of “Pace e Bene” Nonviolence Peace Service (1989), which fosters a more peaceful and just world through nonviolence education, community, and action. Father Louie has published several books and received many awards for his exemplary life. Please mark your calendar for Friday, May 16, 2008, and plan to meet us in Gore Hall at 7:00pm. All are welcome to meet and hear Father Louie. Light refreshments. The event is free to FUCO members, but donations will be accepted. Contact: Joe DuRocher at This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it *************** From the President I am awed by the dedication, energy, concern, and talent members of our congregation share with us every week. RE teachers and musicians, audio team and bakers, covenant anchors and worship associates, Alliance members and gardeners, web-sters and ushers. All of these folks (and many others) work with each other, the Board, staff, and minister to make our “beloved community” operate effectively. Sometimes we’re less than efficient, we get cranky when we’re stressed, and results don’t always meet our expectations. Proof positive that we’re human! Humans need contact with others. First Unitarian is a wonderful source for that contact, if we are willing to participate. Where do your interests and passions lie? Spiritual? Social? Musical? Quiet? Loud? Now is the time to investigate a class, group, or fellowship! It doesn’t cost anything to try something new, and it might make all the difference to you and to our congregation. The Oracle, webpage, and order of service list many opportunities for connections in our congregation. Need more details? Stop by the Information Desk in Gore Hall (it’s not only for visitors) or contact Chris Baranyi, our Member Coordinator, at This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it . Most event and classes don’t require reservations — just show up! Better yet, invite someone to come with you! There seems to be increasing energy about fellowship in our congregation — potlucks, picnics, neighborhood gatherings, and outings. Music and food = fun! Let’s keep the momentum going. Look ahead to May 17, where our campus will be filled with all kinds of talent. Plan to be there, spending time with friends and enjoying yourself. There is more fun to be had at “The Vicar Snicker,” a fond and humorous celebration of Marni’s years of service (June 6) and the Sock Hop on June 7. The more the merrier! Kathy Homblette, President **************** Transition Update Our application for an interim minister is in the Transitions office in Boston. Potential candidates will be matched with our congregation. Task force members will interview three potential interims by phone and/or computer. The Transitions Office recommends no contracts be offered before May 9. We may be anxious about not knowing who our next minister will be, but we can be assured that there will be a professional minister in the pulpit when we start the new church year in September. ********************** Short-Term Covenant Group: Exploring Unity in Diversity – What Holds Us Together? Unitarian Universalism is a dynamic religion. As the bylaws of the Unitarian Universalist Association state, “the living tradition which we share, draws from many sources.” Let us think about the various sources (http://www.uua.org/aboutus/bylaws/articleii/6906.shtml) and the challenges and opportunities they afford us to unite as a congregation and denomination. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it . I look forward seeing everyone! —Jay Wolin ***************** Pulpit Editorial from Sunday April 6, 2008 This year’s pledge drive is officially over. First, let me give a truly grateful shout out to all who made pledges in a timely and responsible manner. And the congregation enthusiastically says, Thank you! Now, a round of appreciation to the teams working behind the scenes — the Pledge or Canvass team, the Finance team, the Personnel team, and the Board. And the congregation enthusiastically says, Thank you! Not all of our congregational members or guests are comfortable with a frank discussion of finances in this worship space. I understand that. On the other hand, I believe that this is a forum for being honest and open, and sharing what’s important. As you must know, the reality is that operating this church has a business component to it. Providing a liberal faith home in Central Florida, serving the spiritual and personal needs of our current and future members takes all kinds of resources, including money. It’s important work, important enough to speak about in this spot. It’s not about fundraising — it’s about stewardship, about providing ALL of the resources — treasures, talent and time — that this beloved community needs to be vigorous and growing. Despite