tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18172624900428412602024-03-13T10:18:49.725-05:00Dupage UU Church - Naperville, IllinoisDupage UU Church - Naperville, IllinoisAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13696702276573978770noreply@blogger.comBlogger80125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1817262490042841260.post-89108139237216653082016-11-19T15:14:00.001-06:002016-11-19T15:14:44.124-06:00Be Kind, Be Gentle, Be Brave by Reverend Tom Capo preached November 13, 2016<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-mirror-indents: yes;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">So Many Feelings </span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-mirror-indents: yes;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">This is the first
half of a poem written after the election by DuPage Unitarian Universalist
member and chair of our Social Justice Committee, Cheryl Clayton:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-mirror-indents: yes;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The sun came up
today</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-mirror-indents: yes;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>As though the Earth were still
unchanged.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-mirror-indents: yes;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>My world had tilted overnight:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-mirror-indents: yes;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The ground beneath my feet no longer
stable.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-mirror-indents: yes;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I watch in stunned
disbelief</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-mirror-indents: yes;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Surprised by the depth of my
visceral response,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-mirror-indents: yes;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>My weeping for the Earth, </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-mirror-indents: yes;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>For my struggling black, brown, gay,
Muslim, and poor</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-mirror-indents: yes;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Brothers and Sisters.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-mirror-indents: yes;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Yet the sun still
shines, indifferent to our pain.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-mirror-indents: yes;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Gleeful in its ability to wobble us
on our axis,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-mirror-indents: yes;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Knock us back down to our reviled</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-mirror-indents: yes;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Second class status.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-mirror-indents: yes;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Millions wildly
cheer its power.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-mirror-indents: yes;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Others only
quietly shamefully secretly</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-mirror-indents: yes;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Allow inherent white supremacy to
bubble up from its hidden lair.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-mirror-indents: yes;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">How does the sun
deceive us so blatantly?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-mirror-indents: yes;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">It shines so
brightly – how can so many</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-mirror-indents: yes;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Be
duped by its shallow core?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-mirror-indents: yes;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The sun can and
will destroy us</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-mirror-indents: yes;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Unless we harness its power.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-mirror-indents: yes;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>At Wednesday’s Vigil I heard so many
voices.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Words of fear, sadness, anger,
and a deep sense of grief.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People
wondering about how far we had come as a country and as a society, and yet how
fragile that progress now seems.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
spoke of friends and family they could no longer listen to or speak to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They spoke of brokenness of the system, of
some of their relationships, of themselves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-mirror-indents: yes;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>And there were tears.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Feelings so raw that words could not express
them, feelings so powerful that they could only be expressed in weeping.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-mirror-indents: yes;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The Sanctuary was filled with people
from Move On.Org, from Youth Outlook, from our church, from other Unitarian
Universalist churches.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Word-of-mouth,
Facebook, Meet-up, the internet—so many people found our church that
night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>About half the people who
gathered had never been to a service in this church, and yet they came in the
hope that their sorrow would be shared, that their feelings could be expressed
in this safe space.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No matter how they
participated in the process, each person at that Vigil shared, to one extent or
another, deep, heartfelt emotions.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-mirror-indents: yes;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I too shared my sadness, my
difficulty functioning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I listened as
people groped to make sense of Tuesday’s outcome.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They wanted a plan, something to relieve
their anxiety.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But then again, the
intent of the Vigil was not to start planning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The intent was to create a sacred, safe space to share our feelings, to
try to reconnect ourselves to what, for Unitarians, is our First Principle: to
affirm and promote the inherent worth and dignity of every person.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Person. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-mirror-indents: yes;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>These feelings may not pass quickly
or easily.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am reminded of something I
say in our child dedication service: </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-mirror-indents: yes;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">In this service,
we give this child a rose bud.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whether
this rose bud is beautiful or not; whether it comes into full bloom or not;
whether it fulfills itself as a flower or not—depends on the nurturance it
receives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A child is an adult in
potential, a flower whose unfolding takes place under the careful tutelage and
shelter of love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No flower grows alone,
apart from sunshine and rain, apart from the soil in which it lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So too no child grows alone. We realize that
with some apprehension that the quality of our own lives will determine how
well this child’ potential will be realized in full bloom and flower.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In being part of this child’s life, we also
must realize that we cannot remove all the thorns from this rose bud.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There will be pain in this child’s life that
we cannot protect him/her from, but through the pain we will be with this child.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-mirror-indents: yes;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>And I say to each of you now: there
will be pain, but through this pain we will be with you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-mirror-indents: yes;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">A Time to Heal </span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-mirror-indents: yes;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The poem you just heard was written
by Spanish Poet Antonio Machado and read by American poet Robert Bly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Listen to these words again: </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-mirror-indents: yes;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Last night as I
was sleeping,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-mirror-indents: yes;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I dreamt – a
marvelous error! –</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-mirror-indents: yes;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">that a spring was
breaking</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-mirror-indents: yes;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">out in my heart.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-mirror-indents: yes;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>In this process of healing we might
want to hurry spring along, but right now it doesn’t feel like rebirth will
ever happen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And even when spring does
break through, we might wonder at it or distrust it, thinking it to be some
error of some kind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I tell you that
the only thing that is constant is change.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I cannot tell you when you will feel spring breaking through again, but
I tell you this, when it does happen, whether for a moment or a day, embrace
it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your feelings will ebb and
flow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we sing in hymn #17 “Joy and
woe are woven fine, clothing for the soul divine; under every grief and pine
runs a joy with silken twine… and when this we rightly know, safely though the
world we go.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-mirror-indents: yes;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Healing is about accepting emotions,
whatever they are, as being real, as being sign-posts that there is something
that needs to be attended to within us and perhaps around us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-mirror-indents: yes;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I have presided
over many memorial services, been with many families who have faced the loss of
a loved one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What many of us are
experiencing is a similar grief.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I do
not say to these families, “You will get over this” I tell them “Allow yourself
to feel your feelings as long as you need to, as long as it takes for you to
make meaning of them.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I do offer some
caveats: do not shut yourself off from the world, do not let your feelings keep
you from taking care of yourself, and do not let your feelings control
you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Make time to sit and be with your
feelings, reflect on them, own them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let
them teach you, let them motivate you, let them eventually bring you peace.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-mirror-indents: yes;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">A Call to Action<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-mirror-indents: yes;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">This is the second
half of Cheryl’s poem:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-mirror-indents: yes;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">But MY children,
my white, college educated, reasonably wealthy children, </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-mirror-indents: yes;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Will survive.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-mirror-indents: yes;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">THEY will always
have employment, good health care.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-mirror-indents: yes;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>THEIR children can go to private
schools, expensive colleges.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-mirror-indents: yes;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">THEY have never
been arrested, nor even questioned by police.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-mirror-indents: yes;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">THEY can avoid
flooding from high tides</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-mirror-indents: yes;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>By moving inland.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-mirror-indents: yes;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Privileged,
yes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Complacent, no.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-mirror-indents: yes;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">They share my
grief, will not allow me to mourn for long.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-mirror-indents: yes;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-mirror-indents: yes;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Our work made many
times harder</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-mirror-indents: yes;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>And ever more vital.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-mirror-indents: yes;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">How many times
have black and brown sisters and brothers</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-mirror-indents: yes;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Been knocked back down the ladder?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-mirror-indents: yes;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">How many times
have they refused to give up, climbed back up:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-mirror-indents: yes;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>One painful step at a time?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-mirror-indents: yes;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">What now?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-mirror-indents: yes;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Channel the energy
of our rage, our fear, </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-mirror-indents: yes;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Our sense of betrayal,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-mirror-indents: yes;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Our tears.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-mirror-indents: yes;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Direct our
energies back down that ladder</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-mirror-indents: yes;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>To lift our brothers and sisters up.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-mirror-indents: yes;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">When the sun comes
up tomorrow</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-mirror-indents: yes;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>May it shine the light of hope.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-mirror-indents: yes;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I asked you to wear safety pins
today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It may seem like such a little
thing to you, an acorn-sized response to a mighty oak of a problem.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-mirror-indents: yes;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Our feelings can,
as Cheryl writes, channel the rage, fear, sense of betrayal, our tears, direct
our energies back down the ladder to lift up our brothers and sisters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some people are sending flowers to their
local mosques with notes saying “Remember we are with you” or “You are not
alone” or “You are loved.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some people
are writing words of support in chalk at the Wheaton Mosque.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Other people are reaching out to friends in the
GLBTQ community, fearing for the safety of that population, letting them know
that they are not alone, letting them know that we are gay and straight
together.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-mirror-indents: yes;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Here is my point, most of the
members of this church are white.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>About
half of us here are male.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many of us
here are affluent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And we are adults.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most of us will not be the ones who suffer,
getting our scarves torn off our heads like young Islamic women have
recently.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We will not be the ones whose
temple or mosque will be defaced or burned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We will not be the ones who will be cursed at, told to go home, told
they are terrorists.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are some of
us here who are afraid that their right to marry or to choose whether to have a
child will be taken away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And our
children may bear some of the burden of this divided country, with children
seeing bullying and abuse as being acceptable behavior in political
discourse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the last few days bullying
by both children and adults across this country has been on the rise—and our
children and our GLBTQ friends, and our Islamic and Sihk friends, and all our
friends of color will need us to listen to them, to create safe spaces for
them, to help them cope with this painful new reality.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-mirror-indents: yes;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Dorothy Day wrote:
“People say, what is the sense of our small effort. They cannot see that we
must lay one brick at a time, take one step at a time. A pebble cast into a
pond causes ripples that spread in all directions. Each one of our thoughts,
words and deeds is like that. No one has a right to sit down and feel hopeless.
There's too much work to do.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-mirror-indents: yes;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>What difference will our small
effort, writing chalk messages on a sidewalk make?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What difference will your small moment of
bravery, in the grocery store or on the train, make?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You don’t know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can’t possibly know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But if you truly believe that we are all part
of the interdependent web of all existence then you must believe that what you
do, no matter how small, is felt by other entities on that shared web.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You make a difference.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, I am sure most of you know what the
safety pins we’re wearing symbolize.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They mean we will not abide mistreatment of women, immigrants, GLBTQ,
Muslims, people of color, anyone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Wearing this pin identifies you as a person who will do what they can to
make sure another person feels safe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
identifies you as a person they can talk to; a person they can lean on; a
person they can cry with; a person to turn to when feeling bullied.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-mirror-indents: yes;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>When you see harassment, go to the
person being harassed, sit beside them, engage them in conversation; pick a
topic, any topic and just start talking to them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Keep eye contact with them, and don’t
acknowledge the attacker’s presence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Keep the conversation going until the bully leaves, then escort the
person to a safe place if necessary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And
I want to be clear this is not only about Islmaphobic harassment; this 4 step
intervention works to help anyone who is suffering harassment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-mirror-indents: yes;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>And so, I offer you three little
steps to starts moving again, three little “pebbles” to cast into the troubled
waters we find ourselves in:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-mirror-indents: yes;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">1.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Be kind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Take some chalk and write a positive loving
message on a random sidewalk or parking lot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Lay down your kindness for everyone to see.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-mirror-indents: yes;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">2.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Be gentle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wear your safety pin to identify yourself as
a safety zone for everyone to see.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-mirror-indents: yes;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">3.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Be brave.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stand up to the bullying that you see around
you.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-mirror-indents: yes;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Be kind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Be gentle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Be brave.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pick one, or choose all
three.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whatever you choose to do make a
difference.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-mirror-indents: yes;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>And so, we come back to our First
Principle: we affirm and promote the inherent worth and dignity of every
person.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No shaming.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No name calling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No exceptions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even when a person is destructive,
prejudiced, bullying, or just plain hateful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Be kind, be gentle, be brave.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-mirror-indents: yes;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>So go with peace in your hearts, use
your arms to hug your neighbors—they need it right now—and your hands to do the
work of the word.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Be that safe person,
and this church will be that safe place, that people sorely need right
now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As one young person said on
Wednesday night, let’s go out into the world and make kindness cool.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13696702276573978770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1817262490042841260.post-26681987502389530042016-05-13T17:06:00.001-05:002016-05-13T17:06:11.153-05:00The Road to Resilience By Reverend Tom Capo 5/8/2016<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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Name="Closing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Message Header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Salutation"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Date"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Theme"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="List Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="List Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="List Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
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<div class="MsoNormal">
I have heard the question, when faced with difficult times,
with painful experience, with seemingly more than you can handle in your life,
do you bend or do you break? I believe that in some measure we all bend, though
that bending can take a toll.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or as
singer Lena Horne puts it, “It’s not the load that breaks you down, it’s the
way you carry it.” We have all learned some way to carry the loads we have to
carry without entirely breaking down.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I asked you
to reflect on a time in your life when you were struggling, a time when there
was some darkness in your life or maybe a lot of darkness in your life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let me share one of those times from my life
with you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Martha and I had been married
about 8 years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Aaron, our son, was
almost one year old. We had just sold our house in Fort Worth at a slight loss
and caravanned to Houston with an ice storm hard at our heels.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was starting a new job in Houston so that
Aaron would have a family experience while he grew up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were financially stable, but just
barely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And we were committed to Martha
staying at home to care for Aaron until Kindergarten.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We decided to accumulate some debt and live a
less extravagant lifestyle, and were determined to keep up the repayment of my
student loan plus baby expenses on a single income.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Fortunately my brother lived near my new job, so we moved
into his guest bedroom, but no real home in sight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had not put a down payment on a
house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had not even looked for a
home. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We just took a leap of faith and
moved, knowing—or hoping—family, would catch us and hold us for a little
while.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Steve and Karen, my brother and
his wife, hadn’t been in their house for a year, yet they welcomed us, colicky
baby and all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>New job, new neighborhood,
reduced income, reduced—significantly reduced—privacy, new routine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To describe that time as chaotic and
stressful doesn’t really begin to encompass how out-of-control everything felt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And then we got pregnant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The insurance from my new job hadn’t kicked
in and we were afraid if Martha saw a doctor, her pregnancy would be classified
as a pre-existing condition and thus wouldn’t be covered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Given Martha’s history with miscarriages, we
were very concerned about this pregnancy and, like the previous three
pregnancies, she was bleeding in the first trimester.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Both of us thought: “How could we possibly
bring another child into the world when we were essentially homeless?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And we had nothing saved up to put down on a
new home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If there was a light at the
end of the tunnel, it seemed to be a train coming at us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>At that
point in my life I was a fairly pessimistic person, even without this stress,
you know I was a glass half-empty kind of person.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And with all that Martha and I were trying to
cope with, my glass seemed pretty well completely empty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My resources were spent, mentally,
physically, emotionally, spiritually, and fiscally.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I struggled getting by from one day to the
next.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And the baby would not stop
crying.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What are some of the things that help a person in a
situation like this?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When you are
constantly moving, when you are constantly reacting, you cannot get a
perspective on what is happening in your life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As simple, as simplistic as it sounds, there is real value in carving
out a small space for yourself, for your heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>To stop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To breathe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To ask yourself: are you making realistic
plans?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you feel good about
yourself?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do have confidence in your
strengths and abilities?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you have
effective communication and problem-solving skills?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How are you handling the powerful emotions
that are associated with all that you are facing?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Stop, Meditate, and Reflect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They are all counter-intuitive in situations when you are just trying to
survive, when all you can do is react to whatever life is throwing at you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Meditating is the last thing on your mind
when you are in crisis mode.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And yet, as
people of faith, it is really the first thing we should do when we feel
overwhelmed.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I stopped, meditated, and reflected.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Realistic plans, well there was no money in
savings; we had one infant and another on the way; we essentially had no
medical insurance; the debt load was rising exponentially, and we still had no
home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>{scream here then breathe}<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But years of meditation practice had taught me
to allow the problems of daily living to pass through me, that is, to know that
problems will come and go, and to realize that obsessing about problems would
not help me to pull myself out of them, practically or emotionally.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Buddhist meditation teaches that attaching to
or rejecting or denying those worries empowers them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Letting them pass through me can give me some
distance, some breathing space, from them. And that is what I was eventually
able to do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All those years of
biofeedback and meditation were finally paying off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, it wasn’t like night and day difference
to start.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I started feeling more
grounded gradually, now and then at first, and over time, more consistently.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
With some distance from the anxieties, I was able to realize
that I was not alone in the chaos.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had
my wife, my parents, my extended family, my Unitarian Universalist Church, my
newly formed men’s group, my high school friends, and my co-workers giving me
support.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So many people I could talk to
about these issues, not so that they could fix the situation, but so I could
let off some of the stress that built up inside me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Feeling loved and supported by others makes a
huge difference when your heart is heavy and your burdens are threatening to
break your back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gradually, I found a
way to carry the load that came close, but would not, break my back.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My parents lent us money to make a down payment on a modest
home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The area near my new job had an
excellent school district.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While we
couldn’t pay down our debt, I was making enough money for us to keep from
increasing it. Living with my brother had helped us build up our savings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And my employer appreciated the skills,
talents, and insight I brought to the clinic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Maybe things weren’t so awful.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As I calmed myself, I regained my self-confidence and
realized that I had the skills to manage the powerful emotions that plagued
me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also realized that I needed more
sleep, more exercise, and more time to meditate and reflect, again, counter-intuitive
responses to the pressure-cooker life I found myself in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would not make good decisions when I was
exhausted, scattered, and anxious.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Taking care of myself had to become at least one of my many priorities.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Things were starting to move forward, I was slowly beginning
to get some perspective on the situation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Then I drove into the side of my brother’s garage, creating a huge hole
in his garage wall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One step forward and
ten steps back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All the old thoughts and
feelings were coming back with a vengeance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I would need to use my savings to fix the wall and my car, putting us
that much further from getting out of my brother’s house and into our own
home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our child would be born
homeless.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All the plans were falling
apart, the glass was emptying out again, and it was all my fault.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My mind spiraled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Time to stop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Take a
deep breath.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Meditate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What I needed to do was talk to my brother
about all this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I did, he said the
hole was no big deal and we could fix it together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He went on: it did not need to be fixed right
this moment anyway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And my car, well it
was 1970 VW bus, and I had been repairing and restoring for many years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just needed another trip to the junk
yard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I realized that I could still
easily slip and fall emotionally and spiritually.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I realized I was still fragile, too close to
the stress and our new lives were still too new to feel comfortable and, more
importantly, stable.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As I continued to take care of myself and stick to my
vision, I gained some new insights into myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I realized that money issues triggered something inside me—fear,
insecurity, failure—I was not entirely sure at the time where those came from,
but I knew they were issues from my past that were coloring my present and
could easily overwhelm me if I let them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I also learned that Martha and I could deal with some extremely
difficult situations together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The first
10 years of our relationship we had not really faced this kind of stress.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was just the two of us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We could go where we wanted, when we
wanted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We both worked and had plenty of
income.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had great church community
that gave us tremendous support and really empowered us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Martha and I were teaching New Member classes
and helping to build a new sanctuary within the first year of our joining the
church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The world had been our oyster.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had not had to deal with much in the way
of difficult change.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now we were in the midst of seemingly everything changing in
our lives:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>our relationship—having to
figure out how to maintain our connection with one another when there was so
little time for us to spend together; and now we were responsible for two new
lives—we had always wondered how well we would parent our own children having
both grown up in dysfunctional homes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
had come to realize that life was really about change and I had to build up my
resilience muscles to cope with it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
realized I was changing, too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I understood, maybe for the first time, how important a
spiritual practice is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I started a
practice of reflecting on my blessings—attending to the many positive things in
my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I found this helped me see my
glass as more full and less empty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
would be lying to you to say I was great at this practice initially.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And it was many years before I was
consistent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But reflecting on the many
positive things in my life occasionally made difference.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And I needed new friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>My old high school friends lived far from me, and while we could talk on
the phone, I needed friends near me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
made some new friends at the gym playing Racquetball.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Life was getting better and better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As you probably have figured out, Martha and I bought a nice
older home, Jacob was born, and life settled into a lower level of stress.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I got through a situation that seemed
insurmountable, overwhelming, traumatic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, what did I learn?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Why am I telling you this story?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>First I learned the importance of recognizing and celebrating having
gotten through a really lousy time in my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This week I talked to my Spiritual Director and I realized that I still
have a tendency to say “Woo, that’s over” whenever I go through a really
difficult time, and get back to living life, without recognizing and
celebrating my resiliency.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also
learned that I need to bring back the memory of getting through tough periods,
because it reminds me that I can get through tough periods. So often we forget
that we have fallen and have gotten back up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That’s resilience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The capacity
to get back up, eventually, and keep going.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And we don’t do that alone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That
interdependent web we keep talking about?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That is what helps us be resilient.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth you
keep hearing about?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s what helps us
be resilient.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Justice, equity, and
compassion in human relations?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yup.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That too helps us be resilient.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We gather as an inclusive community to grow
in character, mind, and spirit and to transform the world toward fairness,
love, and compassion.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The willingness,
the capacity, to be transformed is the willingness, capacity, to be resilient.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The willingness, the capacity, to grow in
character, mind, and spirit, is the willingness, the capacity, to be
resilient.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Closing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Message Header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Salutation"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Date"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Theme"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="List Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="List Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="List Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 1"/>
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Life is very much like the Hopi Elders described; it’s a
river: “Here is a river flowing now very fast. It is so great and swift that
there are those who will be afraid, who will try to hold on to the shore. They
are being torn apart and will suffer greatly. Know that the river has its
destination. The elders say we must let go of the shore. Push off into the
middle of the river, and keep our heads above water. And I say see who is there
with you and celebrate.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This past
couple of weeks have been hard on this congregation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The budget gap and the possibility of having
to lose staff or reduce staff’s compensation or benefits resulted in fear,
pain, hurt, stress.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We could have been
torn apart or suffered greatly from hanging on to the shore of our
anxiety.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But instead, this resilient
community pushed off into the middle of the river, found a way to keep our
heads above water by raising the money needed to more than fill the gap.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Take this time to look around see one
another.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Be grateful for one
another.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Celebrate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You all did really good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13696702276573978770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1817262490042841260.post-37332873028800893492016-05-13T17:02:00.001-05:002016-05-13T17:02:49.135-05:00A Flexible Faith By Reverend Tom Capo May 1, 2016<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
What is it mean to be a Unitarian Universalist? When I
describe Unitarian Universalism, I tend to use the words faith, diversity,
belief, values, unity, love, religious, justice, equity, inspiration,
pluralistic, meaning-makers, humanism, and mystery to describe what it means to
be a Unitarian Universalist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And you
have probably hear me say, “DuPage Unitarian Universalist Church is your faith
community.” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Faith is one of those religious terms that not all Unitarian
Universalists can use comfortably or authentically. The word has been used in
divisive ways by some religious people, separating the saved from the unsaved,
or those who will prosper from those who will suffer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many people define faith as a strong belief in
a particular God or in the doctrines of a specific religion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>[Unitarian Universalist minister] Clinton Lee
Scott wrote, ‘Faith is a very simple thing until it gets in the hand of
theologians. It is not a mystical, mysterious something belonging only to religion.
