MINISTER’S CORNER
by Rev. Phillip Lund
“Democracy is more than a political system. It is a sacred practice of how we live together, rooted in covenant, collective accountability, and the inherent worth and dignity of every person.” These words, from Side With Love—the Organizing Strategy Team of the Unitarian Universalist Association—are especially significant this month as we await the results of the midterm election.
It’s almost certain that the final results will take many days or weeks to become clear. Which is why I invite you to join me on Thursday, November 5, at 7:00 p.m. for a one-hour Post-Election Gathering hosted by the Minnesota Unitarian Universalist Social Justice Alliance. MUUSJA believes that while “Minnesota's election system is safe and secure,…we don't know what external forces, disruptions or federal interference may occur here or across the United States. This gathering will,” therefore, “provide a grounding space for us to be with others who believe in a strong democracy. Together we can face whatever happens.” You can register for MUUSJA’s Post-Election Gathering here: https://secure.everyaction.com/l6ZBc12oHUucEOVJEb4peg2.
Whatever the results of this election, it is clear that our country is in desperate need of healing. And healing is, indeed, our Soul Matters theme the month of November. You’re invited to explore with me the possibility of healing in our lives, both individually and collectively, on Wednesday, November 4, at 7 p.m. for a one-hour introduction to this month’s Soul Matters theme. We’ll reflect on wise words about healing from bell hooks, Rachel Naomi Remen, Wendell Berry, Adrienne Rich, and others. Here’s the Zoom link https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85772083027.
November also brings a time of remembrance of those who have passed away. The first Sunday of November will be a chance for us as a community to share our grief and, perhaps, experience a sense of healing.
Sunday, November 1, at 10:30 a.m., These Brave and Lovely Spirits: A Ritual of Remembrance
This Sunday we will join the many religious communities around the world that set aside time in late October or early November to honor and remember those who have gone before us.
And healing will also be the theme of the service I’ll be leading two weeks later.
Sunday, November 15, at 10:30 a.m., The Healing Power of Rest
In these times of constant connectivity and 24/7 news cycles, slowing down can seem like a luxury. This Sunday we’ll consider the importance of setting aside some time for rest and renewal.
Finally, technical difficulties made it impossible for folks to join last month’s Zoom gathering on how the value of Interdependence intersects with the Rings of Love model, a model the UUA developed to explore this year’s Common Read, Love at the Center: Unitarian Universalist Theologies. I’ve rescheduled that one-hour event for Wednesday, November 18, at 7 pm. Please feel free to join me using this Zoom link https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85772083027. There’s no need to register for this event or the November 4 introduction to this month’s Soul Matters theme, just show if up if you’re interested!