the hard work of the teams I mentioned and the generous and responsible pledging of many of our members, our pledge drive resulted in a significantly lower total than we had hoped. The work of the church will be taking a different look next year, in many ways. Of course, with Marni’s retirement and the hiring of an interim minister, we’ll have a different face in the pulpit, guiding our spiritual journeys. Dan Homblette, chair of the Finance Committee, is here to share a few more details about the challenge of the pledge drive and changes to come, with the budget we will have to be creating. Congregational leaders will be exploring a variety of strategies to bring additional resources to our budget. As part of the plan to enhance our income flow, we will be expediting the development of a business plan around increased rental of our buildings. It is also time to build a Stewardship team, focusing on this topic all year long, not just during pledge season. We’ll be asking for your ideas and energies. Members staying involved in church worship and fellowship activities, saying yesto requests to volunteer, making a difference in our community — it’s all about making First Unitarian a priority in our lives. It’s all about stewardship, and this congregation is worth it! Kathy Homblette, President ********************** Caring Circle Caring Circle contact for May is: Jenny Lockington, This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it ******************* Stamping Party Do you enjoy stamping and making cards for special events, or have you wanted to try it and never have? Then I want you! As a Girl Scout project I, Clara Shine, am hosting a Stamping Party on May 4 to make greeting cards for the Caring Circle. Stamping parties are a fun way for people of all ages to socialize while helping our beloved community. You can even make a special Mother’s Day card to take with you. Places will be set up for kids and adults to express your inner spirit, and some supplies will be provided. All I need is your creativity. Some things you can bring to share are inkpads, rubber stamps, card stock, stickers, or anything you can think of for making cards. Come join me on May 4 from1:30 to 3:30pm in Gore Hall to help the Caring Circle and have fun. Sponsored by the Caring Circle, This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it
**************** SUUSI Is Just Around the Corner! Visit suusi.org to download the catalog (also available in the Gore Hall foyer) and register. SUUSI (Southeast Unitarian Universalist Summer Institute) is a UU summer camp for singles, couples, and the whole family, with special programs for youth and teens. Contact Michelle Langrock at This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it for more information. ************* Adult RE Sunday Mornings from 9:30 to 10:30 am in the Sharon Lee Hiett Library
Sunday Mornings from 9:30 to 10:30 am in the Assembly Room
Tuesday Evenings in the Sharon Lee Hiett Library
Other Adult RE Events
PLEASE NOTE: Adult RE is now accepting proposals for classes in Summer and Fall 2008. Please fill out proposal forms (available in the Adult RE mailbox near the church office) or contact Chris Baranyi at This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it . ******************** Share-the-Plate for May 11, 2008: BETA Center BETA Center’s mission is to give children and parents the knowledge and support needed for strong and healthy families, with a focus on teen moms and at-risk families. Parents learn about prenatal attachment, baby-brain development, child development, infant mental health, school readiness, and adolescence. Pregnant and parenting teens are embraced with comprehensive programs designed to meet their special needs. Youth learn coping skills and the other developmental assets needed to successfully navigate school and life. Infants thrive under developmentally stimulating care. BETA Center promotes positive parent/child interaction, and helps children and parents grow together. The First Unitarian Church of Orlando designates one Sunday per month as “Share-the-Plate” Sunday, on which the non-pledge worship service collections are split evenly between FUCO and a designated non-profit group (501(c) 3) whose mission is consistent with that of FUCO and/or the UUA. Members or groups within the congregation may make nominations for a designee, with the final decision being approved by the Board of Trustees. —Steph Garber ************ The End-of-Year “Twist and Shout” Dance Is Almost Here! You are cordially invited to an old-fashioned sock hop on June 7, 2008! Tickets are on sale now, every Sunday in Gore Hall at coffee hour by donation. Proceeds benefit FUCO Cooperative Playschool, but the good times are for everyone! Don’t miss the gigantic “Yearbook Hall of Fame,” where we honor all our church volunteers! Did you know over 50 groups run labors of love on volunteer power at FUCO? Can you list them all? Celebrate them and wish them well next school year — sign the yearbook wall! Watch the kids crown Marni and Nancy our “prom queens!” Join them for the “Unforgettable” last dance of the night! You can come as you are in casual dress but feel free to come in crazy socks or 50s and 60s inspired costumes. Be there or be square! —Cat Rigby ***************** From the Desk of the Music Director May finds Audio and Music planning and preparing for our church Fundraiser, the Evening Entertainment Escape: A Concert & Arts Event, which will be held on Saturday, May 17. Doors open at 6:00pm with music beginning at 7:00pm in both the Sanctuary (Concert format) and Gore Hall (Coffee House format). Get your tickets soon to support our effort. All proceeds will go into the 2007–2008 church operating fund budget. Go to the church website (www.OrlandoUU.org) for more info. Your admission allows you to wander among all venues, including tables in the courtyard. Even if you cannot attend, please buy some tickets! Advance Tickets: Adults $10; Kids $5 This event includes: Lots of music (four bands, including our own Wunderbox/Tuesday Nite Band) in the Sanctuary Many of our talented smaller groups and soloists onstage in Gore Hall A Jam after the concert in the Sanctuary; bring your instrument or your ears, whichever serve you best! Lots of art in both areas, most for purchase. CDs for purchase by participating musical groups Various entrepreneurs will be doing their thing in Gore Hall with business cards in hand Food and (non-alcoholic) beverages Face painting, games, and a Kirgami expert (Japanese paper cutting) will be in Gore Hall for the kids and those of you who are kids at heart The entire event is an experience you don’t want to miss. We have an unprecedented PR campaign to pull in the community at large. If you want to help, contact either Cat Rigby or Jamie Sterrett at This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it . Special Thanks This is an unusual year. There’s a lot going on in our world and in the greater world beyond—things that concern us all. As we journey forward, the Music Committee would like you to know that we are committed to being a steady, quality presence in our support of worship. As always, we encourage your thoughts, ideas, and participation. —Jamie Sterrett ****************** Volunteer Opportunities The Audio Team is co-hosting the Evening Entertainment Escape: A Concert & Arts Event, and would welcome extra hands to help decorate before, clean up after, or anything in between. Come enjoy the sounds and sights and help us celebrate the “creative spirit” in all! Please contact Paul Burdette, This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it *************** The Alliance So did you get to the Alliance for Diana Silkwood’s fabulous catered luncheon last month? See, you never can tell what might happen, so you’d better start coming regularly! There’s good conversation and good work to be done. Plus, you get first “dibs” on buying the newest books and items coming in for the Continuing Bazaar. Join us every Tuesday. The Alliance Clearance Sale in March netted $900. Thank you all for contributing. We welcome merchandise in good condition but cannot accept computers, printers, or fax machines. We prefer clothing to be on hangers and not out-dated. May is membership time. Our yearly fee is $10. One of our members has generously offered to match the amount you give over and above your dues. We welcome everyone to join us and be a participant in Social Action. We gave $16,000 to the community last year. A detailed list of this year’s contributions will be printed in the June Oracle. May 6 10:30 Sort and price for Continuing Bazaar May 13 10:30 Sort and price for Continuing Bazaar May 20 10:30 Sort and price for Continuing Bazaar or make sandwiches for the homeless May 27 10:30 Sort and price for Continuing Bazaar —Nancy Kellman & Jean Siegfried, VP Programs