It is one of the conditions by which we live.’<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Scott is presenting one alternative understanding of the word
faith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And there are definitions of
faith that might resonate with a Unitarian Universalist, and they were written
by theologians.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Theologian Sharon Parks
defines faith as the “activity of making meaning.” To theologian Paul Tillich,
“Faith is the state of being ultimately concerned.” And, wrote religious
historian William Cantwell Smith, “Faith at its best has taken the form of a
quiet confidence and joy which enables one to feel at home in the
universe.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For me, these definitions
express a broader, more open, more inclusive understanding of the word faith,
understandings that could fit within the belief systems of many Unitarian
Universalists.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Let’s for a
moment use Sharon Parks’ definition of faith, the “activity of making
meaning.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Recently I read an article
that helped clarify this definition of faith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was written by Unitarian Universalist religious educator, Judith A.
Frediani.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She wrote:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“There are three simple questions we can ask ourselves
individually and collectively to identify, articulate, and live out our
faith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Those questions are What? So
what? and Now what?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The ‘what’ is any
new knowledge, input, or stimuli we encounter. [in other words any internal or
external experience we have] The ‘what’ can be a film, a book, a class, a
concert, a death, a sunrise.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
‘So what?’ is where we make meaning, judge value, discern
what is right and wrong, seek to understand and find purpose. ‘So what?’ is an
act of faith development. ‘So what?’ asks, ‘What do I set my heart to?’ We are
pretty good at ‘so what?’ We are inquisitive and resourceful. We explore and
question and even ponder, and we come together in our religious communities for
supportive and challenging companions in our search for truth and meaning.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
‘Now What?’ refers to what am I called to do? Given what I
know; and what I understand, and what I value, what am I called to do? Our own
[Universalist minister] Hosea Ballou wrote: ‘There is one inevitable criterion
of judgment touching religious faith in doctrinal matters and that is can you
reduce it to practice? If not, have none of it.’ </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
‘Now what?’ is where we take our faith, our principles, and
our values, out onto what Jane Addams called ‘the thronged and common road.’
Now what? can require time, commitment, and even courage. ‘Now what?’
challenges us to respond to these words of Martin Luther King, Jr., ‘Our lives
begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.’</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Our answers to three simple questions can help us live more
mindfully, more meaningfully—one might even say, more faithfully.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As I reflect on these words, I recall a time in my life when
I was serving Spindletop Unitarian Church in Beaumont, Texas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was their half-time minister.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>George W. Bush was president at the
time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Port Arthur, Texas is just sound
of Beaumont; I am sure you have heard of Port Arthur, it is where Janis Joplin
was born.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You have heard of Janis
Joplin, right?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Anyway this was right
before the Iraq War, and members of my congregation became aware that a lot of
military equipment and personnel bound for Iraq would be shipping out of Port
Arthur and would be traveling right through downtown Beaumont on the way
there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And some of the older members of
the congregation had once organized churches around Southeast Texas to march
for Peace during the Vietnam War.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
called themselves Southeast Texans Organized for Peace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As these snippets of information began to coalesce in my
mind and heart, they become my “What?”, using Judith Frediani’s construct.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The military was going through town.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Members of my congregation wanted to do
something.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some of the older members had
some experience with organizing a peace rally.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“So What?” Remember, this question is “where we make meaning, judge
value, discern what is right and wrong, seek to understand and find
purpose.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In my heart I felt the Iraq
war was not right. But I also thought this war was inevitable. President Bush
wanted it and nothing I could do would stop that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew our little congregation couldn’t stop
a military convoy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could preach about
peace; maybe that was an effective way to make meaning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“So What?” I asked myself again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“So What?” in my heart, I valued peace and
had all my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My church was looking
to me for leadership.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had arrived at
“Now What?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I had
decided that my belief in peace and my congregation’s pacifist beliefs had to
be put into action.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I talked with the
members of Spindletop Unitarian Universalist who had rallied for peace during
the Viet Nam war and asked their advice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They said “Let’s get our old allies in the Southeast Texans Organized
for Peace (STOP) together and go downtown and hold Peace Signs up as the
military goes by.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thought what
practical use would that be?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then I
realized that living our values out loud and proud would draw attention to the
looming war in Iraq.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Anyone who didn’t
understand that this war was going to happen, anyone who believed no military
hardware and personnel were heading out, could no long be in denial.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At least they would have to face what this
country was doing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe the peaceful
protest of a handful of pacifists would make a difference.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I called all the local media and helped make
signs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And then on the day the military
was coming through town, we were there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Here we are gathered across from the Federal Courthouse in
downtown Beaumont, Texas with our signs waiting for the convoy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For two hours we stood in silent, peaceful
protest as the military convoy drove by.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Eventually someone in the military must have noticed what we were doing
and all the media.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And the rest of the
convoy was diverted several miles around Beaumont to avoid us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had achieved what we had hoped to – we got
the word out about our country’s preparation for war and we graphically offered
peace as a viable option.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Did we stop
the war from coming?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You all know we did
not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Did we change anyone’s
attitude?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perhaps.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many people drove by that day and most honked
in solidarity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And many people saw and
read about our peace protest the next day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Did we feel like we had lived our values and principles out in the world
beyond our Unitarian Universalist walls?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Indeed, yes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Very much, yes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is a constant flow of knowledge, input,
stimuli every day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are situations
in our lives and in this church community, when we will be startled with a
“What”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then our hearts will call us to
ponder this “What”, to ask “So What?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And as Unitarian Universalists, sometimes it is easy for us to get stuck
in the “So What?”, to get stuck in the process of making meaning and finding
purpose.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But to live out our faith, we
must take the next step, either individually or as a community.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We need to ask “Now What’s?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We gather as a community to share our
“What’s?”, our “So What?” and our “Now What’s?” with one another, to ponder and
to take action together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is what we
are a faith community is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s what a
faith community does.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And that is why I
believe whatever we face, we will use our intelligence, our heart-felt values,
and our resources to make a positive difference.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We will not just ponder “So What?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We will work together to deal with our
challenges and the injustices that we see in the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I don’t see
us here as a community who stops at “Now What?”, I see us as a people who
answer “Now What?” with creativity, with passion, and with vision.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So may it always be.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13696702276573978770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1817262490042841260.post-11254340886747718692016-05-13T16:59:00.000-05:002016-05-13T16:59:32.456-05:00A UU Meaning of Easter A Dialogue between Rev. Tom Capo and Steve Cooper, DRE 3/26/2016<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Rev. Tom:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, Steve
here we are talking about the Christian holy day Easter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Steve:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, you know
we might want to tell that story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You
know Unitarian Universalist religious educator, Sophia Lyon Fahs, wrote a
Unitarian version of this myth.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Rev. Tom:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I remember
it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The people who followed Jesus were brokenhearted after he
died. They struggled to understand why God had allowed their teacher to be killed.
Surely someone so connected to God, so overflowing in goodness, did not deserve
the punishment of a criminal or rebel. As these women and men gathered day
after day in each other's homes, they began to recall the wonderful experiences
they had had with Jesus. They told one another of times when Jesus was wise,
and times when Jesus was kind. The very tone of Jesus' voice and the look on
his face would come back to them so vividly that it seemed, sometimes, as
though Jesus were again right there with them.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Some of the people had dreams in which Jesus seemed so real
that the dreamers could not tell whether they had been asleep or awake when
they saw him. Some declared positively that they had seen Jesus again. He had
talked with them! The rumor spread that Jesus had actually come out of his
coffin, that two of his disciples had seen him, and that several of the women
had talked with him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They would see him
only for a few moments, and then he would mysteriously disappear again.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Finally, several of them dreamed they saw Jesus rise up from
the earth—higher and higher—until he disappeared entirely. They believed he had
gone to heaven to be with God. And after that, their dreams of seeing him and
talking with him stopped.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
People who had these experiences believed that Jesus was
different from other people. Some believed that Jesus was so holy and great
that he would come back to earth and save the world. That is one reason
Christians call Jesus "the Savior.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The years passed by. The people who knew Jesus died. Their
children and their children's children also died. But Jesus did not come back.
It has been over two thousand years and Jesus has still not come back. There
are those who still hope he will come back to life again.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Others, including Unitarian Universalists, believe that this
Jesus will never again live on earth. His body is not coming back. But, his
spirit never needs to die. His spirit is in his words and deeds which still
offer us wisdom today. For example, when he was alive, Jesus taught and
popularized.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Golden Rule: Treat
others the way you want to be treated. Jesus gave the Sermon on the Mount,
where he said that people who are poor, hurt, and struggling are loved by God
and therefore, we must love them, too.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When someone's physical body dies, the people around them
who loved and valued them will keep their memory alive—just like the followers
of Jesus have remembered his teachings and his spirit, long after his death.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Steve Cooper: You know we have been talking about
butterflies in this service; I bet all those people gathered out there in the
congregation wonder how butterflies and the story of Easter relate to one
another.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Rev. Tom: You are right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>How do butterflies and the Easter myth relate to one another?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Steve Cooper: Well, the word I would use to describe the
relationship is transformation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Rev. Tom:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What do you
mean by transformation?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Steve Cooper: Well, think about the butterfly in Gideon’s
Dream.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He went through a big change from
a caterpillar to a butterfly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That was a
big change, right?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Rev. Tom:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yep that
was a big change.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Steve Cooper: Well in the myth of Jesus, Jesus changed;
Christians believe he was a person who was killed and raised from the dead
becoming a spiritual being.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Another
possible way of looking at transformation in the Jesus story is you could say
that Jesus changed from a normal person to a spiritual leader; and his way of
living his life and his teachings led to a religion that transforms people
leading them to live lives of compassion, love, and devotion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Rev. Tom:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So how does
transformation relate to us?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Steve Cooper: Well, we all go through big changes in our
lives. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Rev. Tom: Yes, I understand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Something big might happen in our lives or we might learn something new
that changes how we see the world or changes how we choose to live in the
world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hopefully these changes lead to a
larger and more compassionate world view and a more helpful or valuable way of
living in the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Steve have you
experienced this kind of change?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Steve: Well, I have not always been a religious educator. My
degree is in Software and Electrical Engineering. During my college and post
college years I was involved with several projects that I was proud to be a
part of. I wrote software that did something. Let me explain that. Back in the
eighties I was part of a small team creating a collision avoidance system
proposed for private and possibly commercial aircraft. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Nothing like this existed in the private sector and what
commercial planes had was suspect. This was before wide coverage cell phones,
before GPS, before laptops. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We tapped, with permission, into the military’s radar system
and sent the data to a satellite and then beamed it back down to earth. We had
a special antenna strapped to our plane that would track the location of the
satellite so it could get the constant stream of radar data. Using the plane’s
navigation system, we knew our location and displayed this on a computer
screen. This way a pilot could fly and see on the screen the other planes,
landmarks and weather in the vicinity and be alerted if necessary. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I also wrote software that collected data and images from
vehicles equipped with an array of lasers and video cameras to determine the
conditions of roads and highways and then provide city and highway engineers
with cost benefit analysis to determine which roads need to be fixed, how to
fix them, and when it would be most opportune based on cost. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I wrote software to control all of the functionality of
making cardboard boxes. My software talked to every component of these ¼ mile
long machines to make the cardboard from rolls of paper to gluing, drying,
cutting, slitting and stacking the completed boxes all based on the orders
downloaded from the main office.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The work I did was satisfying because it was going to help
people out in the world. Either though safety, comfort or providing function. I
loved seeing my work functioning, doing things. But it was missing a big
component for me. I was missing the direct impact.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At some point during all this our family joined this church.
