Envisioning the BEST YEAR EVER

I finally got out my bicycle last week for the first time this year, and have added biking to my short list of spiritual practices. Riding away from the traffic can be just as spiritually fulfilling as walking – although harder to take photos! While biking on Tuesday, I was reflecting on the theme of “building bridges” that came up during a retreat I participated in on the last Saturday in August with one of our exceptional church teams. We were working on our plans for the upcoming church year, talking about our promises to each other and envisioning what a BEST YEAR EVER would be. Before considering what we might do, we considered how we would feel in June next year, what we would have experienced, what we learned, what difference we would have made together, if it had been the BEST YEAR EVER in our church. The vision this team held was truly inspiring to me. It went something like this.

“Imagine it’s June and it’s been the BEST YEAR EVER. I’m bringing my friends to church because…

• I have experienced what it’s like to be part of a “second family” who includes me, respects me and cares for me just as I am, no matter what I believe. In this home, I don’t have to hide my feelings and I can share them without fear of judgment.
• I have learned how Unitarian Universalism impacts my daily life, raising my awareness of my own values, helping me to clarify my own goals and developing new ideas that launch me into the world with newly gained confidence. I have learned about other religions and beliefs, and because of it I know myself better and am more prepared to engage with others in the world that are different from me.
• I have experienced many different spiritual practices, which have helped me in my own search for what is right for me in my spiritual growth. I can safely ask “who am I” while engaging with others who are asking the same question.
• I have helped to make a difference in the community outside our church, helping our church to have an identity beyond ourselves.
• I feel connected – to others in my group, to the broader church community, and to the community outside our church.
• I have had fun, danced, sung, experienced great music – and experienced the holy.

It’s a powerful vision and I’m blessed to be a part of it.

Did I mention that this team was the Youth Ministry Team – a team of our high school youth leaders and their adult co-leaders and advisors, along with our DRE, Catherine Williamson? Our youth are enthusiastic about creating a deep and enriching experience at church. They have a clear vision of our purpose as a church and the difference it makes in their lives and the lives of others. We sang “Building Bridges” and talked about ways for the youth to connect with the rest of the church community – as well as those outside our church. Wonderful!

So, imagine its June 2011 and it’s been the BEST YEAR EVER? Why are YOU bringing YOUR friends to church?   Let a board member know – it’s important.

In faith,

Nancy