Do You Like “Green” Coffee? What About Eating Activism? As one of our community service projects for this year, the Green Team has taken over Coffee Hour Coordinating! That’s right, the tree-hugging hippies came out of the “green closet” to bake for eco-justice, and we’re taking everyone along with us! We will continue to provide free coffee, lemonade, and snackies on the side, but look out! The green coffee-hour party is just getting started! Every Sunday you can be sure something good will be going on. We continue to feature old favorites: Check out the New Visitor’s table, even if you aren’t new, to see what goodies they have going on. (The BOT and Membership work to benefit the newbies!) Enjoy the selections at the Alliance’s “Continuing Bazaar” thrift shop! (They work to benefit other nonprofits in Greater Orlando!) Peek at the titles at the “Nora Staton Bookstore” on 2nd and 4th Sundays! (Their work benefits our very own Hiett Library!) Buy your organic, free-trade coffee every Sunday! (They work to benefit Equal Exchange!) Check out our new features and experiments too: “The Coffee Hour Strip Mall” — your “one-stop shopping” for upcoming social events, volunteer opportunities, and more! “The Love Offering Bake Sale” — No longer just on 3rd Sundays! Buy what you want for the price you want to pay and support the cause of the day! Eating activism! If your church group wants to take a slot to cook for your group’s projects and causes, just let us know! Wait a minute ... does “eating activism” work? Can you really raise funds for causes when you don’t even price the goods? You bet! UUs love activism, they love a good cause, and they sure love chocolate brownies! We’ve been baking every third Sunday since December trying out menus, locations, and more. While field-testing we have raised $1,000 to benefit our Playschool already, and we’re going to throw a fabulous Sock Hop! Then we are going to keep right on baking up the love table on third Sundays and earn our Beloved Community a congregational membership to UU Ministry of Earth. We’re bringing back the good, green dream of Green Sanctuary Certification one cupcake at a time! Now that we figured it out, we’ve taken over coffee hour and we’re ready to teach your church group how to do it and spread the love on and off campus! We can teach you in the mysteries of the Gore Hall kitchen. We can also tell you secrets ... Jaime, our music director, has a weakness for cupcakes with lots of frosting; Marni, the minister, prefers gingerbread; two of you out there love tabbouleh, and one of you thinks it is gross. Everyone loves the samosas and empanadas! The “Love” tables in May are:
Does our green enthusiasm make you smile? Have ideas for the weekly coffee party? Want to join the Java Crew? We welcome all feedback! Help us make this party the highlight of your week! Bon appétit! —Cat & Peter, This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it ****************** “Green Athletes” Race for the Trees! In the fall of 2002, Marni implemented the planting of a moringa tree in front of our Sanctuary and explained its real and symbolic meaning in a Sept. 2002 sermon. A year later the First Unitarian Green Team chose Partners In Health as the organization that could best help our neighbor Haiti, and joined with the congregation and the Alliance for our Celebration of Haiti. In the years that followed, hurricanes both real and figurative have occurred, but the moringa tree and our loyalty to Partners In Health have survived. Now, with the Green Team’s sponsorship of a group to walk on May 24 to “Plant a Tree in Haiti,” these two threads of our tradition have come together. The fast-growing moringa tree has leaves that, used as a vegetable in many parts of the world, contain gram-for-gram seven times the vitamin C in oranges, four times the calcium in milk, four times the vitamin A in carrots, three times the potassium in bananas, and two times the protein in yogurt. Other parts of the tree provide fertilizer, nectar for bees, blue dye, paper, food for animals, and medicine. Partners In Health, which holds that “good health cannot coexist with hunger,” is excited to begin partnering with Trees for the Future to plant moringa trees in the Haitian Central Plateau. It is our sponsorship of the walkers that will fund the beginning of this new partnership!!! On the local level, every walker will be given a small tree. These we will donate to the Rotary Club of Orlando for their current project of beautifying the Parramore area. The Rotary Club is excited too! It is not too late to sign up as a walker on our team. If you are free on Saturday morning May 24 and can walk 3.1 miles in 70 minutes, go to www.trackshack.com and register for Run for the Trees. Then notify Cat or Winnie ( This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it ) that you have registered so we can prepare a sign for you to wear on race day. We can find each other in the crowd and walk together. If you don’t want to walk, come out to cheer and support your FUCO friends! E-mail us that you are coming! Opportunities to sponsor the walkers are available at the “Plant a Tree in Haiti” table Sundays from noon to 1:00pm and Tuesdays from 10:00 to 2:00. No contribution is too small, so the kids can help, too. Be sure to plant your symbolic toothpick tree and get a sticker for your nametag. —Winnie Tyler *********************** Children’s RE Items Greetings and happy spring days to all! Our OWL (Our