For me it was for the community and the religious education program for our
kids. During our first year one of the religious education teachers could no
longer teach and our then DRE, Marcia Jett, asked if I would help fill in for
her. “Absolutely.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The following year I was asked to be on the Youth RE
committee and the next four years after that I was co-chair of the committee
and continued teaching. I worked my way through all of the grades including
high school youth group. I was then asked to be on the board as Vice President
of Programs so I left the RE committee but felt so attached to teaching that I
taught 2nd & 3rd graders during the first hour and high school youth group
the second hour.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I like to teach people new things whether it’s about
computers or the seven principles. I like it when I feel like I made a change
in somebody’s life. So when our DRE, Marcia, died unexpectedly I felt it was my
calling to step in and maintain the program that Marcia had established. I came
in saying let’s give it a year to figure out if this is truly what I want to do
and give the congregation a year to figure out if they wanted me to continue as
the new DRE.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In the ten years that I have been doing this, it never
ceases to amaze me and humble me when I hear a youth talk about how something I
taught them or did for them transformed them and made a difference in their
lives. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Steve: How about you Reverend Tom?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gone through any changes?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Rev. Tom:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, I have
gone through a lot of changes in my life. Here are some pictures of me before
my call to ministry.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And then my call to ministry, and I changed inside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And some might say a little on the outside as
well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Here are some images of me in my many roles as a minister
over the years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As prophet, as preacher,
and as leader within our denomination.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And so now I am here on this chancel as your minister.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These first slide of me, I guess you could say
I was in my catapillar stage, and now I stand before you a butterfly, an
experienced Unitarian Universalist minister.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But here’s the thing, Steve.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am
always a catapillar preparing to change and I am always a butterfly having gone
through a change. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have been the minister here for almost 20 months now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I came here thinking I had some idea about
how to do ministry and how to preach, and I did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have not been an active, non-minister
member of a Unitarian Universalist Church for over 15 years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How quickly I forgot what it was like to be a
member of congregation, not a minister to a congregation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Last weekend I went back to my home church,
Bay Area Unitarian Universalist church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I was just another member of the church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I wasn’t treated as a minister.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
remembered many things that I had forgotten about why I kept coming back to my
home church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Being part of a thriving
men’s group, enjoying the fellowship of our church dinner group; joking with
Butch Cockrell about past ministers; discussing Afro-Cuban religions with Mary
Ann Clark; reuniting with the Search Committee that I chaired; talking with
Jane Ebone about the kaledescopes she gave me so I could remember to see the
world in a new and different way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
fun we had together; the joy in sharing inspiriational experiences together;
the sharing of life’s ups and downs with one another. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am going through another change.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am transforming.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Again</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I want to make sure what I preach and how I minister
includes some of what I cherished when I was a member of a Unitarian
Universalist church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So Steve you may
notice me doing some different things, maybe doing some more experiencial
things in service and being a little more playful up here as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have been sharing more of my life in my
preaching this year, and I will continue to do this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I also want to share some of the joy and
wonder that kept me coming back to the Unitarian Universalist church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Am I a butterfly now or back to a caterpillar?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or am I both?</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13696702276573978770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1817262490042841260.post-64624006108484132742016-05-13T16:57:00.000-05:002016-05-13T16:57:03.015-05:00Racial Equity in an Unequal World By Reverend Tom Capo Preached on 3/6/2016<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
Equality is about sameness; it suggests fairness and justice
can be achieved by giving everyone the same support.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But it is only effective if everyone starts
from the same place, in this example equality only works if everyone is the
same height.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Equity is about fairness,
it’s about making sure people get access to the same opportunities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes our differences and/or history—our
national history with slavery and Jim Crow and so many other things and our
personal history in interacting with people different from us--can create
barriers to participation, so we must first ensure equity before we can all
enjoy equality.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Notice in this slide how
height is dealt with in the equity image.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The shortest person is given the most assistance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And the tallest person is given no assistance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most of us are metaphorically the tallest
person in this image.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I believe it is
hard for the metaphorically tallest people to know what the metaphorically
shortest people need to achieve equity without their participation in the
discussion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>This image
graphically represents what we here at DuPage Unitarian Universalist Church
hope to accomplish as part of our congregation-wide social justice
initiative.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Equality cannot happen
without equity happening first.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have
to work for equity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our task now, having
taken up the cause of social justice, is to understand what people of color
need to experience equity in this country.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Becky
Trombley-Freytag sang Wade in the water for us this morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is an African American Spiritual.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What is the meaning of this song?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You might just think we wanted it as part of
the service because it has an African American connection.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But including it without understanding its
context would be a form of tokenism.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
lyrics have roots in both the Old and New Testaments. The words are about the
Israelites' escape out of Egypt as found in Exodus 14. And the hymn refers to
John 5:4, "For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and
troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped
in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In both of these bible passages, there is an
intersession to help those who are suffering, in slavery or illness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We here at DuPage UU Church have decided to
“trouble the water”, to disrupt the status quo of systemic racism, so that
people of color who have been suffering prejudice and injustice “can be made
whole” of the disease of inequity and inequality.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But we’re no angels.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We cannot make things happen miraculously and
instantaneously.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our work of
intersession as white people is complicated, difficult to discern, and will
take a long time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We may not even be
able to tell if what we are doing is making a difference sometimes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have good hearts and good intentions, but
we do not know exactly what will make a difference, what will relieve the
suffering, what will change our culture and our laws so that all people can be
not only treated equally, but equitably.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>About 30
members of this congregation have been working on our social justice initiative
for the past 5 months, trying to discern how we can be effective agents of
change.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They have been developing
relationships with the Community Renewal Society—a grass-roots organizing
group, with the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, the
NAACP, with the Lisle African Methodist Episcopal Church, with principals of
local high schools, with local and state politicians, and with Unitarian
Universalists from churches in Chicago and Illinois.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our social justice committee is also offering
opportunities for all of us to learn more about the struggles of people of
color.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are starting a book study,
that you can sign up for in Kreves Hall after the service, reading Between the
World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates (tana hah see).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This book is an extended letter written by a
black man to his son about racism and how it will impact his son’s life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And the social justice committee has attended
a presentation by one of the founders of Black Lives Matter, again trying to
understand the issues of today’s people of color.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are starting today a curriculum for the
children of the church to learn more about racial inequality.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’re invited to attend adult forums on the
second and fourth Sundays of this month at 9:30 AM to see the films and learn
more about what the children are doing in their classrooms regarding this
issue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Social Justice Committee took on this initiative in
direct response to a congregation-wide discernment process.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Social Justice Committee held one-on-one
conversations with over a third of the congregation and convened a discernment
meeting with many of our members in attendance in October of last year to vote
on one of three social justice initiatives—climate change, income inequality,
and racial inequality.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Congregation-wide” means we, as a congregation, have voted on and
agreed that racial inequality is what we want to put our energy and resources
toward.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To that end after each of the
services today, the various subgroups of the Social Justice Committee will have
tables set up so you can talk with them and sign up to join subcommittees, sign
up for a book study, sign up to teach our children about racial inequality
during March.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You will learn more about
opportunities to get involved, and learn more about how racism affects all of
us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is the initiative that you as a
congregation chose.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hope each and
every one of you will talk with the people manning these tables and sign up for
something.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And if you have more ideas of
what we can do, don’t hold it inside; let one of our social justice folks
know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Your social
justice committee has been working hard to educate themselves and this
congregation on the issues facing the black community.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In this process of education and seeking
advice from others doing this work, we have heard that we need to let the
African American community take the lead in guiding our next steps.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But here is my conundrum: there is not just
one African American community and there are many racial inequality issues that
our congregation could get involved in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Recently I asked Patrisse Cullors, another co-founder of the Black Lives
Matter movement, what we should do to make a difference.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In essence she said, walk with those out
there who are protesting and holding rallies, be partners who are present in
this movement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve been in ongoing
conversations with the local AME church for the past 6 months, seeking
effective ways our congregations can partner together in shared social justice
work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This church is working on
diversity training and wants us to be part of that work at the appropriate
time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In February I talked to Jim
Wallis, the founder and editor of Sojourners magazine; he said just go out
there and do something, don’t study it, don’t think about it, just act in the
world with our black brothers and sisters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In our research on the NAACP, we learned more about the organization’s
work on many issues including supporting black youth by developing mentor
communities and individuals, providing social and academic support.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The NAACP’s stated goals are to help
establish political, social, economic, and political equality for all citizens,
to eliminate racial prejudice, and to educate people on their constitutional
rights.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perhaps they are who we should
ally with in this work. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I asked
other Unitarian Universalists who are leaders in racial equity work to share
their insights about how we here at DuPage Unitarian Universalist Church can
make a tangible difference.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some
encouraged us to develop partners in the black community and be open to the
process; to trust the process that unfolds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Other Unitarian Universalists recommended getting involved with prison
ministries to help rehabilitate young black men who are incarcerated, and to work
on prison reform, supporting alternatives to imprisonment for non-violent
crimes and ending the war on drugs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Another Unitarian Universalist, who spoke here a couple of weeks ago,
Dr. Finley Campbell, believes we should work collaboratively with people of all
races to end police brutality. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Finley
also believes we must fight the reality of institutional racism by working
together as part of a multi-racial movement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He feels that we must honor our Unitarian Universalist principles and
follow our long-standing Unitarian Universalist history of working for the
beloved community.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>So there
are a lot of processes to be trusting in, to be open to as they unfold.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am here to be with you in this work and in
this decision-making, but I cannot tell you which direction to take, which path
feels right to you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can tell you that
we need to continue educating ourselves, we need to continue talking to our
black allies and our Unitarian Universalist brothers and sisters about racial
injustice, and we need to “partners who are present” when there is an opportunity
here in DuPage County, perhaps even Chicago, and certainly in Springfield.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We need to keep our eyes open for legislation
that might help people of color achieve some level of equity, so we can support
it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I believe we need to take some of
the opportunities to march with people of color.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Right now you can choose to join with young
adult Unitarian Universalists in Chicago who re holding protests against police
brutality.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And we need to continue
trying to understand how we, each of us, contribute to institutional racism in
this country.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Last week,
our church was invited to participate in a new program that has been developed
by members of Meadville-Lombard Unitarian Universalist Seminary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This program is called Beloved Conversations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This program, which many Chicago-area
Unitarian Universalist congregations are getting involved in, as well as UU
congregations around the country, focuses on our church communities having the
very difficult conversations around our own prejudices and racially based
micro-aggressions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This program isn’t
about guilt-tripping is not to make us for past behaviors or attitudes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Beloved Conversations seeks to open our
awareness of how we are impacting those around us, so that we can be more
effective in the racial injustice work we are doing with people of color, and
so we can recognize and stop some of our behaviors that are contributing to
institutional racism.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here is the
description of the program from the Meadville site:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Beloved Conversations is an experiential curriculum
that provides a space to re-form/fuse the brokenness of racism into new
patterns of thought and behavior ushering in social and spiritual healing. New
ways of being are learned through the actions of conversation and probing
dialogue. The program consists of a 1.5 day retreat that launches the
curriculum, followed by 8 weeks of guided dialogue/experiential
exercises.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want you to do this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I need you to do this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I am going to this program.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Last week, I met with the Chicagoland Unitarian Universalist
ministers here at our church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We talked
about what keeps up going as we do this difficult and challenging
anti-racism/anti-oppression work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
don’t think I’m breaking any confidentiality by sharing some of their thoughts
on this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many of our ministers find the
passion to start this work by seeing and hearing about the injustice around
them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But what keeps them going, what
fills them with the motivation, the energy, the resources to keep going is
relationships, the people who join them in this work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The people in our churches and the people
outside these walls, people of color, people of other faiths, people in the
Black Lives Matter movement, in the NAACP, all these people and all the people
who support us in “troubling the waters”—our family and friends—who might not
get out there in the streets with signs, but who say to us “thank you.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Thank you for trying to make us whole from
the disease of institutional racism.” This work would be difficult to sustain
if it weren’t for those people who support us and those people who stand
side-by-side with us, getting wet right along with us, holding us up when we
are shaky, scared, faltering, tired.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
did it when we fought for marital equality and we’re going to do it now for
racial equity. We are taking on a system, folks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is not work that will be done quickly;
it might not even be completed in our lifetime.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But you and I are the ones who must trouble the waters and keep
troubling them, keep making difference after difference.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are the hope for the future, a future we
might not live to see.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are, as Ysaye
Barnwell writes, “the mothers of courage and fathers of time, we’re sisters of
mercy and brothers of love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are
builders of nations and seekers of truth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We are makers of peace and the wisdom of ages.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Get
involved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Help us discern where we can
best make a difference, and help those in this congregation who do this
work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is the work of the world, it
is as common as mud, and someone must do it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And friends, that’s us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I leave
with this quote from Between the World and Me: “But all our phrasing—race
relations, racial chasm, racial justice, racial profiling, white privilege,
even white supremacy—serves to obscure that racism is a visceral experience,
that it dislodges brains, blocks airways, rips muscle, extracts organs, cracks
bones, breaks teeth. You must never look away from this. You must always
remember that the sociology, the history, the economics, the graphs, the
charts, the regressions all land, with great violence, upon the body.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I say to you today:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>do not refuse to do the something you can
do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So may it be.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13696702276573978770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1817262490042841260.post-84002593136566882482016-05-13T16:50:00.001-05:002016-05-13T16:53:25.480-05:00DUUC at 61 By Reverend Tom Capo 4/10/2016<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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</xml><![endif]-->For a moment, stretch back in memory to the first time you
joined a meeting of this church. It may have been in this sanctuary or in our
old sanctuary, in what is now the Learning Center. What was happening then?
Were you comfortable, anxious, pleased, hesitant? Remember those moments.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Who were the first people you met? Along the way, between
that first time and now, what are the most intimate, close friendships you have
formed? Feel the warmth of this community, the people around you.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
From back then to now, what have been the important events
of your life that have happened within this community, the rites of passage,
births, dedications, coming of age, weddings, separations, divorces, deaths?
This religious community is privileged to encompass the connections between all
of you and all the people who have passed through our doors. So, now, consider
the influence of this community on you and your children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How are you different having come through
these doors?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What impact has being part
of this community had on your children?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We come here to expand our hopes, deepen our vision and
stretch forth our hands, knowing not what we might touch but yearning to link
our lives with other lives. We come to give and to receive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We come here to let faith lure us, and then
to take a leap, and grow wings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is
the role of DuPage Unitarian Universalist Church.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This week DuPage Unitarian Universalist Church turns
61.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have been here for two
anniversaries.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Last year we celebrated
the 60th anniversary by talking to one another about how to help our planet; we
learned more about the various ways some of us and others are working to
preserve our planet and to live sustainably—in big ways and small—</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
and we acted on ways to help our planet by working on our
property, by making re-useable bags from old t-shirts, by taking old crayons
that might have been thrown away and put in landfills, and making them into
large crayons that can be used again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This year we are celebrating by reviewing what we have
accomplished this past year, what we are planning to accomplish in the years to
come, and what changes we will have to make in order to reach the future we
imagine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We developed a strategic plan in spring 2015, based on the
congregation’s dreams for the future of this church; three key themes emerged
from your dreams: Social Justice, Events, and Spiritual and Ethical Formation;
we called the Strategic Plan--Dream 2020.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What I want to briefly share with you is the nuts and bolts
of what it means to identify, embrace, and embark on a vision as a
community.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It may not have a big “wow”
factor in the short-term, but the long-term results can be spectacular.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Board decided we needed a team to help us
prioritize the details of our Strategic Plan and help us develop the tools needed
to implement the plan. The Strategic Plan Implementation Team (SPIT) met for
the first time in summer 2015 with a focus on tackling enhanced communication
and interaction among our leaders and committees. Would those involved in SPIT
please stand?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you for your work.
From that, a high-energy, interactive discussion took place in October among
church leadership, committee chairs, and staff, allowing SPIT to define the
Plan's key goals and outline initial steps to success within those three areas of
congregation-defined themes or focus areas—remember what they are (social
justice, events, and spiritual and ethical formation). What the team identified
as an overarching goal for our leadership, staff, and committees was to work
toward improving satisfaction of all those participating in our church
community, let me just say that again, to work toward improving satisfaction of
all those participating in our church community.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wow!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Can you imagine that?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With that
in mind, SPIT has helped to create and strengthen the underlying organizational
structure for future leader/committee/staff collaboration as an important first
step. This church year, the Board trustees helped their committees consider,
assess, evaluate their maturity, in other words assessing how we work within
our groups and with each other, to better assess and be in a position to be
responsive to, how our programs serve you, our members. This has not been a
"one-and-done" process.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Assessing our committees, their goals, their relevance to members' needs
and leadership's objectives will be ongoing, in order to achieve and sustain
successes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And we are already seeing the
results of greater collaboration this year as the congregation was invited to
learn, discuss, and select a social justice project that engages young and old
in planned activities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In addition,
committees are working to identify more events that will bring new people into
our church, and we are offering more opportunities for spiritual and ethical
formation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>SPIT will continue to support
and aid our leadership in achieving DuPage Unitarian Universalist Church
goals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But keep in mind the three areas
we are working as a congregation, which have been defined by the congregation:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Social Justice, Events, and Spiritual and
Ethical Formation. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Through the focus of these three themes, your church leaders
will strive to achieve the overarching goal of the Strategic Plan--to improve
satisfaction of all those participating in our church community—they will do
this by:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Embracing the changes
needed to inspire interest, interaction, and participation by all of our
members and friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And by helping committees and the congregation understand
the various components of the Strategic Plan and who is responsible for what.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And by attending
relevant events to help learn more about the Total Church Experience, your
total church experince. As it so happens, the Chicago Area Unitarian
Universalist Council will meet May 21st here at DuPage Unitarian Universalist
Church to present a panel discussion on the Total Church Experience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All of you are invited to attend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are working on a definition of the Total
Church Experience that will help church leadership better understand if, when,
and how our programming meets the needs of our members and friends, wherever
they are in their life and spiritual journeys.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And as we, this
congregation, follow this plan that we have envisioned, we are going to have to
define what success looks like. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
All right, I have spelled out what is going on right now in
your church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Embracing the change needed
to achieve these goals will mean that there will be changes in our culture as a
congregation, as a Board, as staff, as committees, as well as all the groups in
this church, a change in the way we do things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>One of the changes is that the leadership and staff in this church will
need to check in with you regularly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Your lay-leaders and staff are most interested in what is working well
to meet your needs, to provide the church experience that you want here at DuPage
Unitarian Universalist Church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your
leaders and staff are interested in your Total Church Experience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So if you are asked to work with a team of
people to assess the Sunday morning service experience, I hope you will agree
to do so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you are asked to fill out a
survey about our events, I hope you will do so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>If you are asked to participate in a project that will help us achieve
one of the goals of our strategic plan, I hope you will do so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know this process can sometimes feel like
being pecked to death by chickens, but together we will achieve our strategic
plan.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We need to celebrate our achievements so far.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After the service, go outside and walk our
property.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Celebrate our new labyrinth,
play equipment for the kids, and trail around our backlot decorated with
cairns.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And let’s celebrate that about 20% of our congregation,
maybe more, is working on, learning about, reading about, or attending programs
on our social justice initiative, Racial Equity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And we had a very successful Art Show this weekend; </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And we have had increasing numbers of people coming to our
folk music coffee houses; </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And we have thriving spiritual direction groups and more
leaders for the groups are being trained so we can offer even more spiritual
direction groups.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And new people are
joining us here; we are averaging 15 new visitor information sheets a month; we
are averaging 74 returning visitors a month; and since August of 2015, 13 new
members have joined us. So many things to celebrate.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But you must know we have to challenges to face as
well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While we had 18 new families
pledging this year; and we have lost 7 families.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While we have brought in more money in this
