On of my favorite chapters of the book Beyond Welcome: Building Communities of Love was written by Rev. Manish Mishra-Marzetti. In it he says, “I have come to understand this as a universal longing: we all want and need a sense of social inclusion and acceptance. We all want to know and trust, that we belong.”
I agree, it is a longing I see regularly when new people show up. They aren’t just looking for “like minded” people, but people who put their words to action. People who are compassionate, generous, justice oriented, loving. People who will accept them as they are. Some people show up with family they no longer are able to have conversations with and want to know they are not crazy for caring for others or wanting to be themselves.
This is something we can (and do) offer. Social inclusion and acceptance for those here and those who have yet to find us.
When they do, how can we make sure we are inviting them into the circle? It starts with our greeters (see information about training on August 22), ushers, the Sunday morning volunteers. It continues in the Sanctuary. Greeting those sitting next to you, inviting the stranger to join you for coffee after. Each of you plays a role, which may be scary, but I have faith in you!
It’s easy to talk about the frustration and/or fear you have about what is going on in the world. However, I’m going to encourage you to try something new, try focusing on the positive. As was expressed in my UUAMP Professional Days…lead with moral and religious truth! Say what we are FOR, don’t focus on what we are against. Instead say trying saying:
We believe in the worth of all humans.
We work to build community.
We celebrate the democratic process and democracy.
We welcome our LGBTQiA+ siblings.
We side with love.
We believe in LOVE!
We are fortunate to have a minister who speaks these words from the pulpit, but it means just as much—sometimes more—to come from the person sitting next to you. Be a beacon of light and love for all who seek us.
by Nicole Duff, Director of Membership Development