Whole Lives) 2008 programs are all completed. Many thanks go out to our hard-working teachers: Cindy Schleier, Les Herdt, Carie Mendyk, and Mary Murphy, who taught our elementary-age levels. Thanks also to Veronica Drake, Alisha Kearns, Elizabeth Levensohn, James Mangan, Gladys Smith-Mangan, and Kris Wiley, who taught our middle and high school sections. Also, thank you to the many parents who chaperoned and brought food to our weekend retreats. And a very special thank you to Cathy Spoone who coordinated the food. Thanks also to the members of our congregation who participated in panels and shared their perspective with our youth. Thanks to Cat Rigby who helped us locate important visual aides, which certainly enhanced our program. Finally, many, many thanks to Planned Parenthood, Orlando for sharing their support, suggestions, and a variety of important resources with us. Springing forward, we have a couple of busy months coming up. Mark your calendars now for the following exciting RE events:
Have a blessed month and celebrate our children and youth every day. They are indeed the future of our church, our denomination, and even our world. —Abbie Potter, Lifespan Religious Educator, This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it *************** The Elephant March Calling all babies through pre-school–age kids!! June 1, 2008, will be our annual Religious Education Service, and all babies through pre-school–age kids are invited to participate in the annual pre-service Elephant March! Balloons will be provided! For more information or to let us know you’ll be there, contact Gladys Smith-Mangan at
This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it
******* RE Service Children’s Choir Come join the excitement for the June 1, 2008, Religious Education Service! The high school and middle school students will be leading the service, and Jamie Sterrett will be working with the RE children on some great children’s music for worship. A few solo parts may be assigned to some of the older children after a short audition at the first practice. Please join us to provide wonderful spiritual music for a great service! The practice schedule is May 4, May 11, May 18, May 25, and a pre-service practice the morning of June 1, 2008. Please contact Gladys Smith-Mangan at This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it to sign up or for more information. ********** Youth Group Car Wash The Youth Group will hold a car wash on Sunday, May 4, during church. Park your car in the designated area, and the youth will wash your car while you attend the worship service. They are raising money for their year-end retreat, so donations are welcome! ********************* Men’s Breakfast The men of the church are bringing back an oldie but goodie— the Men’s Breakfast. That means the men will be making breakfast for the members of the church for a nominal fee to cover costs. We will hold this renewed event on Mother’s Day, May 11, 2008, so it has added value of making the morning smoother for all. Breakfast will be served starting at 9:00am until the last serving at 10:15am. We hope to accommodate the Adult and Children’s RE folks as well as those that are coming just for the service. The cost is $5.00 per adult and $2.00 per child (age 10 or under). We will be serving pancakes, eggs, sausage/veggie patties, juice, and coffee. Tickets will continue to be sold in advance starting on Sunday May 4th. Please buy ahead so we can plan for the hordes. We hope you can make it. ************************************** Announcing “The Good, Green Neighbor!” Dear Eco-friends: The Green Team is back – championing our Seventh Principle and bringing you eco-justice, eco-living, eco-spirituality, eco-education, and more! For this “Earth Year,” from Earth Day 2008 to Earth Day 2009, the Green Team’s theme will be “The Good, Green Neighbor” as we renew our friendships with groups on and off campus. With the three recycling arrows as our inspiration, our project goals this Earth Year are to do at least three Green Team–specific projects, help to serve at least three on-campus groups, and help to serve at least three off-campus groups. We celebrated Earth Day with a picnic on the lawn on April 19th. We also celebrated our first year providing “Children’s Organic Gardening” classes with playschool children and RE children! We continue in our 2nd year with our new square-foot garden installation by the parking lot fence line near the playground. We are also opening up to include more homeschoolers from the general public. We would be happy to receive your old “garden stuff” any time throughout the year for our tribe of little eco-warriors to use as they continue to try to beautify our grounds and learn about being good stewards for Mother Earth