annual budget drive than last year, we are still short 33 thousand
dollars.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And the only place we can cut
is our staff budget; we will have to cut staff and reduce staff salaries and
benefits.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And these staff cuts will have
an impact on our social justice, events, and spiritual and ethical formation
initiatives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t tell you all this
to make you feel bad or guilty; I tell you this so that you can make informed
decisions as a community.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everyone one
of you has the power and responsibility to do something to aid in this
situation; what that looks like for each of you is up to you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I know we will pull together to face this
situation; I have faith in you.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Even as we have challenges to face, there is much to be
proud of as a congregation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You have
accomplished a lot toward building a foundation for your strategic plan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And you have begun accomplishing some of the
goals you set for yourself last year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
joined this congregation, at least in part, because I saw in you that you
wanted something more than you had.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You
want to grow in numbers; you want to offer more programming; you want to
provide high quality worship and lifespan religious education.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And you are willing to risk making mistakes,
to attempt new ways of doing things, and to keep working toward your
goals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You decided to be an
intentionally pluralistic community, offering various opportunities for ethical
and spiritual formation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, it’s no
surprise we have the Jewish Heritage group, the earth-centered DUUCKIES, the
Jesus Seminar Book Club, the Humanist group, and a Buddhist Sanga all
co-existing and thriving here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We now
have Wednesday contemplative (con tem plau tive) services twice a month.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And DuPage Unitarian Universalist church has
committees that are willing to redefine what they need to do in order to
achieve the goals of the strategic plan—one example is the Visitor Relations Committee,
which has been learning more from Unitarian Universalist churches around the
country about how to make people feel welcomed when they walk through our doors
and making some real changes in how we greet new people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And one of<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>your Board members, Tom Chockley, spear-headed a mentor program to help
new members find their way into being part of this congregation, paring
established members with newer members.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is not a static congregation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are on the move.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And your leadership is listening to you as we
move forward.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I make it a priority to
listen to members who want to give me feedback and so does your Board and your
Committee on Ministries (COM).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We want
and need your feedback; we want and need your participation; we want and need
your willingness to adapt and change with us.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What I want to end with is an excerpt from Michael Durall’s
The Almost Church: Redefining Unitarian Universalism for a New Era.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Durall has a vision for what Unitarian
Universalism will be in the future if it is to thrive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some of what he says, you will notice, we
already do here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And while you might not
agree with all that he has to say, what he has to say will inspire and
challenge you, will lead to further conversations that we all need to have, and
will call us to be prepared to adapt to further changes as we work toward our
many goals as a thriving church community.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He writes:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“The people who come to (Unitarian Universalist churches in
the future) will be of all ages.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These
places will be noisy and boisterous, full of excitement and energy.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Worship will be highly participatory.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People will stand close together, sing
loudly, [dance] and perhaps have their arms about one another’s shoulders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The music—jazz, blues, rock and roll—will be
live, performed by first-rate musicians.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The lighting will be colorful and dramatic.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Worship services will last two or three hours, [I thought I
would see some of you fall out of your chairs when I said that] like services
at Gospel churches today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After the
service, people will stay and share a meal together, prepared by a high quality
caterer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Potlucks will be a relic of the
past…</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
These churches will not display a ‘theology of
entertainment.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Young Unitarian
Universalists have rejected the excesses of a consumer mentality, and their
theology now includes a strong moral code of right and wrong, taken from
religious and secular sources…their religious values will be strong and
unwavering…</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Services will be held Sunday mornings, in the afternoon, and
in the evening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The church will also
host mid-week services that start as late as 10 PM.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Smaller groups will also meet for worship in
apartments and houses, reviving the ‘house church’ model of worship…</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
These churches will follow the advice of church-growth
writer William Easum…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They will not have
a Board of Trustees to determine policy; the highly paid staff will provide
overall leadership.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Young people in
their twenties will be encouraged to create imaginative ministries on their
own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The emphasis is on empowerment, not
governance, just the opposite of Unitarian Universalist Churches today…</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
These new congregations will send shock waves through the
communities in which they minister because they will focus their efforts on a
single cause—the least fortunate among us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Their model will be the Salvation Army, but without the requirement that
recipients adopt a particular theology.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>These churches…will provide showers, clothing and food to those who are
in need…</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The people in these congregations will break the current
cycle of those whose dominant image is being served [in other words coming to
church to get something or get some need met], rather, [their focus will be] to
serve [‘the other’]—[in other words, the people beyond these walls who need our
help].</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
These new churches will draw newcomers because people will
want to be associated with them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
ministers of these congregations realized long ago that the mission of the
church could be stated simply: to change people’s lives in some fundamental
way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They will also realize that the
vision of Unitarian Universalist churches in the early years of the
twenty-first century is not to promote autonomy of the individual and to seek
truth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their vision is a deeper
spirituality through service…”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Durall ends with: “I hope people of all ages will be allies
in this transition.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Together, we can do
far, far more than any of us have imagined.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My friends, how does this vision speak to your heart?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To your imagination?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To your dreams?</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13696702276573978770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1817262490042841260.post-91661864942915628022016-03-02T15:34:00.002-06:002016-03-02T15:34:56.502-06:00Sermon: Gun Violence Reverend Tom Capo Preached on 2/28/2016<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
I have worked with interfaith groups and political groups in
Texas and Iowa on this issue of gun violence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I have signed petitions, talked with legislators, and walked in rallies
to stop gun violence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have preached on
gun violence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have talked with people
on both sides of the issue of legislating access to guns and ammunition, as
well as legislating the types of guns that are legal to purchase.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I even moderated a television program on gun
control laws.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So where am I now on this
very important issue?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>When gun
violence erupts somewhere our country, people are energized to organize in
order to lobby legislators to support some sort of gun control
legislation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And so it was in December
2012 after the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was called by the Unitarian Universalist
minister who had served Peoples Unitarian Universalist Church in Cedar Rapids,
Iowa some 20 years before I was called to that congregation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His name was Jeremy Brigham.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had left the ministry to become a college
professor, but still was active in social justice causes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He wanted me to join with a number of other
civil and religious leaders to decide what we were going to do in response to
the escalation of gun violence in our country.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I agreed to attend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This group of
30 or so people met at the African American Museum of Iowa in Cedar
Rapids.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was representation from
the police department, many religious leaders and members of the city council,
as well as the county Board of Supervisors and a number of people who had been
working on the issue of gun control and/or gun violence for some time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We started by sharing our feelings of anger,
fear, and frustration about this latest incident, and then started talking
about what we could do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I pressed for us
to work locally because I saw little change happening on a state or national
level with a Republican governor in the statehouse and the National Rifle
Association (NRA) lobbyists in the nation’s capital.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We decided to start with a gun buyback
program.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The police were willing to
accept the guns that were brought in and destroy them, but they didn’t have
funds to purchase the guns.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So the rest
of us started working on finding sources for funding a gun buy back in the
city.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The city council then authorized
the buyback program and opened up a fund for people to donate into.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sgt. Cristy Hamblin took the lead on this for
the police department.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The police
were behind this because it might actually take a few guns off the streets, but
they were not holding any illusion that this step would affect gun violence in
the city in any significant way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
saw this as more a symbolic act in the fight against gun violence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our church and other churches donated to this
cause.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some private individuals donated,
but in the end, while we raised a few thousand dollars, we were unable to raise
enough money to launch the gun buyback program.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>During this
process, I reached out to gun owners, particularly those in my
congregation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, friends, there are
Unitarian Universalists who are responsible gun owners.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One in particular wanted to work on this
issue on a larger scale.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was a member
of National Shooting Sports Association (NSSA), which coincidently has its headquarters
in Sandy Hook, Massachusetts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He agreed
to reach out to them and see if he could get them to write a statement
condemning the Sandy Hook shooting, and call for some reasonable measures to
curb gun violence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had been active
and well respected by this organization and had hope that he could make a
difference by reaching out to them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His
request fell on deaf ears.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After several
letters, emails and calls, he gave up.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Also during
this time, I moderated a show on gun control on the local ABC affiliate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We found an articulate and reasoned member of
the local National Rifle Association to be one of our panel members.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What I remember from that program was how he
eloquently told the audience that gun control will not change gun
violence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He felt that mental health
legislation was called for, but gun control was really off the table for any
member of the NRA.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He also talked about
the wrongheadedness of trying to control assault weapons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He said assault weapons were no different
than any rifle; they were just shaped differently.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And that many normal looking rifles could be
altered to be semi-automatic or even automatic, so they would essentially be
the same as an assault rifle.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>While he
was willing to participate in this television program, he was unwilling to meet
with the members of the coalition that I had been working with trying to curb
gun violence in the city.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He felt that
we were trying to control guns, not gun violence, and he would have no part of
it.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Being able
to bring all parties to the table to discuss a path forward, working to reduce
gun violence was stalled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I have
heard this very same thing from larger organizations working to reduce gun
violence, the Brady Campaign to Control Gun Violence, Mayors Against Illegal
Guns, and many others. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Last month
one of our local Unitarian Universalist ministers, Reverend Karen Mooney, got
involved with a group trying to support one day of no gun deaths in Chicago:
Thou Shalt Not Murder, Chicago : 3/27/2016.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>A petition drive was started.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And
there are events planned—one to teach people how to lobby and one reaching out
to the homeless in Chicago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I signed the
petition, but after my years of work in two other states, I wonder whether this
will make a difference.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>My own
thoughts on gun violence have evolved over time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Right now I want to find a path to bring all
affected parties to the table, even members of the NRA.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have to work collaboratively to decide on
reasonable ways to curb this epidemic of gun violence in our country.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Right now, I know that gun control
legislation will not pass, in this state or in our nation’s capital.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And while there is a national consensus on
some issues around gun violence, the energy to make any changes seems to be
low.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Right now, my passion for reducing
gun violence has been frustrated by the realities that I have faced in this
work.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I have hope
that something might happen because there are new people working on this
issue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is an Independent Voter
Network (IVN) online that is trying to provide a platform for people to discuss
difficult issues like gun violence in a non-partisan way, and encouraging
independent-minded voters, public officials, civic leaders, and journalists to
work together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The IVN has a plan for
reducing gun violence which includes harsher penalties for gun violence,
improved mental health access and treatment, addressing illegal gun trade,
prison reform, the war on drugs (ending it), and background checks; in other
words legislating background checks for any gun purchase.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hope this group might be able to engage
independents and political leaders in this conversation and maybe make a
difference.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I cannot
tell you how sad I am about gun violence, the senseless deaths, the
proliferation of gun sales, and the lack of political will in our country to
effectively tackle this issue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And here
is my controversial comment for this service, I do not oppose gun
ownership.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am not a hunter; I am not a
gun enthusiast; I am not a gun owner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But I have many friends, and some are Unitarian Universalists, who are
responsible gun owners, hunters, and gun enthusiasts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My father was a hunter and took me duck
hunting once.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That was probably the most
miserable experience of my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cold,
wet, getting up before sunrise and loud rifles going off all around you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But the hunters around me loved this
experience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They also ate the ducks they
shot; they were not just killing for sport.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I am not here to tell hunters that they can’t go duck hunting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, I do think that gun user education
and thorough testing to ensure a thorough knowledge of safe gun use should be
part of licensing any gun owner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>While I was
in Iowa, gun legislation was passed that was opposed by all the police
authorities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It allowed gun owners to
get licenses by taking online training and testing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Students were never required to actually
shoot a gun; they never had hands-on supervised training on how to safely load
or shoot a gun; they never even had to handle a gun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yet they could be a licensed gun owner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Another part of this legislation stated that
the police can’t restrict issuance of a gun license unless there are very
specific reasons—like a felony conviction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have probably mentioned this at one time or another: my
mother owns a gun because she lives alone in Houston and is afraid someone
might break into her house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She has
never handled a gun and has never fired a gun in her life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yet, she has a loaded gun in her home for
safety.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am deeply concerned that she
will harm herself with the gun if someone were to break into her home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>What are
your feelings about gun violence?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gun
control?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The lack of political will to
bring all parties to the table to craft reasonable gun violence legislation?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>In 1991,
the General Assembly of Unitarian Universalist churches passed a general
resolution encouraging all its member congregations to petition legislators to
enact and support laws such as the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act of
1991 (HR7) in the United States.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And the
1991 resolution also encouraged Unitarian Universalists to petition legislators
to include safety training programs as a mandatory condition that must be met
before firearms can be owned and used; and to petition legislators to enact and
support laws banning private ownership or use of machine guns, semi-automatic,
and automatic assault weapons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As you
probably know, Congress let the assault weapons ban in the Brady Bill expire in
2004.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And the Supreme Court outlawed
state and local governments being compelled by the national government to do
background checks before gun purchases, which was also part of Brady Bill.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The
Unitarian Universalist Association website has a page of resources, films,
letters, and boilerplate petitions to help congregations learn how to talk
about gun violence and to work on issues of gun violence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Educating ourselves thoroughly on the issues
around gun violence in our country is vital if we hope to talk about the issues
intelligently with people on both sides of the gun control debate.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Martin Luther King, Jr. once preached: “By our
silence, by our willingness to compromise principle… by our readiness to allow
arms to be purchased at will and fired at whim, by allowing our movie and
television screens to teach our children that the hero is one who masters the
art of shooting and the technique of killing, by allowing all these
developments, we have created an atmosphere in which violence and hatred have
become popular pastimes.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t help
but agree, but I also know I have spoken up again and again, and there have
been negligible results.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do I sit down
and quietly accept there is nothing I can do?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Do I wait until the next time people are shot?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Where is the uproar, the outrage at last
week’s shooting in Kansas?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And why do I
have the queasy feeling that if the shooting hadn’t happened during this caucus
and debate season, we’d be hearing more about it?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Has our country become numb to gun
violence?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know I can watch more
violence on television without having a reaction or covering my eyes like a
used to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I can hear about violence
on the news without feeling compelled to get out of my chair and make some
calls to see what I can do to make a difference or help those affected.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am overwhelmed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am numb.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>In December
of last year, a group rented space at our church to write cards of support to
those who have been affected by gun violence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I was happy to rent them this space.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I talked to them to let them know that we, as Unitarian Universalists,
supported their work, and I told them I hoped that they knew this was a safe
place for them.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>They were
going to meet here again this year to write more cards and talk about gun
violence in the safe space that is DuPage Unitarian Universalist Church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then the Illinois Rifle Association (IRA)
somehow—we don’t know how—caught wind of this meeting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The date, time and location of this letter
writer’s meeing was publicly posted on the IRA’s webpage, along with a call to
all of its members to raid the letter-writer’s meeting in our building, in this
safe space that is our church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
encouraged all their members to infiltrate this anti-gun meeting (even though
pretending to be anti-gun sympathizers was repulsive to IRA members), and
disrupt this meeting (because the IRA doesn’t want people to take away their
guns).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The IRA was going to highjack
this meeting to speak out on gun rights.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The Illinois Rifle Association felt threatened by this group meeting at
our church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And so I alerted the police
and asked that a patrol car with a couple of officers stop by in case the IRA
tried to sneak into our church and disrupt the meeting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But the group writing cards and talking about
gun violence decided to cancel their meeting deeply afraid of the IRA.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I talked to this group later, they told
me they had to meet in secret because they are afraid of this organization and
like organizations being verbally abusive and threatening toward them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In a recent article in Sightings online magazine I read: “No
matter your opinion on gun legislation, the loss of innocent life occasioned by
the senseless actions of violent individuals is overwhelming. It is
increasingly difficult not to be somewhat anxious about going to a large public
event, sending your child to school, going to the movies, or even attending
church. Considering gun violence an epidemic provides us with the opportunity
to transform the terms, context, and approach of our contemporary conversation.
Thinking in terms of “public health,” in particular, can be useful. It drags us
away from the heated rhetoric surrounding gun rights and allows us to shift the
conversation to a problem-solving plane.” ( Epidemic as Metaphor: Meaning and
Morality in our Narratives of Gun Violence By Philippa Koch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dec 31, 2015, Sightings, University of Chicago
Divinity School)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
People are scared, but change isn’t happening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Using different metaphors might help, but I
still believe that people in the IRA and the NRA will respond to any
conversation about moderating guns as a threat and will respond accordingly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is that oversimplifying or objectification?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perhaps so, but that’s how I often feel. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am try to be hopeful, but I do struggle with effective
next steps.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Smart Guns, guns that only
respond to the owner’s touch, might help, but they are so many years away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I cannot be content to just wait and see if
someone else will do something, but at the same time, I am not sure what to
do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What I’ve done so far sure doesn’t
seem to have worked very well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Still, I
will support organizations that are working on this issue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will educate myself on legislation and
possible solutions to this problem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
will continue to talk to people on both sides of gun control legislation to
learn how they feel, how they understand gun violence, and what they are
willing to do to reduce gun violence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And then another child dies and nothing we do seems to be enough.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What I ask you to do, with me, is not forget those who are
killed by guns.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Each of us is an indescribable assemblage, a person; </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
each of us is different from all who have gone or who will
follow after.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Each of us has inherent weaknesses and strengths; </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
whether we are homely or beautiful, </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
each person is loved for what we are, </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
and to those who love us the loss will be unique and
everlasting.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
each friend departed leaves us wounded, </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
even as a mother holds a tender sorrow for the baby which is
no more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For each person is a thousand people; </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
each person dies a thousand times before </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
their last ending writes a finish to their early days.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I invite you into a time of silence to bring to mind those
who you want to remember who have died from gun violence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And when the chime sounds, you can speak
their names out loud.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
(chime)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Let us always remember.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>May we know that our work will be a sign of hope.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>May we not refuse to do the something that we
can do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So may it be.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13696702276573978770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1817262490042841260.post-52764367437205455982016-02-09T11:51:00.004-06:002016-02-09T11:51:55.476-06:00An Unselfish World By Reverend Tom Capo Preached on 2/7/2016<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Reading </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Once upon a
time, the King of Benares had a gardener who looked after his pleasure garden.
Animals sometimes came into the garden from the nearby forest. The gardener
complained about this to the king, who said, "If you see any strange
animal, tell me at once."</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One day, the gardener saw a strange kind of deer at the far
end of the garden. When the deer saw the gardener, she ran like the wind. That
is why they are called 'wind-deer'. They are a rare breed, that are extremely
timid. They are very easily frightened by human beings.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The gardener told the king about the wind-deer. The king
asked the gardener if she could catch the rare animal. She replied, "My
lord, if you give me some bee's honey, I could even bring him into the
palace!" So the king ordered that the gardner be given as much bee's honey
as she wanted.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This particular wind-deer loved to eat the flowers and
fruits in the king's pleasure garden. The gardener let herself be seen by the
wind-deer little by little, so she would be less frightened. Then the gardener
began to smear honey on the grass where the wind-deer usually came to eat. Sure
enough, the deer began eating the honey-smeared grass. Soon she developed a
craving for the taste of this 'honey-grass'. The craving made her come to the
garden every day. Before long, she would eat nothing else!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Little by little, the gardener came closer and closer to the
wind-deer. At first, she would run away. But later, she lost her fear and came
to think the gardener was harmless. As the gardener became more and more
friendly, eventually she got the deer to eat the honey-grass right out of her
hand. She continued doing this for some time, in order to build up the
wind-deer’s confidence and trust.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Meanwhile, the gardener had rows of curtains set up, making
a wide pathway from the far end of the pleasure garden to the king's palace.
From inside this pathway, the curtains would keep the wind-deer from seeing any
people that might scare her.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When all was prepared, the gardener took a bag of grass and
a container of honey with her. Again she began hand-feeding the wind-deer when
she appeared. Gradually, she led the wind-deer into the curtained-off pathway.