when they grow up. Our next monthly “Green Social” will be on May 31 in Gore Hall. Bring your favorite potluck dish to share at 6:00pm and get the latest green news. At 7:00pm, we screen Cat’s family-friendly selections: “Grocery Store Wars” (5 min), A Star Wars–inspired satire about organic produce. “Flip Flotsam” (30 min), The lifecycle of flip flop shoes from factory to trash to treasure. “The Story of Stuff” (20 min), A fast-paced, fact-filled look at the underside of our production and consumption patterns. It’ll teach you something, it’ll make you laugh, and it just may change the way you look at all the stuff in your life forever. Those not interested in this month’s selection can play and chat in Gore Hall. BYO games and musical instruments! Feel free to contact us with your green ideas, enthusiasm and volunteer energy! We look forward to bringing you more good, green news next month! Best wishes, ******************************* Midlife Couples Camaraderie GroUUp Join the group at the Spring Jazz Stroll at Leu Gardens on Saturday, May 10, 7:00–10:00pm. Tickets are $17 (or $13 for Garden Members). Contact Mary Dipboye for further information at This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it .
FUCO Congregational Meeting Agenda
******************************** Budget Q&A The Board of Trustees and Finance Committee invite you to review the proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2008–2009 prior to the May 18th Annual Meeting. Representatives from the BOT and Finance Committee will be available at 9:30am in Gore Hall on May 4 and from 12:30 to 1:30pm in Room 9 on May 11, 2008. Copies of the detailed budget will be available. ********************* UUA Trustee Tidbits Recently I acquired a little book that explains how and why we Unitarian Universalists function as we do: “The Cambridge Platform,” edited by Peter Hughes. Even though we are different in theology from other churches, we share a common tradition of polity that originated with “The Cambridge Platform.” The 1648 signers of this document established how churches defined membership, chose leaders, came to decisions, handled dissent, and acted together despite disagreements. The Platform set forth a non-hierarchical congregational polity which meant churches would be independent both of outside authority and of each other. It explained and justified how congregational churches work. Both Unitarians and Universalists evolved from early New England churches governed by the Platform. The framers of the Cambridge Platform continuously referenced the authority of the Bible which makes it a foundational document for our UU polity, and other faiths molded by Puritanism. The Puritans had tried to reform the Church of England in the direction of a more personally experienced spiritual life. Their experience of being persecuted and punished persuaded them something had gone awry and led them to look in the Old and New Testaments, where very different patterns of authority were to be found. The New England Puritans believed all religious authority to be in the members of each congregation. The Platform, based on the biblical second commandment, declared that the substance of the free church is the spirit of neighborly love. The authors of the Platform did not see themselves as “separatists” and insisted the autonomy of free churches did not imply isolation from other free churches. Churches were to be concerned about other’s welfare. In the 1600s churches founded by the Puritans engaged in pulpit exchanges. Lay members sometimes attended services in their own churches and then, if visiting friends, went to another in the afternoon. These early Puritan churches sent letters of recommendation to a congregation in a town to which one of their members was moving; sometimes they helped with money and/or officers if need arose; and they assisted in starting new churches. Even though the framers held Scripture in great reverence, they believed not all that is necessary in the free church is indicated by the Bible. In addition there is a very strong statement on the importance of covenant made by each member of a church to walk together with other members, in love. There were some drawbacks in that the framers assumed a tiered level or privilege and authority in churches was a natural thing. There is so much more to be learned about our history in the “Cambridge Platform.” Perhaps I have tweaked an interest in learning more about the “Cambridge Platform.” The book can be purchased through Skinner House at www.UUA.org/skinner for those of you who would like to learn more. I always look forward to hearing from you at This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it . ******************* |
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