Slowly, she continued to lead her with the honey-grass, until finally the deer
followed her right into the palace. Once inside, the palace guards closed the
doors, and the wind-deer was trapped. Seeing the people of the court, she
suddenly became very frightened and began running around, madly trying to
escape.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The king came down to the hall and saw the panic-stricken
wind-deer. He said, "What a wind-deer! How could she have gotten into such
a state? A wind-deer is an animal who will not return to a place where she has
so much as seen a human, for seven full days. Ordinarily, if a wind-deer is at
all frightened in a particular place, she will not return for the whole rest of
her life! But look! Even such a shy wild creature can be enslaved by her
craving for the taste of something sweet. Then she can be lured into the center
of the city and even inside the palace itself.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"My friends, the teachers warn us not to be too
attached to the place we live, for all things pass away. They say that being
too attached to a small circle of friends is confining and restricts a broad
outlook. But see how much more dangerous is the simple craving for a sweet
flavor, or any other taste sensation. See how this beautiful shy animal was
trapped by my gardener, by taking advantage of her craving for taste."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not wishing to harm the gentle wind-deer, the
king had her released into the forest. She never returned to the royal pleasure
garden.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Sermon</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I am an
unselfish person living in a world of selfish people.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I found this quote in Google images without
any attribution, and I spent a little time wondering about it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I do make frequent efforts to be unselfish,
and I have seen a lot of selfish people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I went to a potluck several years ago; I think it was a church dinner,
not here; and the man in front of me in line took two huge scoops of candied
yams, leaving none for me or anyone else.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And there is this person who, along with so many others, took selfies
during turtle nesting season, scaring the mother turtles so much that many of them
did not nest or lay eggs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And what about
government state and national representatives who take money from lobbyists to
pass legislation that benefits the rich at the expense of the poor, or those
legislators in Springfield who refuse to pass a budget, leaving those with
mental health problems in Illinois without services.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could go on, but I know that many of you,
like me, wonder about these behaviors; you see them all the time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You too wonder if we live in a world of
selfish people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>To be
selfish is not inherently a bad, destructive, hurtful, or an evil thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To be selfish is just trying to make yourself
happy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My wanting to have shrimp gumbo
and shrimp etouffee on my birthday, which I did by the way, to make me happy is
not a harmful thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I wanted to eat
shrimp gumbo and shrimp etouffee on the back of a mother turtle during nesting
season, well that is another thing all together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We all want to be happy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>However, I have three things for you to consider when wanting to make
yourself happy:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>will what you are doing
for yourself really make you happy, will there be negative consequences as a
result of making yourself happy, and how far are you willing to go, what values
or ethics you might be willing to compromise, to make yourself happy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Remember the story of the wind-deer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She became less sensitive to her
surroundings, as she pursued her craving for the sweet honey-grass.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her intense desire blinded her to reality.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And we all have that tendency.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If a little bit of chocolate cake tastes
good, a lot will taste better, even if eating the cake negatively affects our
weight, cholesterol, and blood pressure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And will the extra chocolate cake really make us happy, really?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>All
religious traditions warn against letting our selfishness, our desire to make
ourselves happy, go too far.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the Tao
Te Ching, it is written:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“There is no crime
greater than having too many desires;</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There is no disaster greater than not being content;</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There is no misfortune greater than being covetous.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In the Hindu Scripture, Allama Prabhu: </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“They say that woman is an enticement.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
No, No, she is not so.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They say that money is an enticement.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
No, No, it is not so.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They say that landed property is an enticement.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
No, No, it is not so.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The real enticement is the insatiable appetite of the mind.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And in Christian Bible book of James: “Let no one say when
he/she is tempted, ‘I am tempted by God’; each person is tempted when he/she is
lured and enticed by his/her own desire.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Think for a
moment of a time when you were selfish, in other words, a time when you made a
decision to make yourself happy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You
might find yourself feeling okay about this conscious decision.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You might regret something about this
decision.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You might wonder if you made
the right decision.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are times when
we do need to put ourselves first for our mental, physical, emotional, or
spiritual health.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Heck the week before
last I took an extra day off and didn’t do any church work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I exercised, had a massage, had an
acupuncture treatment, and napped on and off for the rest of the day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do I regret this decision?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not in the least.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is nothing wrong with taking care of
ourselves or treating ourselves with extra care and compassion from time to
time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, there needs to be some
balance between making yourself happy and caring for the interdependent web of
all existence of which you are a part.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>And what
about this concept of unselfishness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Buddhists refer to this as selflessness, when we consider the
interdependent web of existence of which we are a part as part of our
decision-making process.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Someone named
Daphne wrote of this experience:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Every
day I walk down the mall to get a cup of cappuccino, and every day I get hit up
for spare change.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The panhandlers all have these wonderful
stories but you never know what to believe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>After a while it gets to be an irritation, and then I find myself
getting upset that I’m so irritated over what is really just spare change.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One day this person came up to me and said,
“I just ran out of gas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My car is about
six blocks away from here I have two kids in the car and I’m just trying to get
back home.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I said to
myself, ‘Here we go again.’ But for some reason I gave him $10.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then I went on and got my cappuccino.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I was walking back to the office, I again
saw the man standing by his car, which had run out of gas right in front of my
office.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Seeing me, he came over and
said, ‘Thank you, but I don’t need the full ten,’ and handed me $2.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Now I find
that being asked for money no longer bothers me and I give whatever I can every
time I get the change.” (http://www.kindspring.org/story/view.php?sid=7121;
Random Acts of Kindness by the Editors of Conari Press; Daphne)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I think we
can all relate to the experience of this person’s struggle with being
unselfish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wondering if being generous
to “certain people” will be helpful or harmful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Wondering if we’re being duped by professional panhandlers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wondering if our small gestures have any
meaningful impact.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have certainly
struggled myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes I’ve given
to street people asking for help; other times, for whatever reason, I didn’t
give anything and tended to avoid their persistent pleading looks at me,
treating them as if they were invisible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What is your decision-making process when you see a man or woman or family
by the side of the road holding a sign saying, “Homeless”?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Will our unselfishness result in really
helping someone who is really in need?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Should we always choose to “teach someone to fish?” Is it okay to
sometimes just “give a fish” to someone?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>When I
reflect today’s opening words by the Buddha, “To live a pure unselfish life,
one must count nothing as one's own in the midst of abundance”, I wonder what
does that mean?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Most of us
are familiar with the Buddhist concept of no “possessions”, but what does this
concept really mean?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Does it mean that
if I don’t want to give up, say, this tie, one of my deceased father’s favorite
ties that reminds me of his every time I wear it, that I can’t be purely
unselfish?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is it okay to be somewhat
unselfish?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Does it still count?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I invite
you to think of a time when you were unselfish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When you made a choice or decision that made you feel intensely
connected to the web of existence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many
times, these kinds of acts don’t focus on ourselves, don’t “put the glory” on
us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>More often, these are times when
we’ve put our energy and resources toward a greater good or common goal, when
we’ve put the “other” before ourselves, and in so doing have found a part of
ourselves in the other.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Okay, let’s
go back to the Buddha’s statement: to live a pure unselfish life, one must
count nothing as one’s own in the midst of abundance.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If this statement is to be incorporated in a
useful way into our lives as Unitarian Universalists, we probably need to let
go of the concept of “pure unselfish life.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As I’ve already said before, we are a “both/and” faith, and our
rationalism helps us, we recognize that “pure unselfishness” is an ideal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But recognizing this does not mean the
statement is without practical meaning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Here’s a simple example:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t
have to stop feeling a little possessive about my dad’s tie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It makes me happy to think about him when I
wear it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I do have to realize that those
feelings aren’t in the tie itself; they are in my heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The tie just brings these loving feelings to
the front of my consciousness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I were
to lose my dad’s tie tomorrow, I would be sad, but I wouldn’t lose my feelings
about my father.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After all, it is just a
tie. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>There used
to be a saying going around, especially in churches around the annual budget
drive time, pledge season.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Give until
it hurts.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t think that’s a
particularly helpful saying, and I don’t think that is what the Buddha is
saying.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, as its core, I think
it’s kind of a harmful saying, because it de-emphasizes our connectedness with
each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is our connectedness, our
sharing of our lives, our spiritual and ethical journeys, our being together
that is most important.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I honestly
believe I am here in a room full of people who understand how deeply connected
we are to the interdependent web of all existence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s why you’re here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You get it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You are all living lives of spiritual and ethical abundance, of love
abundance, of friend abundance, happiness abundance, and I see the fruits of
your unselfishness all around me.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>And I see
you helping others outside these walls because of that belief in
abundance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When you see an opportunity
to help others right in front of you, you act on that opportunity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I see you feed and care for homeless people
at PADS.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I see you supporting a Bridge
family; a family who was homeless until you chose to help them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I see you equipping yourselves to work on
Racial Inequality, getting to know people in the Black Lives Matter movement,
getting to know people at the Lisle AME church, getting to know people in the
DuPage NAACP, and getting to know people in the Community Renewal Society, a
local grass roots organizing group working to change laws to help people of
color in our community.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I see you,
and I am proud—apologies to Buddha—I’m proud to be among you, a spiritually and
ethically abundant people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unitarian
Universalists who will not refuse to do the something we can do to make a
difference.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A people who know themselves
to be part of the interdependent web of all existence and act accordingly,
unselfishly, affirming and promoting our Unitarian Universalist
principles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Do you feel
you are an unselfish person in the midst of selfish people?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I feel free to give enough to myself to be happy; I make time to be
loving and compassionate with myself; I have an abundance in my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s okay for me to be a little selfish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I feel that this community gives to me,
gives to each other, and gives to people beyond these walls because we feel the
abundance of this community.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We, this
community, have love enough, compassion enough, heart enough to share.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want to be with people who want to be of
use in this world, who can be selfish enough to take care of themselves and
selfless enough to try to change the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This is all of you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is why
in my own selfish and selfless way, I am honored and happy to be a member of
this church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I see in your eyes as I
look out at you, you feel the same happiness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13696702276573978770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1817262490042841260.post-60844045717051721952016-02-09T11:50:00.000-06:002016-02-09T11:50:12.863-06:00The Richness of Atheism by Reverend Tom Capo <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Closing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Message Header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Salutation"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Date"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Theme"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="List Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="List Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="List Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: yes;">Reading from <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">When Atheism Becomes Religion</i> by Chris
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into the old time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The glittering thread
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moment the shining, elusive element which is life itself—life hurrying past us
and running away, too strong to stop, too sweet to lose?”</span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Sermon</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>This isn’t
going to be a theological conversation about the differences between atheism,
agnosticism, and theism, or how belief in a deity, a god, goddess, or
supernatural being, is irrational to an atheist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What I want to explore are the myths about
atheists and the potential richness of atheism.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is British comedian Ricky Gervais.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is an atheist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The quote reads: “It is a strange myth that
atheists have nothing to live for.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s
the opposite.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have nothing to die
for.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have everything to live
for.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are many such myths in our
culture about atheism.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Would you agree
that atheists have nothing to live for?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Of course not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So when Ricky says
here that atheists have everything to live for, what does that mean?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I can’t say that I have ever told someone that I am an
atheist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can say that there was a time
in my life when I turned away from a belief in any kind of god, particularly
the god of the Christian religion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
change had to do with feeling that the Catholic religion no longer spoke to me,
didn’t make sense to me, and I could no longer, due to rational consideration
of and my heartfelt understanding of how the world worked, believe in a
religion, perhaps any religion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What I could count on was the feeling of connection that I had
with people in my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They loved me
and I loved them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were and are there
for one another.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We support one another.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We share the complexity of our lives with one
another.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have, over the years, added
to the group of people I consider intimate friends; people whose love and trust
I can count on and turn to in difficult times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And people with whom I can share the many profound experiences that life
offers me.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One experience, perhaps the most profound in my life, one
that still stays with me at a very deep place and is a foundation for meaning
and purpose in my life, was the birth of my first son.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was 29 years old.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Martha and I had decided that we were finally
ready to bring children into our lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>For many years we didn’t think we were ready because we had both been
brought in homes that had some serious dysfunction, and we wondered what kind
of parent we would be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, finally we
were felt we were ready.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Martha got
pregnant and we were very excited.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
told everyone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We started looking for
strollers and car seats and such.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then
Martha had a miscarriage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The doctors
told us this was normal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were very
sad and a little disoriented, not sure how to proceed or what to tell our
family and friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then Martha got
pregnant again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And again she had a
miscarriage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were devastated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The doctors started talking about waiting,
and recommended genetic testing, which we did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The doctors expressed some mild concern about our ability to have
children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And we probably should have
been more careful, hearing all this, but we weren’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And Martha got pregnant again before the
results of our genetic testing came back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This time we didn’t want to tell anyone; heck we were even hesitant to
tell the doctor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When Martha did go see
a doctor, a test was administered to check the baby’s genetics.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were scared to death when the result
returned positive for possible genetic defects.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Our doctor reassured us that the tests had a high false-positive
occurrence, and re-sent the sample for additional lab work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Martha and I experienced several anxious,
stressful weeks before receiving the news that our baby was genetically
okay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And yet we still waited until
after the first trimester to tell anyone besides the doctor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we told everyone, it was with joy in our
hearts that we could barely hold in our chests.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was in the surgical room when Martha had an emergency
C-section.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was awake to see the
birth of our first child.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And she was
very clear that I couldn’t take a video of the birth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was blood as they cut into Martha
abdomen, but there was also a big 10 and a half pound baby.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I took Aaron, our son, over for Martha to
see.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I watched as he made his first
sound, as the doctor cut the cord, as the nurses washed him, I was there and I
wouldn’t have been anywhere else in the world at that moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Being there for the birth changed me in more
ways than I can adequately verbalize.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
felt I had everything to live for, perhaps for the first time in my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And at that time of my life, I was, for all
practical purposes, an atheist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>This is
American author, journalist, motivational speaker, and long-distance swimmer,
Diana Nyad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is an atheist who is in
awe of people, the beauty that surrounds her, and life itself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Another common myth is that atheists must
have a pretty boring life because they don’t experience life with the same
depth of wonder and appreciation for life that people who have faith do.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Atheist
Tamim Ansary wrote (in book faith: noun \’faith’\ essays from believers,
agnostics and atheists): </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Many years ago, my family and I want camping on Mount
Lassen, California.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My daughters were
four and ten years old at the time…Next to our campground was a large pond
encircled by a path, and one afternoon we decided to take a walk before
dinner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Along the way, we stopped at a
small cove to enjoy the view.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we
were ready to move on, my four year old, Elina, resisted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stoutly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She wanted to play some more right there.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I felt some
impatience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had entered upon this walk
with sense of purpose, a goal (to get back to where we started).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But oh well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I told Debby and Jessamyn to keep going; I’d stay with Elina and we’d
catch up.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Elina went on squishing mud under her
toes, and I sat peacefully by the water, and gradually, my impatience
subsided.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I relaxed about my goal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I allowed myself to just appreciate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was grateful to Elina for making me
linger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But then, at last I had seen
everything there was to see here and had done all the appreciating a man can do
in one spot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Time to go.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Unbelievably,
Elina was not ready.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She pleaded with me
to linger longer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I sighed and said,
“Okay, a little longer.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She went back
to the mud and I went back to the view.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I thought I had exhausted what there was to see, but it turned out there
was so much more—subtleties I had not noticed before: the way ripples of light
caught the tips of the waves to form a single shimmering pattern…the
composition formed by snow-capped [mountains] looming above the trees…and the
smell of the air, a moisture in which snow and pollen were mingled…Wow, I would
never have experienced all this had I hurried on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But okay, now we were done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now we really used up this spot…We had to get
dinner started.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I said, “Come on,
Elina.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let’s go.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Noooo!”
she howled, “Not yet, Daddy!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This time,
her resistance was downright exasperating, and I was going to put my foot down,
and yet…for some reason…I succumbed to her pleading once again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just a few more minutes, I thought. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But this time, when I sat back down, it was as
if I had fallen though some screen and suddenly there were layers upon layers
here—such depth, so much going on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In
the air between [the mountains] and me hovered a shape-shifting cloud of
gnats.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Down at the water’s edge, little
water bugs with paddle-like legs were skimming the surface, busy with their
tiny lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From the branch of a bush
hanging over them, a spider was constructing its web.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A fish jumped in the water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The light on [the mountains] had changed
because the sun was moving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A breeze
across the waves ruffled those ripples of light.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The color of the water had changed and was
still changing because time was passing, night was falling, and now the gnats
were dispersing… How could I imagine I had exhausted this place—or any
place?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every place is inexhaustible. And
that is when something popped.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Until
that moment, I had been living in a stream of events that constituted my
life…But this spot had an ongoing life of its own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And just as this spot was an event in my
life, I was an event in its life…And what was true of this spot was true of
every spot: the entire, everlasting everything was going on right now and would
go on going on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At some point in the future,
I would stop existing—but not the universe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And to the extent that I was part of it all, I would not be [entirely]
gone either.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>There are
many preconceived opinions that people in our culture have about atheists.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here is some: that atheists are freethinkers,
secular humanists, naturalists, infidels, rationalist, apostates, skeptics,
heretics, materialists, bright, non-theists, agnostics, nonbelievers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some of these qualities many be true of some
atheists and not others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And there are
other generalizations, based on lack of information or limited experience, that
many people in our culture hold about atheists: atheists hate religion;
atheists believe in nothing; atheists have just replaced religion with science;
atheists are just atheists until their life is threatened; atheism is a white
male thing; atheists don’t have a moral code; atheists are hedonists who don’t
understand the meaning of love; atheists’ lives lack meaning; atheists are
angry, aggressive, defensive, intolerant of others; and atheists believe that
everything in the universe arose by chance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There are many articles out there about these generalizations, or myths
as the literature calls them, and I would encourage you to read some of them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I listed these generalizations or myths,
what did you think and feel?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you
reject them all?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you wonder if some
of them have a kernel of truth?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I quoted
Neil deGrasse Tyson from a video I watched in our call to worship:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The moment someone attaches you to a
philosophy or a movement, then they assign all the baggage and all of the rest
of the philosophy that goes with it to you. And when you want to have a
conversation, they will assert they know everything important there is to know
about you because of that association.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That’s not the way to have conversation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’m sorry, it’s not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’d rather
we explore each other’s ideas in real time,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>rather than assign a label to it, and assert you know what is going to
happen next.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some atheists hold
deGrasse up as one of their own, but he refuses to accept the label of
atheist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If pressed he identifies
himself as an agnostic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He doesn’t want
the prejudices that the label atheist incurs; he doesn’t want people to think
they know all about him just by that association.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I would agree with him.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I have met
many atheists in my time as a Unitarian Universalist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>None of them were exactly the same.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Big surprise right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But it is easy to accept a
generalization/myth that you have heard about atheists if one person embodies
that generalization/myth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Take the myth
that atheists are angry and defensive, particularly when talking about
religion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, I have certainly met a
few atheists who were are like that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But
I have met many more who were compassionate and accepting of other faiths.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was a discussion about Islam and religion
a few weeks ago at a gathering of the Humanists of Western Suburban Chicago
here at this church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some of you
attended.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of the speakers was Jason
Heap, the national coordinator for the United Coalition of Reason.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He has applied to be an atheist chaplain in
the armed services.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He talked about how
he felt honored to be invited to the religious rituals and ceremonies of people
of faith, and how he understood the meaning and importance of these rituals to
these people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was able to spend time
with him before the presentation and listened closely as he talked during the
presentation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not once did I hear him
angry or defensive, not once did I hear him belittle, criticize, or discount
any religion or religious tradition, even though he was frustrated by the
difficulties he was having becoming an atheist chaplain, and dismayed that some
evangelical ministers were lobbying against him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, he didn’t belittle the faith of
these evangelicals; he simply expressed frustration about how they were
impeding him from becoming a chaplain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
heard him that night talk about his own beliefs with authenticity, focusing on
what was important to him about his beliefs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He talked with passion about the need for an atheist chaplain; a person
willing to provide spiritual and emotional support to our armed service
members, regardless of whether they were atheist, agnostic, unsure of their
beliefs, or people of faith, regardless of their religious tradition.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>All labels,
in the end, tend to one-dimensionalize that which is labeled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Christian”—boom, put that in a box and on
the shelf.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Muslim”—okay that is in a
box and up on the shelf.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Atheist”---zip! We put that in box and shoved it on the shelf with all
the other boxes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We don’t have to look
inside any of the boxes again to know what is inside them, because we’ve
labeled them so we know at a glance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How
often do we do that?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How often has each
of us done that today?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Atheists choose a
way of looking at people, life, and the world that can be rich and full of
meaning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A path just as rich as any
other belief system or religion or spirituality.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each of us has choices in how we live in the
world, how we interact with others, how deeply we choose to go into an
experience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We can choose a prickly path
that reacts against those different from ourselves or a peaceful path that
enriches our lives when we meet someone different from ourselves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We all have choices.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I invite us to put aside our pre-conceived
notions of others and to resist the urge to settle for the surface-only
understanding that labelling offers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Listen to each person we encounter—listen to them as they talk about
what they believe, what they value, what enriches their life, what has
transformed them, what passions call to their hearts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Take that labeled box off the shelf, open it
up, and explore the treasures inside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
have so much to learn if we choose this way of being with one another.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Atheism
affirms rationalism, nontheism, science, and skepticism.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But it is not limited to these; as with any
other belief, atheism can invite a person into awe and wonder, meaning and truth,
purpose and passion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Like the Native
American women who molded a pot to hold their water and their mythology.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let us keep in mind that each time we create
a pot, a label, the water it holds is not static.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The pot is static, a moment in time, a set
experience; the water keeps flowing, changing, it never stops.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Life hurries past us and runs away, too
strong to stop, too sweet to lose.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>May
we embrace life and each other, understanding that none of us is static, we are
all flowing, changing, strong and too sweet to lose.</div>
<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13696702276573978770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1817262490042841260.post-20242920209289764192016-02-09T11:43:00.001-06:002016-02-09T11:43:48.178-06:00Reflections on Immanuel Kant by Reverend Tom Capo<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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Reading from Kant on philosophy</div>
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This is a reading from Kant’s Introduction to Logic:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The question is always asked in the end,
What is the use of philosophizing<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>… [Is
it to] master of the art of reason… [to] strive merely for speculative
knowledge, without concerning [oneself with] how much this knowledge
contributes to the ulitmate end of human reason? [Just to] give rules for the
use of reason for all kinds of ends?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>[Or
can philosophizing be put to practical use?] The practical philosopher [is] the
teacher of wisdom by [writing] and example.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>[He or she] is the true philosopher.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The field of philosophy… may be [ultimately] reduced to the following
questions: What can I know? What ought I to do? What may I hope? [and] What
[does it mean to be human]?...The philosopher, therefore, must be able to
determine: the sources of human knowledge, the extent of the possible and
useful employment of knowledge, and lastly, the limits of reason.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The last [determination] is the most useful,
but also the most difficult…The true philosopher, therefore, must, as an
independent thinker, make a free and independent, not a slavishly imitative,
use of his[or her] reason.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>[It is the
role,] the dignity, [of the philosopher to know and teach] Wisdom.”</div>
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<br /></div>
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Sermon: What I Kant know </div>
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(Video that was part of the service: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8JH7vJgDozc)</div>
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Well, I am going to head into some philosophizing, at least
in part because I do believe the unexamined life is not worth living.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You might ask, as Kurt Vonnegut does, what if
the examined life turns out to be a clunker?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Whether or not it’s a clunker, there is value in examining who you are,
what you believe, and how you live, so that you can, to the best of your
ability, live in accordance with your personal ethics and morals, so you can
find meaning and purpose, so you can make this world a better place for all. </div>
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Before we head any further into this sermon, I want let you
know a few things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First, I will
consider “what is philosophy” before going into some philosophizing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We need a common definition if we are not
going to spend most of our time looking at kittens this morning. Secondly, I
will share some teachings of Immanuel Kant that provoked me, led me to think
about our Unitarian Universalist values; I will not go into depth about all of
his teachings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do I hear a collective
sigh of relief?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also I had initially
thought I would talk about three philosophers and how their teachings resonate
with me and with Unitarian Universalism, but that would have been a 10 hour
sermon; I am pretty sure none of us wants that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And finally, I believe it is important to
acknowledge that Kant is an old white guy; like many of the early philosophers
that we have heard about or been taught about.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Hypatia of Alexandria, who developed Neo-Platonism in the late fourth
century, and Simone de Beauvoir, who in the early part of the 20th century wrote
about more radical explorations of feminism and existentialism, are not part of
today’s sermon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Let’s look
at a definition for philosophy?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
dictionary defines philosophy as the study of the nature, causes, or principles
of reality, knowledge, or values, based on logical reasoning. (Free Dictionary
by Faralex) Kant believed that a philosophy that simply studied knowledge and
reason in a vacuum was useless—it was just a head game.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He believed that a system of philosophy ought
to include practical applications, ought to undergird or amplify the ethics and
morals humans are taught as part of their socialization.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In essence, philosophy, to be true
philosophy, ought to bring wisdom to our use of knowledge, wisdom to make sense
of our experiences, and wisdom to inform our use of reason.</div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Who was
Kant? Immanuel “Kant is probably [one of] the most important philosophers of
the past 2,000 years, yet he lived a remarkably boring life. He was born,
lived, and died in the provincial Prussian university town of Königsberg.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was so regular in his habits that locals
set their clocks by his afternoon walk. Kant was the first great modern
philosopher to be a university professor and spent his entire student and
professional life at the University of Königsberg.”(http://www.sparknotes.com/philosophy/kant/context.html)“His
works, … (on the theory of knowledge), aesthetics and ethics had a profound
influence on later philosophers, including contemporary ones.”
(http://www.philosophers.co.uk/immanuel-kant.html)</div>
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Kant wrote: “Act only on that maxim through which you can at
the same time will that it should become a universal law [of nature]."
(http://www.iep.utm.edu/kantmeta/)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In
other words, the moral worth of an action is not based on the outcome achieved
by that action, but by the motive behind that action.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And the motive is moral only if it can be
used as a universal principle for the behavior of all reasonable persons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kant was critical of the golden rule—you know
“do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”—because it is too
variable; it depends largely on how you feel about what was done to you. If the
motive is variable, then it cannot be a universal principle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For Kant, the golden rule lacked a truly
universal perspective for all reasonable beings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We will talk more about universal principles
in a moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let’s keep this maxim in
mind as we look further into Kant’s moral teachings.</div>
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Okay, raise your hand if you need to watch the kitten video
again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let’s head into his teaching on
morality.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Remember, his system of
philosophy includes practical applications.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>His view of philosophy is that it should bring wisdom to our use of
knowledge, wisdom to make sense of our experiences, and wisdom to inform our
use of reason.</div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Anyone here
been “friend-zoned”?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That was trick
question.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t think any of us want
to unfairly blame someone for not wanting to be more than a friend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let’s look at this issue of unfair blame in
another social context.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If a black
person is driving through a predominantly white part of town, they should
expect to be pulled over by the police.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>If a woman is dressed provocatively (whatever the heck that is), she
should expect to be sexually assaulted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Do you agree with either of those statements?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Again a trick questions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These are examples of unfair blame.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>How does
unfair blame relate to us as Unitarian Universalists?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well our second principle alludes to how we
might address unfair blame in our lives: by promoting and affirming justice, equity
and compassion in human relations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Justice, as I see it, means that everyone deserves to be treated fairly
and equally, without prejudices impacting their treatment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That even those on the margins of society and
those in any way different from you and me ought to be treated with the same
justice that we receive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A woman’s
decision about who she wants to be in an intimate or committed relationship
with ought to be respected.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A black
person ought not be pulled over just because he is black.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A woman ought not be sexually assaulted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are no reasons, no reasons, that
justify a police person pulling someone over due to their race; there are no
reasons, no reasons that justify sexually assaulting another human being.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are these universal principles?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think they are. </div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Did you
know that there were people talking about objectification in the 18th
century?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just about blows my mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Young black
males.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Think about them for a
moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What have you been brain-washed
to believe by the dominant white culture?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That they are violent, abusive, irresponsible, criminals, gang members
destined for prison?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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Listen to this from Ta-Nehisi Coates in Between the World
and Me:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Last Sunday the host of a
popular news show asked me what it meant to lose my body. The host was
broadcasting from Washington, D.C., and I was seated in a remote studio on the
Far West Side of Manhattan. A satellite closed the miles between us, but no
machinery could close the gap between her world and the world for which I had
been summoned to speak. When the host asked me about my body, her face faded
from the screen, and was replaced by a scroll of words, written by me earlier
that week.</div>
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The host read these words for the audience, and when she
finished she turned to the subject of my body, although she did not mention it
specifically. But by now I am accustomed to intelligent people asking about the
condition of my body without realizing the nature of their request.
Specifically, the host wished to know why I felt that white America’s progress
… was built on looting and violence. Hearing this, I felt an old and indistinct
sadness well up in me. The answer to this question is the record of the
believers themselves. The answer is American history… it must be said that the
elevation of the belief in being white was not achieved through wine tastings
and ice-cream socials, but rather through the pillaging of life, liberty,
labor, and land… [the week of the interview] was the week [my son], learned
that the killers of Michael Brown would go free. The men who had left his body
in the street would never be punished. It was not my expectation that anyone
would ever be punished.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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As a white culture, do we undermine a black man’s
autonomy?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Has the white culture’s
objectification of black males resulted in a survival skill that requires black
males to objectify us?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is your initial
response to try and change his mind?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or
is your initial response to try and deal with your own objectification of black
males?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do I find myself eager to force
my reasons, my views, my worldview on him as I listen to his words?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do I want to say to him, “that’s not the way
I feel; I am not like that; I didn’t pillage anything; I didn’t kill any of
those young black men.” In doing so, would I just be trying to change his mind,
or would I be undermining his autonomy?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Do I really want to put aside my objectification?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Am I ready to see the world through his eyes,
to understand his reasons for his choices?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Can I grant him the autonomy that I want him to give to me?</div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Our first
Unitarian Universalist principle calls us to respect the inherent worth and
dignity of everyone, everyone; no exceptions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Kant clearly states he believes that we all do have inherent worth and
dignity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He calls it autonomy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He starts out with this assumption.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do we base our interactions on that
assumption?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With everyone?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No exceptions? How do we affirm and promote
inherent worth and dignity as well as justice, equity, and compassion?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you find this a principles you’d like to
focus on, I encourage you to look on the Unitarian Universalist Standing on the
Side of Love website.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From Saturday,
January 16 through Sunday, February 14, 2016, during the Thirty Days of Love
campaign, we, Unitarian Universalists are being asked to consider what it means
to live our principles, to actively consider the links between love and
justice, to consider how contemplation, action, and service fit into our
affirmation of our First and Second Principle, and how we might reimagine Valentine’s
Day as a day to express our love by opposing oppression and objectification in
any form.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a form of Unitarian
Universalist spiritual practice that I think has the potential to change your
life, and change the lives of the people around you.</div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>There was a
young minister in Cedar Rapids who preached to his congregation that the
consequence of marital equality was the same or worse than the historic flood
that crippled Cedar Rapids 8 years ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This position statement was printed in the Cedar Rapids Gazette.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And as I was the liberal pastor in town, the
paper contacted me for a response.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
said that this statement was inflammatory and hurtful to the
Gay/Lesbian/Bisexual/Transgender community.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I went on to say that ministers must realize that what is said from the
pulpit has consequences; the minister has been empowered by his/her
congregation to speak the truth, and he/she must realize that words spoken from
the pulpit will have an impact beyond his/her church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then the local ABC station carried an
interview with me and an interview with this minister.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After a week of both of us publically
becoming further entrenched in our opposing viewpoints, he, the conservative,
me the liberal, an unsettling thought came to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Was I using this minister’s inflammatory
statements as a means to get publicity for my church?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For the liberating theology of Unitarian
Universalism?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is a sensitive issue
for me because I don’t want to treat people as means for my personal ends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And yet it was so seductive, getting
Unitarian Universalism out there in the paper, on the local news—raising our
visibility.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe I’d get an article
written about me in the UU World.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe
I’d even be on the cover.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I reached
out to the minister to have a conversation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I wanted to be careful with this, again not objectify him or try to
change his way of thinking to my way of thinking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I did want what was becoming a
theological cage match to come to a close.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I wanted to reach out to him to treat him as an end, a person, someone
who has worth and dignity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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So we got together, and as we talked he shared that he was
quite distressed by the negative responses he had gotten from people all over
the country for what he had said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
didn’t understand why all these people being so mean to him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I listened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I tried to mentor him as one minister to another, again not trying to
change his views, but trying to offer wisdom—to help him to understand the
power of the pulpit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In essence, I was acting
in accordance with Kant’s philosophical view, bringing wisdom to my use of
knowledge, wisdom to help make sense of my experience and his experience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And, as well, I was putting the internal
reasoning of our Seven Principles into practical use by honoring his worth and
dignity, even though we deeply disagreed with each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By treating him with compassion, accepting
him just as he was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By understanding his
free and responsible search for truth and meaning still had value, even though
it had led to a completely different understanding of the world than mine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By understanding his right of
conscience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By respecting him even as I
disagreed with him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I believe
there is much we all can learn from Kant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And I believe our Unitarian Universalist Principles are in alignment
with some of those Universal Principles that Kant speaks of.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As you consider what it is you take away from
this service, I hope you consider making time for contemplation and action and
service.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Contemplation-- considering
your motive behind your action, at least some of the time, and then considering
if your motive is consistent with our Unitarian Universalist Principles and
your own personal values and principles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And action—living your Unitarian Universalist Principles and your personal
principles, morals, and ethics consciously and intentionally in your life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And service—affirming and promoting your
Unitarian Universalist Principles and your personal principles, morals, and
ethics to help make the world more just, equitable, and compassionate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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I leave you with three questions that Kant often reflected
on: “What can I know? What ought I to do? What can I hope?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To me these are questions that are at the
heart of all of our spiritual journeys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There are limits to what we can know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We can never have all the information to discern what we ought to
do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So we hope that we are doing our
best to live a moral/ethical life, treating others with integrity and
autonomy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let us go forth and make it
so.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13696702276573978770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1817262490042841260.post-11106338059649401322016-01-05T09:57:00.001-06:002016-01-05T09:57:59.241-06:00A Feminist Theology By Reverend Tom Capo<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Closing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Message Header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Salutation"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Date"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Theme"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="List Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="List Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="List Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
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<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Preached on
01/01/2016</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Story </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One fateful day, a samurai (who was the envy of many because
of his skills) was framed; someone has made the Emperor ill and weak, and
started the rumor that the samurai had poisoned the Emperor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And so the samurai was banished to a faraway
island.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Tokoyo, the samurai’s loving daughter, became miserable; she
loved her father so much. She was very determined to be reunited with the only
family she had left, so she set out on a journey to find and rescue him.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
First, she sold all of their possessions to a merchant to
gain money for the journey. She journeyed long and far towards the coastline,
where in the light of day, the faraway island can be seen very dimly.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She tried to persuade the fishermen to bring her to the
island, but she didn’t have enough money left to pay for the trip, so they
refused to take her. Still, she never gave up. That night, she found a small,
old boat on the bay, and she set sail for the island.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It was a hard journey in the small boat, but it was nothing
for the valiant Tokoyo. It was still dark when she arrived shore, and she spent
all day looking for her father on that island, but failed.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Night came, and a very tired and sad Tokoyo decided to rest
under a tree. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After a few hours, she was awakened by the sound of a
sobbing girl.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tokoyo hid behind a bush,
and saw a girl dressed in a white robe standing with a priest. They were on the
edge of a cliff, and the priest was in the act of pushing the girl off of it.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Tokoyo came out from the bushes to rescue the girl. The
priest paused and explained to Tokoyo what he was doing.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Apparently, an ancient serpent-dragon called Yofune-Nushi
inhabited the seas around the island. Yofune-Nushi threatened to terrorize the
people on the island and destroy the fishing industry (the island-people's only
source of income), unless they sacrifice a virgin girl to him every year. It
was said that as long as they kept their end of the bargain, the dragon would
leave the town alone.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Feeling that this was very unjust, Tokoyo offered to take
the girl's place. She wore the girl's white offering dress and jumped down from
the cliff, diving into the ocean with a dagger in her teeth, much to the
amazement of the priest and the girl.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Tokoyo dived deeper and deeper, until she found a cave.
Above the mouth of the cave was a small statue of the Emperor. Out of her anger
towards the Emperor, she took the statue to destroy it. But after some
reflection decided it would be better to take it up on the shore to destroy
rather than trying to break it underwater, so she tied it to her belt.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Suddenly, the dragon. Yofune-Nushi came out from the cave.
He assumed that Tokoyo was the offering, so he attacked her. Tokoyo quickly put
up her defenses and blocked the attack.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Then Tokoyo plunged her dagger into the dragon’s eye.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Blinded, the dragon made his way back into the cave, but
Tokoyo chased after him. Again, the dragon put up a fight, but the brave Tokoyo
continued to attack him!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At last, when the vile Yofune-Nushi was killed, Tokoyo
dragged him up on the shore, where she slumped on the sand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was weak and tired after such a great
fight.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The priest and the girl ran towards her; they couldn't
believe she beat the dragon. The priest carried Tokoyo back to the village,
where the news of her heroism spread like wildfire.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The news reached the Emperor, who was now well and healthy.
The Emperor found out that the dragon Yofune-Nushi had cursed the statue of the
Emperor, and so when Tokoyo killed the dragon and retrieved the statue, the
curse was lifted.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Realizing that Tokoyo's father was innocent, the Emperor
released him from banishment and brought him back home to his daughter. The
Emperor regretted banishing his best samurai, so he gave Tokoyo and her father
a huge sum of rewards and treasures.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Tokoyo was also given the privilege to serve at the palace
as a samurai warrior alongside her father, and they lived happily ever after.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sermon </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One definition of Feminist Theology is that it “Reconsiders
the traditions, practices, scriptures, and theologies of religion from a
feminist perspective with a commitment to transforming religion for gender
equality.” (WGS 320 Chapter 8: Women and Religion flashcards | Quizlet)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Before we explore this definition, I want to consider what
both feminism and theology mean.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Edna
Groves, a member of this congregation, shared this with me about her experience
with feminism:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“All I have to do is look at the table of contents in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Feminine Mystique</i>, written by Betty
Friedan and first published in 1963, and I quickly drop back inside myself to
1967, when I first read the book. We were living in South Bend, Indiana, in a
large rented home. Tom had an interim professorship at Notre Dame and our four
daughters ranged in age from 12 to 3. Caring for them and keeping a home were
my primary—and only—jobs. I was doing the best I could to be happy in
motherhood and wifehood, taking care of others. I knew something was missing; I
had known that for quite a while. Even though I had a college degree, being a
wife and mother were supposed to be enough. Some joked that the ‘M.R.S’ degree
was all we needed. Still, I was restless, anxious and aimless.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And then I read the book. The first chapter of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Feminine Mystique</i> is titled ‘The
Problem That Has No Name.’ I remember being curled up in the over-stuffed chair
in the living room, our daughters either in school or napping, my eyes glued to
the pages where she had captured my life experience and questions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>‘Who am I? Do I really exist at all? Why do I
feel like crying all the time? What’s wrong with me? Is this all there is?’<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In this book—and others that followed—I saw
that my personal challenges were part of a huge collective experience just
being uncovered. There were so MANY of us in the 1950s and ‘60s who thought
marriage and children would bring life-time fulfillment and found otherwise. In
consciousness-raising groups we were talking about it.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Unformed as I was in 1967, I knew that my life was going to
change. There was more to me than I knew, and I was going to discover what that
was. By 1975 I was a committed feminist, had a Master’s degree in Counseling
Psychology, and a seedling sense of self. The questions? As Rilke writes, I was
‘living my way into the answers.’ Not easy, but necessary.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My understanding of feminist theology tells me I have the
right to define my life. I can discern how to grow into my potential. Further,
my personal experience is to be valued, and shared when I wish. My personal
need and desire to grow, and my belief I had a right and responsibility to live
into my potential intersects with feminist theology. So does my ongoing
experience that my creativity enables me to be a catalyst for others. In very
long hindsight I see that I went from not having a self and living through
others, to learning and acting on what mattered to me and navigating my way in
the world as a self-defining woman. Later in my life, when the psychological
quest morphed into a spiritual quest, further evolving<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>brought me to my Self—the capital ‘S’ standing
for a deep, soulful ground inside of me which is loving, available, and a
source of sustenance for myself and to others.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Feminism
is a range of movements and ideologies that share a common goal: to define,
establish, and achieve equal political, economic, cultural, personal, and
social rights for women.” (Hawkesworth, M.E. (2006). Globalization and Feminist
Activism. Rowman & Littlefield. pp. 25–27).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How feminism manifests in our world has
evolved over time, from women working to get the right to vote to the use of
social media to confront prejudice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Feminist ideology and theology has been and is powerful and potentially
life changing for all of us.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now let’s look at theology.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Theology is not static.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Prior to
the 20th century, theology focused primarily on a person’s relationship with
their god.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most modern theologians
define theology as a person’s or a religion’s answers to the ultimate questions
of meaning, purpose, existence, as well as one’s belief/nonbelief in a
divinity, in an afterlife, in a soul, and any other supernatural
phenomena.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Given that feminism and
theology are not static, let’s consider our definition again: feminist theology
“reconsiders the traditions, practices, scriptures, and theologies of religion
from a feminist perspective with a commitment to transforming religion for
gender equality.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How does this
definition speak to you today?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Perhaps we
could look at this definition of feminist theology through the lens of our
story of Tokoyo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This story is about a
strong and capable woman.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She takes on
the quest to save her father, and in the end she is the heroine of the story--
slaying the dragon, breaking the curse on the emperor, and saving her father
from unjust exile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>We have
often heard stories with a male protagonist, but few if any about women.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The myths of strong, powerful, wise, and/or
spiritual women are not being taught in our schools and are rarely heard around
our hearths—though Disney has recently featured a few, like the bow and arrow
shooting Merida in Brave—although Disney made Merida thinner and more beautiful
because she was after all their new princess--and Tiana in The Princess and the
Frog, who is an aspiring young black chef who works two jobs, both as a diner
waitress, so she can save enough money to start her own restaurant, however she
is a frog most of the movie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Feminists
and Feminine Theologians are working to bring the stories and myths of strong
and wise women as well as religiously significant women to the attention of
their students and the public, not to discredit the male stories and myths, but
to bring balance the theology that is being taught.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They also are working to bring a feminine
influence, a feminine voice, a feminine sensibility into the patriarchal
influence often inherent in the values, beliefs, and traditions in all the
world’s religions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This work ultimately
helps us all to be less blind to the role and significance of women in our
world. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>So often
we, both men and women, are blind to how our culture influences us to
suppresses, minimize, and disregard women’s contributions in our religion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know I have been blind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I preached a sermon many years ago in Austin,
Texas, at Wildflower Unitarian Universalist church on Father’s Day about the
relationship between fathers and sons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
was approached by a woman afterward who was quite upset that I did not mention
the relationship between fathers and daughters as well. 20 years ago, that was
something that flew under my radar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not
anymore.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, almost.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Last year, I taught Unitarian Universalist
history at the Unitarian Universalist Midwest Leadership School, and—as it was
sharply pointed out to me after my presentation—when I talked about the early
history of our faith, from 50 ACE to the 19th century, I told the history of
all the old white guys of our religious tradition. OOPS!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hadn’t even brought up the women of early
Christianity and of the 18th century that I knew about—heck it was a woman who
converted John Murray, the father of Universalism in America to Universalism.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Unitarian and Universalist women of the
19th and 20th century were on my mind and in my presentation—transcendentalist
Margaret Fuller, the first woman minister in America, Universalist Reverend Olympia
Brown, and so many others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But that part
of my presentation was days away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
realized I thought it was taken for granted that old white guys wrote the early
history, and in my head I thought I would talk about women in our movement when
I got to the 19th and 20th century.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
just didn’t occur to me that I needed to preface my teaching of Unitarian
Universalist history with, “And as you all know this history was written by old
white guys and doesn’t include the many women and people of color who
contributed to our movement in its early development.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I needed to “reconsider the traditions … [of
our Unitarian Universalist] religion from a feminist perspective.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Today’s
feminism and feminist theology is expanding our definitions of feminism, and
impacting our culture in new and different ways.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Today’s feminists are interested in inclusive
language and strong women stories, but they are also interested in defining who
they are, embracing their individuality and their rebelliousness—rebelling
against cultural mores and traditions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They want, as women, to define their own sexuality and their own lives
independently of the dominant patriarchal society.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Listen to this poem by fourth wave feminist
artist Kate Rose.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In sensitivity to our
worship setting, I have softened the profanity in the poem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Elephant Journal Author in
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/fourth-wave-feminist-artists_566a1b8ee4b009377b24860a)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“This one is for you.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For the dream seekers and the rebels, the ones who not only
don’t fit into the mold—they … break it as well.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is for the women who do give a …[damn].</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We give a [damn] about ourselves, our lives and those that
matter most to us—but mostly we give a [damn] about making a difference in this
one amazing life.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We know that we weren’t born to play life small, and while
life has tried to smack us down at times, we stand right back up asking—is that
all you’ve got?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is for the women …[willing] to be
themselves—unapologetically…willing to risk, to go after what we love.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is for the women who stay up late chasing dreams, and
are up early with the sun making them a reality.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is for those women with thirsty hearts and messy
hair—the ones who march to the beat of our hearts and often find ourselves
alone because of our choices.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This one is for you, for me, and for all the women who often
wonder if they are alone in their individuality.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You’re not.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And although we are as unique as they come, we all are
linked because of the desire to break free from the expectation that we need to
be well-behaved women in order to be loved.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We can’t follow the rules for the life of us. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When given the choice we always choose the most difficult
road, because that is where we often learn the most.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is for the women who take care of themselves. We are
masters at keeping our [act] together, even when it seems we can’t take one
more step.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is for the women who tuck themselves into bed each
night. It’s not because we don’t want a lover with us, but because we know
that, unless it’s genuine, solitude is so much sweeter than putting on an act.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is for the women who just won’t conform no matter how
many times people shake their heads at us.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
These are the women who drink moonshine underneath the stars
with their bare feet dirty, and their eyes wild dreaming of their next
adventure.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The women who prefer to be untamed. We don’t care about
letting our crazy show because we know it’s just as seductive as the pull of
our eyes.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is for all the women who’ve had people ask why we can’t
just be like everyone else. Why can’t we stay in unhappy relationships? Why
can’t we just stay with the secure job? Why can’t we just suck it up because we
are adults? That is what adults are supposed to do.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But we were born differently. Where others see stability, we
see stifling.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
‘We dream of a life that fills us with inspiration, and we
dream of a love that even time will lie down and be still for.’ (~ Alice
Hoffman)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We don’t know how to give up on the desires of our hearts.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And while we may seem to wander aimlessly at times, it’s all
part of our un-plan. Because some are just born to be the movers and shakers in
this life—to rattle and shake things up a bit.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And while we may drive you crazy at times, and scare the
…[snot] out of you at others, life would be boring without us.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For we are the wild ones—the ones who make life worth
living.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I suggest
that Feminism and Feminist Theology are all about pushing men and women out of
our cultural and religious comfort zones—to see the world in its completeness,
not just in terms of “man, mankind, father, brother or brotherhood.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Women want out from under a masculine
cultural umbrella, with its gender dualities, and its black and white absolutism.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Today’s feminists accept and embrace
non-binary genders and all the colors of life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The meditation we did today is an example of how we might
explore these boundaries.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Essentially
what I asked you to do was let go of control, to let someone else have control
of one of your limbs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would guess for
many of you this was a little awkward, and perhaps, so outside of your
experience—say, how you define what meditation is—that you had trouble making
sense of what you were supposed to be feeling or thinking or experiencing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You probably wanted to take back the
control of your arm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Often when we talk
about spiritual exploration, it is all about letting go of control, opening
yourself up to something new, different, something that might offer some
insight or new awareness, something that opens your mind and heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
However this meditation might also give you some insight
into what it can be like to be a woman in a patriarchal society, where someone
else makes decisions for you and exerts control over your body—think about the
laws in some states that are obstructing a woman’s right to have an
abortion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
In the book, <i>Tending the Holy:
Spiritual Direction Across Traditions,</i> there is an interesting chapter on a
Feminist Model for Spiritual Direction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The author, Novene Vest, asks us to consider looking at our spiritual
work through a feminine lens.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Vest says
that telling a woman to “let go” to gain some insight doesn’t work as well;
Vest suggests that women might instead want to explore how to gain personal
authority and identify a voice in a culture that minimizes or attempts to
suppress their voice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She goes on to
consider the commonly used metaphor for spiritual work of taking a journey, but
offers this: “Might not a woman be more likely to find freedom in an image that
suggests a safe [enough] place … to conceive and then give birth to a child?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What would be the effect of thinking of our
basic spiritual practice as involving the rhythms of nesting, gardening,
creating a place of beauty…[imagining] a place long treasured, where we had
enjoyed watching the play of light and shadow shift with the seasons and the
years…cherished the rhythms of aging and dying and birthing again as they
appear in the cycle of all living things.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I am
suggesting that in our spiritual, heart, or ethical work, we strive to blur the
lines of our cultural limits as we discern who we are as spiritual beings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do not allow your spiritual work to be
defined by what others say, perhaps it is a journey or perhaps it is building a
home, perhaps it is being out of control or perhaps it is finding your
authority.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Feminist Theology is about a
willingness to buck the system, to rebel against having your identity defined
by anyone other than yourself, to be willing to be moved and transformed by new
ideas, new concepts, new ways of seeing life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Feminism is for everyone, although it is through women’s experiences
that we, humankind, can begin to see the world differently than we have been
taught.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Feminism and Feminist Theology
challenge us to understand more, empathize more, stretch ourselves more than we
would if we simply accepted the cultural messages we have been fed since
birth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Judy
Chicago, an American feminist artist, art educator, and writer, gives us some
insight into what our world and our theology might be like if we accept the
challenge that feminist theology offers:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And then all that has divided us will merge </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And then compassion will be wedded to power </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And then softness will come to a world that is harsh and
unkind </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And then both men and women will be gentle </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And then both women and men will be strong </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And then no person will be subject to another's will </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And then all will be rich and free and varied </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And then the greed of some will give way to the needs of
many </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And then all will share equally in the Earth's abundance </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And then all will care for the sick and the weak and the old
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And then all will nourish the young </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And then all will cherish life's creatures </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And then all will live in harmony with each other and the
Earth </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And then everywhere will be called Eden once again<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So may it be.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13696702276573978770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1817262490042841260.post-54133779304520357042015-12-07T16:02:00.003-06:002015-12-07T16:05:02.352-06:00Making Meaning during the Winter Holy/Holidays Days By Reverend Tom Capo<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
Please accept with no obligation, implied or implicit, our
best wishes for an environmentally conscious, socially responsible, low stress,
non-addictive, gender neutral, celebration of the winter solstice and/or
Christmas and/or Hanukkah and/or Humanlight holiday, practiced within the most
enjoyable traditions of the religious persuasion of your choice, or secular
practices of your choice, with respect for the religious/secular persuasions
and/or traditions of others, or their choice to practice religious or secular
traditions at all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh what the heck,
merry Christmas, happy Hanukkah, joyful Solstice, and peaceful Humanlight; may
you have a meaningful holiday.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>But how can
we possibly have a meaningful holiday with all the chaos, black Friday and
Cyber Monday sales, multiple and perplexing traditions, the controversy over
red Starbucks cups, multiple seemingly mandatory family gatherings, buying
presents, setting up decorations?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And we
miss our loved ones who are far away, or who are no longer with us, particularly
those who have recently died.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And maybe
we have too high expectations of having a wonderful holiday, and those
expectations are not met.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some of us
feel hammered by the unrelenting commercialism of the season.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And those of us who don’t celebrate this
season at all feel trapped and assaulted by all the noise and lights and
ceaseless ho-ho-hoing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is no
escape from it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No wonder many people
get depressed over the holidays.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yet
this chaotic time of year is “supposed to be” a time of celebration: the winter
solstice, burning the Yule Log, the New Year, the birth of the Christ Child,
the Maccabees winning freedom for Judah, remembrance of the history and roots
of Humanism.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>This
reading from the Old Testament book of Amos speaks to the meaningless
ritual.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I hate, I despise your religious festivals;</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>your assemblies
are a stench to me.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Even though you bring me burnt offerings and grain
offerings,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will not accept
them.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Though you bring choice fellowship offerings,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will have no
regard for them.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Away with the noise of your songs!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will not listen
to the music of your harps.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This prophet was speaking to the Hebrew people who were not
living righteous lives, not living lives that were moral and ethical—while
practicing their religious rituals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Amos
and the other eighth century prophets were clear; don’t just do rote ritual,
empty ritual, meaningless ritual; live a moral, ethical, spiritual life and let
ritual be an outgrowth of your life.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Do we do
that today?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well historically, some of
the seasonal celebrations seemed a little less than meaningful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the England of 1066, celebrations at
Christmas got out of hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>King Henry
the 8th and his court tried to outdo each other in outrageous abundance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is said he had 600 oxen killed and
prepared for a single feast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And
gambling on the altars of the church were a common part of the
festivities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perhaps we can see from the
extremism where celebrating for the sake of celebrating can go—we don’t do that
today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or do we?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fighting over gifts at Best Buy or Walmart on
Black Friday, and some stores opening at 2 PM on Thanksgiving day, resulting in
people not actually having time to gather with loved ones and give thanks, so
they can buy the newest best gift on the market.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I do have to admit to partaking in this Black
Friday ritual in years past.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
rationalized that I was able to give more gifts by saving more money on each
gift.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But the reality was I was caught
up in the high, the buzz, the addiction to the chaos and consumerism.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have come to understand my addiction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I understand now that there is no meaning in
consumption for consumption’s sake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
have let go of this meaningless ritual.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
However, inside each of us, whether instinctive or not, is a
desire to light up the night, to celebrate with yule logs and candle lit
feasts, when the darkness lasts so long.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As the poem ‘Miracle of Light’ suggests “though the gloom may crowd us
still, the light may lift our hearts …”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We Unitarian Universalists often find ourselves wondering what exactly
we’re supposed to celebrate, how are we and why are we lighting up the
night?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How do we discern which, if any,
traditions we find personally meaningful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I believe most of us don’t want to celebrate meaningless festivals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I believe we might start to discern what to do during this
season by asking: Am I doing this (whatever “this ritual, tradition, or feast”
is) out of habit?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or as an authentic
part of my spiritual or non-spiritual seasonal expression?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I ask you for a moment to reflect on this
time of year: what makes it meaningful to you? (pause) Perhaps certain
decorations, stories about Santa Claus, music, gatherings, religious stories,
childhood memories.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or maybe this time
of year has lost all meaning for you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And you might be okay with that, and that’s fine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But if you find yourself wishing you could
find more meaning than the Early Bird Sales might offer you, you might consider
some meaningful ritual.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A ritual is a
set of sequential actions or a ceremony, religious or not, that is supposed to
offer an opportunity to make mental and spiritual space to experience something
meaningful, whatever that intangible “something” may be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I talked about ritual at our bread sharing
service—we don’t have many specifically Unitarian Universalist rituals—other
than lighting our chalice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rituals can
give us the opportunity to go a little deeper, learn a little more, grow in
heart and spirit, if we accept their invitation to do so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I read the ‘Cajun Night Before Christmas’ because reading
this story is part of my family’s ritual celebration during this time of
year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We decided on our traditions as a
family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When our kids were growing up,
our Christmas ritual went like this; we went to our local Unitarian
Universalist Church on Christmas Eve; we especially enjoyed singing Silent
Night by candle light.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then we went
home, put on our Santa hats and read the Christmas Story from Christian Gospel
of Luke, ‘A Night Before Christmas’ and ‘The Cajun Night Before Christmas’.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The kids liked the ‘The Cajun Night Before
Christmas’ best.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We would then open one
gift each and go to bed; usually the boys wanted to open the gift they got each
other, a small but always thoughtful gift.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>My wife and I would set up for Christmas morning—presents under the tree
and building whatever toys that needed to be assembled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I still remember the trouble I had putting
that Little Tykes fort with a slide together; I was supposed to hold one of the
feet of the fort while holding onto the base of the fort, while hammering the foot
and providing pressure on the base so the hammering actually resulted in the
foot setting firmly into the base.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
needed four hands to do this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It took me
most of the night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then many Christmas
Eves, Martha and I would take a little time, with some hot chocolate, to look
at the lights on the Christmas Tree.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
next morning we’d wake up and open presents together; packages and wrapping
paper strewn everywhere.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We then went to
my parents’ house to have a family celebration and a feast.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Why are rituals
important to humans?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, I can tell
you these traditions were important to my children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They made sure that each year we followed
these traditions to the letter, even reading the story from Luke, which they
pretty much only tolerated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Being a psychotherapist,
I know that routine helps children feel safe and secure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They can feel trust in their parents, and in
their world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And while small children
may not be able to understand the abstract concepts of sacred, spirit, holy, or
even understand the meaning of the ritual and traditions this time of year,
they see their parents practicing their faith, and they participate in
traditions that are given importance by their parents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our children understand what faith, belief,
and values are by seeing their parents live their faith, beliefs, and
values.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And they, in turn, do the same
in their time, and so the generations go forward.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Lots of people have told me Christmas is just for
children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, at the very least there
is a child inside of many of us who wants to participate in the traditions and
celebrations this time of year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But
also, the rituals and celebrations we choose to participate in this time of the
year are important external expressions of our faith, beliefs, and values.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We share our love for our family, friends and
church community this time of year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
express traditions that have meaning to us.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Perhaps you
think, “I don’t believe in Santa Claus or Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t care about Maccabees or famous
Humanists.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t want to burn a yule
log, or join in a Solstice celebration.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And I don’t like giving gifts, decorating my house, or singing Christmas
carols.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t have any children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am not going to celebrate or participate in
any rituals this time of year.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bah,
Humbug!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well I encourage you to stop,
and take time to reflect on the meaning of this time of year for yourself
before you decide not to do anything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Consider what connects you with your faith, beliefs, and values.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perhaps there is a way to affirm, remember,
promote your faith, beliefs or values during this season.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Recently, I have been trying to consider the meaning of the
gifts that I give.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I intentionally buy
gifts that are locally made or gifts that support far-away oppressed groups,
like Fair Trade items made by individual crafters, usually women.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A couple of years ago I gave my mother a herd
of geese.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When she opened the card
saying that I had bought a herd of geese for her, she was not sure what to make
of it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But then I told her it was from
Heifer international and the geese would be given to a group of people
somewhere in the world who could use them to be more self-sufficient.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, she got it and appreciated the meaning
of the gift.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This year I am giving all
my nieces and nephews water bottle holders made by the Guatemalan artisans from
A Thread of Hope, supporting their fund for scholarships for young Maya and
helping to fund ergonomic chairs for backstrap loom weavers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a way I can honor and express my
Humanist values while participating in the Christmas Ritual of gift-giving, and
doing this opens opportunities for conversations about income inequality and
fair trade economics.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>What can
you do that might bring some personal meaning to this season?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe you could put out evergreens as a
symbol of life like the Celts, or put out holly berries that live through
winter and symbolize life in the face of death, like some Christians.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe you put out a crèche scene, a tradition
that St. Francis of Assisi started in 1224, considering the meaning of the
Christian birth narrative.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe you
have a feast this time of year, a tradition that goes back to the Sumerians and
Old Babylonians, to light up the darkness of the earth and lighten up our
hearts with celebrations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe you
choose to give gifts, a tradition that dates back to Saturn’s triumph over
Jupiter in the Golden Age of Rome, to express your love to those that you share
your life with.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe you light candles
to ritualistically ward off evil spirits, or light the darkness in remembrance
of the sun’s return or to send your prayers to heaven.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe you celebrate and express
humanist-oriented values and ideals in a positive manner, choosing gifts that
reflect your ethics and that better the worldwide human condition.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Perhaps a
place to start is to reflect on what memories of this time of year are
meaningful to you?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What calls to you
from your deepest self this time of year that wants expression?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Look within for what you remember, celebrate,
for why and how you decorate, what you participate in, what you teach your
children about this time of year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
would suggest that filling this time of year with people you love is not a bad
idea for anybody.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But you are the one
who has to make the decisions about what rituals and traditions are important
to you, your family, friends and church; especially in this Unitarian
Universalist Church for we celebrate what you as a community want to
celebrate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This year we have a Haunnaka
meal, two Christmas Eve services, two Solstice celebrations and a Humanlight
gathering.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The best way to search for what is “right” for you this time
of year is through silent reflection, prayer or meditation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As Unitarian James Martineau says of silence,
it is “the great storehouse of our spiritual dynamics, where divine energies
lie hid for any enterprise.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While in
that time of silence, ask yourself not only what traditions feel right for you,
also ask “What traditions from my childhood, my faith, beliefs, and values are
important or meaningful to me?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ask
yourself “Why are they important or meaningful?” You might also ask “Am I
willing to put in the time and effort needed for this to truly be an
individual, family or church tradition?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Something that I will carry forward for years to come.” These seasonal
rituals are spiritual practices.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A lot
of people keep meaning to get around to a spiritual practice, but never find
the time, energy or resources.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Find a
tradition that you can put into practice, one that is meaningful to you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And perhaps even more important, take the
bold step of dropping a holiday practice that isn’t feeding you, no longer
brings you joy, and then use the time and energy you used to spend on that to
create a moment of silence in the seasonal chaos or create a spirit space to
reflect on the meaning of the season for you, or create a heart space for
yourself to affirm the love you have for those you share this life with.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just give yourself the gift of time during
this season; this can be the beginning of a deeply meaningful spiritual
practice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Bring the spiritual and ethical into this time of
year--express your beliefs, your spirituality, your values in this season of
celebration—not only to model for your kids, if you have them, but also to feel
the light of the spirit in your own heart during this dark time of year.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Let us now turn inward in the spirit of meditation:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Let us remember those times over the years that we spent
with our loved ones during holiday seasons past,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And as we reflect, let us explore our hearts and souls, to
help us find the significance that speaks to us about this time of year.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And let us find ways in the present, in this holiday season,
to let our spirits and values show.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>
Let them show, let them show, let them show.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Amen, Blessed Be, Shalom<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13696702276573978770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1817262490042841260.post-83553645523649455142015-11-10T13:40:00.000-06:002015-11-10T13:40:41.883-06:00Transistions by Reverend Tom Capo<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Responsive Reading:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
According to M. J. Ryan, author of How to Survive Change…
you didn’t ask for, there are seven “truths” about change.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Reverend Tom Capo has adapted them into a
responsive reading.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Change is the one thing I can count on.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Everything in life is impermanent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Accepting this truth diminishes our suffering
because we are in alignment with the way life is.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Change is not personal.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The world is transforming at a breakneck speed and each one
of us must adapt to those changes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No
one is exempt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In the midst of change my thinking is not always my friend.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The brain is hardwired to scan for the bad, and when it
inevitably finds negative things, they get stored immediately for rapid
recall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Due to the complexity of change,
this recall may be too simplistic and negative to help us adapt to change.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Change isn’t the enemy, fear of change is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Fear shrinks our world and limits our choices. Practicing
innovative thinking reduces our fear response when change happens. We can learn
to manage any fear that does arise.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There is a predictable emotional cycle to change.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance are
the emotional cycle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are endings
with any change, a death of some sort; grief is a part of change.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am more resilient than I may think.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We are survivors of our own lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have dealt with changes that we have not
anticipated or wanted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have made it
so far and that is pretty good evidence that we will continue to do so.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My future is built on bedrock that is unchanging.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We have a purpose and values that provide stability and
continuity during change.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Understanding
this truth helps us see the difference between who we are as a person and our
behavior.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Behavior may need to change,
your essence remains the same.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Sermon</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What is it about change that freaks some people out?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I mean life is all about change.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We go from childhood to adolescence to
adulthood to old age.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If we decide to
get into a relationship with another person there is potential to move from
being a friend to a significant other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And if we are in a relationship, we could go from a committed couple to
having children to raising children to children leaving home (hopefully).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most of us experience changes in our jobs, in
our beliefs, in our income, in our homes/cities where we live.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Changes can be as small as someone canceling
a meeting or a date, to as large as deciding on a new career in mid-life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Change has always been a part of human
existence, and yet we experience powerful emotions anticipating, coping with,
and looking back on change. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One day in late summer, an old farmer was working in his
field with his old sick horse. The farmer felt compassion for the horse and
desired to lift its burden. So he let his horse loose to go the mountains and live
out the rest of its life.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Soon after, neighbors from the nearby village visited,
offering their condolences and said, "What a shame.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now your only horse is gone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How unfortunate you are! You must be very
sad. How will you live, work the land, and prosper?" The farmer replied:
"Who knows? We shall see".</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Two days later the old horse came back now rejuvenated after
meandering in the mountainsides while eating the wild grasses. He came back
with twelve new younger and healthy horses which followed the old horse into
the corral.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Word got out in the village of the old farmer's good fortune
and it wasn't long before people stopped by to congratulate the farmer on his
good luck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>"How fortunate you
are!" they exclaimed. You must be very happy!"<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Again, the farmer softly said, "Who
knows? We shall see."</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At daybreak on the next morning, the farmer's only son set
off to attempt to train the new wild horses, but the farmer's son was thrown to
the ground and broke his leg.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One by one
villagers arrived during the day to bemoan the farmer's latest misfortune.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>"Oh, what a tragedy!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your son won't be able to help you farm with
a broken leg. You'll have to do all the work yourself, How will you survive?
You must be very sad".<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>they
said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Calmly going about his usual business
the farmer answered, "Who knows? We shall see"</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Several days later a war broke out. The Emperor's men
arrived in the village demanding that young men come with them to be
conscripted into the Emperor's army.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As
it happened the farmer's son was deemed unfit because of his broken leg.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>"What very good fortune you have!!"
the villagers exclaimed as their own young sons were marched away. "You
must be very happy." "Who knows? We shall see!", replied the old
farmer as he headed off to work his field alone.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As time went on the broken leg healed but the son was left
with a slight limp. Again the neighbors came to pay their condolences. "Oh
what bad luck. Too bad for you"!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But the old farmer simply replied; "Who knows? We shall see."</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As it turned out the other young village boys had died in
the war and the old farmer and his son were the only able bodied men capable of
working the village lands. The old farmer became wealthy and was very generous
to the villagers. They said: "Oh how fortunate we are, you must be very
happy", to which the old farmer replied, "Who knows? We shall
see!"</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What do you think about this story?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you see yourself as the farmer or the
neighbors? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My son younger son Jacob is a very bright person.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Martha and I always thought he was gifted and
talented in many ways.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In 8th grade, his
grades plummeted and his moods seemed to swing from anger to disinterest to
exhaustion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We felt frustrated and helpless;
I felt like everything was awful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Jacob’s teacher described him as being in a fog.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’d forget to bring written work into the
classroom, and when he was sent to his locker to retrieve it, he’d forget why
he was at his locker by the time he got there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Being a psychotherapist, I thought our hope might lie in getting Jacob
into therapy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After a few sessions, the
therapist talked to us about putting Jacob on daily medication, but we decided
to get some bloodwork done with his pediatrician before taking what seemed to
us to be such a big step.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By now it was
spring break.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Martha took Jacob to see
Dr. Lee, and 30 minutes after they got home, Dr. Lee called to say that Jacob’s
blood sugar was dangerously high.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
sure he was diabetic and we went straight to Texas Children’s Hospital.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They took one look at him and confirmed that
he was a type I diabetic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All his
symptoms, trouble concentrating, mood swings, exhaustion, were a result of the
diabetes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were relieved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At least we had an answer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then the doctors went on to tell us that
Jacob would have to manage his diabetes for the rest of this life, and that
diabetes could cause problems with his cardiovascular system, his vision, and
so many other things, including shortening his expected life span.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were scared to death.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, the doctors went on, if Jacob managed
his diabetes well and took care of his health, he could live a normal active
life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were relieved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And then scared again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then a bit relieved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then relieved and scared at the same
time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And that’s kind of where we’ve
been with Jake’s diabetes for the past 12 years or so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t remember during this time ever saying
to myself as these events transpired, “Well, who knows what the future will
bring; let’s just wait and see what happens.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>My moods were swinging back and forth, and my thoughts raced around trying
to figure out how to fix this situation.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Organizational Consultant, William Bridges (Transitions)
writes, “It isn’t the changes that do you in; it’s the transitions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Change is not the same as transition.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Change is situational…Transition is the psychological
process people go through to come to terms with the new situation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Change is external, transition is
internal.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Changes can be difficult;
transitions are crucial, and both external change and internal transition must
be addressed mindfully if we are to learn how to cope with, make meaning of,
understand, and grow from the chaos that seems to be all around us and within
us when change happens.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I invite you to think of a change that recently happened in
your life. (pause) I invite you to hold that change in your mind and heart,
replay it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Notice what you thought and
felt before the change, during the change, and after the change.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(pause) What do you notice?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you feel a variety of feelings, some at
the same time?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are your thoughts racing
or do they seem diametrically at odds?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This internal process of thoughts and feelings is the transition you
will have to find a path through.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Sometimes, in situations that don’t have major consequences, minimizing
your reaction to change by waiting to see what happens may work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But this way of facing the change, while it
may seem a fairly calming, also limits the potential for more creative
adaptation of our behavior and internal transformation of our thinking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jacob’s life changed when he became an insulin-dependent
diabetic, and so did our lives as his parents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I can guarantee you we were not thinking at the time, “Yay! What an
great opportunity for creative adaptation and internal transformation!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thanks Life!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But, looking back, that’s exactly what happened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We chose to<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>realize that we were afraid, and used the energy from the fear to
motivate us to learn about diabetes, and more importantly to help Jacob learn
about and take ownership of his diabetes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He was the one who would have to learn to live with this disease and we
could not make him eat right, sleep 8 hours a night, take his insulin, and
exercise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We knew our son was capable of
managing his disease if we got him the resources and education he needed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We could not take the burden of diabetes from
him, though believe me, we would have done that in half a heartbeat if we could
have.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We grieved that Jacob would have
to fight this disease his whole life, but we ultimately had to accept this was
his fight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We could give him access to
the tools he needed, but he had to be the one to use them.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>In the
midst of this awful change, it could easily have been possible to believe that
I couldn’t cope; that this was too much; or that I or Martha or Jacob wouldn’t
be able to adapt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But we did make it; all
of us made it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know that I feel much
more capable of dealing with changes that come up because I mindfully,
intentionally recognized that I did adapt to that change and I did make it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I saw my family do the same.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This gave me hope that we could face other
changes, individually and together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And
I learned that we could find new ways of behaving if we needed to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jacob is probably one of the most physically
healthy persons that I know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He eats
well, not too much.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His weight is
stable, not overweight like his dad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
works out regularly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And he manages to
keep his A1C low; this is the measure of his blood sugar over time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And none of us have changed at our core.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are still the same people we were before
Jacob was diagnosed with diabetes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jacob
is the same bright, somewhat compulsive, person who walks to the beat of his
own drummer as he always was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Martha and
I are the same people we were before we learned our baby boy had a
life-threatening disease.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And we are all
doing well despite knowing that Jacob has a life threatening illness, although
every once in a while we do try to sneak a quick glance at his feet without him
noticing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Diabetics lose feeling in
their extremities due to nerve damage, and Jacob doesn’t always notice when
there’s something wrong with his feet because he can’t always feel the pain
signals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It makes him crazy when he
catches us at it, but for us it’s the compromise we came to instead of
over-parenting him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We just love to be
sneaky about it.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Wendel
Berry wrote: “The world cannot be discovered by a journey of miles, no matter
how long, but only by a spiritual journey of one inch, very arduous and
humbling and joyful, by which we arrive at the ground at our feet, and learn to
be home.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is how it feels to me, each
time I face a change and transition.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
learn that the journey I face is not one of miles, but of one inch, a very
arduous, sometimes awful-feeling, frequently scary, often humbling, and even at
times joyful inch, and I learn to arrive at the place where I am and find
myself back within my own skin, the same person I was.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13696702276573978770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1817262490042841260.post-50969525537296874242015-11-05T12:43:00.000-06:002015-11-05T12:43:42.757-06:00Becoming a Preacher By Reverned Tom Capo<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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A long, long time ago, in a galaxy far, far, away... Well,
actually it was the spring of 1997 in Houston, Texas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The image you see to my right is not Alderon,
but Bay Area Unitarian Universalist Church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I was the chair of the Worship Committee and a leader in the
congregation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I received a call from
Bill Pilloski, the president of the congregation, Friday night asking me to
preach on Sunday; needless to say, I was a little surprised.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our minister was supposed to be in the pulpit
this Sunday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bill went on to tell me
that our minister had been asked to resign from the church due to an ethical
breach, information that had not been shared with the congregation, but would
be on Sunday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a dark time for our
church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I allowed myself about half an
hour or so of shock, and then started focusing on the mission, producing a
sermon in the next 24 hours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>John Chapman, many of you know him as Johnny
Appleseed, wrote to author Henry James in the late 19th century:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“There are lots of people who can’t think seriously
without injuring their minds…the cure is simple.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Speak out your opinions before you think—and
before the other fellow speaks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thus you
will give your mind some chance in forming them in a more natural
way—unconsciously.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Accustom yourself to
not knowing what your opinions are til you have blurted them out, and thus find
what they are.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s how I felt the
first time I told someone in my home congregation that I believed I was to
become a Unitarian Universalist minister, not a Jedi knight—though that might
have been easier.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was two weeks
after that Friday night call from Bill Polloski.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The congregation was in the midst of pain and
guilt from losing their minister—to the dark side.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That Sunday, I remember thinking, “I will
just tell Bill and sometime in the future, when I am ready, I will announce my
intention to the whole congregation.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
was as reluctant, scared, and excited as Luke was when Obi Wan asked Luke to
join him on his quest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I actually
verbalized my call to become a Unitarian Universalist Minister to real, live
people, people in my church, I might really have to follow through with
this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now don’t get me wrong, I wanted
to be a Unitarian Universalist minister; I had already gone through my dark
nights of the soul.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was committed to
pursing my call to ministry, but to tell someone, I mean besides Martha my
loving wife, meant that other people would be watching me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What if I tried and failed?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What would these people think of me?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, I swallowed my fears, and embracing the
force, walked up to Bill and blurted out, “Bill, I wanted to let you know that
I am going to go to seminary to become a Unitarian Universalist minister.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Part of this process is that a church has to
sponsor me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was hoping that Bay Area
UU Church would sponsor me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Would you
bring this before the Board?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, my
heart was racing and my mind racing too, I think I heard Bill say, “Tom, that’s
great.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course I will talk to the
Board.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You know it would be great if I
could announce to the congregation about your intent to become a Unitarian
Universalist minister today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everyone is
so sad, it would really make them feel so much better.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Uhhhh,…what?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The next thing I knew Bill was announcing to the congregation that I was
going to seminary to become a Unitarian Universalist minister.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What I remember, although I was in a fog, is applause and saying ‘thank you’ to everyone, while at
the same time feeling my heart pounding out of my chest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’d done it; I was committed, there was no
turning back; and all I felt was joy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>In 2002, I preached my last sermon at
Bay Area UU church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was severing my
membership and beginning my internship at another church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I preached a sermon about the process I had
been through in Seminary and what I was looking forward to in my
internship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After the service, one of
the members came up to me and said, “We are all so proud of you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You know, when you told us you were going to
become a minister a few years ago, I was a little concerned, but your preaching
is so much better. I know you will be just fine.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Uhhh, thank you,” I said.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>They say
that successful ministers are strong in three broad areas: administration,
pastoral care, and preaching.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was
already strong in two of those skill sets, but preaching.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had to work hard for many years to become a
good psychotherapist and I guess I should have realized that it would take me
many years of hard work to become a good preacher.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Preaching did not come naturally.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I mean I had talked before thousands of
people as a psychotherapist, but preaching, even in front of 10 people, felt so
different.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many ministers told me I had
to develop my preaching voice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What the
heck is a preaching voice?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As you have
probably noticed, there is a difference when I am talking to you in Kreves Hall
and when I am up here on Sunday mornings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I had to experiment with different ways to talk in front of people as a
minister.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My internship site minister
supervisors tried to help me with this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And as you would probably guess, there were times when I failed in this
process—mumbling, saying ah too often, leaving too much silence between
sentences or words, emphasizing a word or sentence that shouldn’t be
emphasized:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“People wouldn't even go
into science (stop) unless there was something much bigger (stop) to be
discovered, something that is transcendent.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And I hadn’t written any papers--I mean besides research
papers--in 20 years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The ability to
express myself, my feelings, my deepest thoughts on paper was, well, not
good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And writing for speaking was
something I had never really done before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I met with an English professor for about a year, relearning all the
rules--sentence structure, correct use of adjectives and adverbs; writing so
that people would understand who or what I was talking about—my use of the
words like “he” “thing” “and” “etc.” were gradually reduced and more specific
words replaced them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I still work to
tighten up my writing.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>These
mechanics could be learned over time with perseverance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But preaching is more than mechanics.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Words that are preached are supposed to be
lit by a heart that is on fire, and those words spark a flame in the hearers’
imagination and hearts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And this is not
something than can be learned with perseverance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This eluded me for my first years of
ministry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wondered if I would ever
improve.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What finally helped me discern
how to become a preacher was reading and re-reading Ralph Waldo Emerson’s
Divinity School Address.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In 1838, he
preached to newly graduated ministers:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Let me admonish you, first of all, to go alone; to refuse the good
models, even those which are sacred in the imagination of men, and dare to love
God without mediator or veil. Friends enough you shall find who will hold up to
your emulation Wesleys and Oberlins, Saints and Prophets. Thank God for these
good men, but say, `I also am a man.' Imitation cannot go above its model. The
imitator dooms himself to hopeless mediocrity. The inventor did it, because it
was natural to him, and so in him it has a charm. In the imitator, something
else is natural, and he bereaves himself of his own beauty, to come short of
another man's.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yourself a newborn bard
of the Holy Ghost, — cast behind you all conformity, and acquaint men at first
hand with Deity ... be to [your congregation] a divine man; be to them thought
and virtue; let their timid aspirations find in you a friend; let their
trampled instincts be genially tempted out in your atmosphere; let their doubts
know that you have doubted, and their wonder feel that you have wondered. By
trusting your own heart, you shall gain more confidence in other men.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>To put this
in modern terms, I had to learn to speak my truth from my heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had to fearlessly share my doubts, my
wonder, my experiences.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had to “cast
aside conformity.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had thought that I
might imitate successful Unitarian Universalist ministers, but as Emerson says,
“the imitator dooms himself to hopeless mediocrity.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I was to be the best minister I could be,
I had to discover my own authentic voice; I had to trust that the fire of my
own heart was fierce enough to reveal a shining truth; I had to learn how to
catch just the right slivery rainbow of words out of a rushing river of
language to give voice to those qualities that touch me—pain, beauty, joy,
wonder, awe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could only preach with
authority, if I dared to examine my own heart, mind, soul, life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had to find the divine in my life if I was
to preach about the divine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or as one of
our Unitarian Universalist theologians, James Martineau wrote [understanding
the divine, the spiritual, the ethical comes from] “inward apprehension, the
moral analysis and the spiritual discrimination” that each of us needs to
do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is from within we can truly see
the wrong from the right, the profane from the sacred.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is from within that I had to learn to
preach.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I also had
to learn to accept that I would experience a lot of public failures when
learning to preach, and believe me, I did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>One of my early lessons was that I will not hit on all cylinders every
Sunday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unitarian Universalist minister
and past president of the Unitarian Universalist Association and Executive
Director of Amnesty International, Reverend William F. Schultz, wrote of
preaching: “There, I hold, are the characteristics of great preaching: that our
words are authentic, true, evocative, and transforming.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let me add quickly that very few, if any, of
my own sermons have been all four.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
feel fortunate if I can satisfy two.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
goes on to say: “Thomas Wolfe advised aspiring novelists to ‘always write
masterpieces…There’s a better market for them!” Fortunately sermons are not
novels:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are far from the sole
factor upon which the value of ministry is based.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And congregations are not like critics: They
are often able to find the most surprising wheat in the midst of the most
tattered chaff.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I agree
completely with Schultz.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On some
Sundays, I feel blessed if I can hit one cylinder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And like Schultz, I am often surprised at
what people take away from my sermons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Through my many years as a psychotherapist, I understand that people
often hear what they need to hear, but I am still surprised that people find
wisdom that touches something deep within them, even when I don’t think the
sermon is my best.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And then I
remember:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am not just preaching, I am
holding sacred space here on Sunday mornings so that people can stop in their
busy lives to find the healing, wisdom, the light that they need, that is
within them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In so many ways, so little
of what happens in this room on Sunday mornings has to do with what I say.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s humbling, and it’s awe-inspiring.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I know that it seems that sometimes I am preaching to our
visitors; sometimes to our long-time members; sometimes to those of you who are
trying to figure out if this is the faith home for you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And sometimes it seems that I am preaching to
the humanists, Buddhists, Christians, to seekers, or finders, or those lost and
unsure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It might seem to some of you
like I must spin a Wheel of Sermons before choosing who to preach to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But what I am actually doing, what I am
really always doing, is preaching the truth as I see it and feel it; that is
all I can do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Though there may be times
when you think, I am preaching specifically to you or at you; know that I am
always preaching from me to all of you, not just to the person next to you or
the person behind you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And that maybe
what you are hearing is not coming from me, but from within you.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I should
share that sometimes I feel called in my heart to comfort the afflicted,
afflict the comforted. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At times, I will
pause and offer a word of hope, sharing that I know that whatever it is you are
facing, however horrible or painful it might be, will pass, healing with come,
you will return to life again and we will be with you throughout your difficult
time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Right now, I am going to raise my
voice and tell you that we have to reach out to our youth and young adults to
help them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On Friday I heard from
passionate young people--as young as 12--who are struggling with gender
identification.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are creating a new
language with words like demi-guy, gender-neutral, gender vague, non-binary
identity, genderless and CIS gender to describe themselves and others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They want us all to ask them their names and
the pronouns they want used for them before we engage them in conversation, so
that we show that we respect them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
don’t want to be referred to as he or she anymore.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They want us to no longer see their bodies,
their penises and vaginas, as a reflection of their gender.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their numbers are growing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And they need safe places, including gender
neutral bathrooms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Could we put this
image<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>of gender neutral bathrooms on all
our bathrooms in this church to create a safe place for people who identify as
male one day and female another or as neither male or female on any day?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>So here it
is: what it takes to write these sermons each week; what it takes to be a
preacher, a minister.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I must be a
teacher; I must be an example in love and faith; I must speak the truth as I
see it; I must provide comfort to those in need; I must use my prophetic voice
to motivate; I must not neglect the blessings I have been given in this life;
and I must put all of this into practice. To do all of this I must devote
myself to my call.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is what I feel
with every fiber of my being. And I am thankful every day for the privilege of
being a Unitarian Universalist preacher, and to be your minister.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Blessed Be.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13696702276573978770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1817262490042841260.post-58424791682065926972015-10-29T12:43:00.001-05:002015-10-29T12:43:55.628-05:00How Can I Make Sense of Suffering? By Reverend Tom Capo<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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When I was 18 years old, I was asked to be the
Godfather for my cousin, Tabitha.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
is a picture of her of her at 5 years old.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I was part of her life as she grew up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I saw her at Christmas each year and I visited her during Mardi
Gras.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She lived outside of New Orleans
in Slidell, Louisiana.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We would
regularly get together at my parent’s home, where all the family gathered for
special occasions; she would share some of what was going on in her life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I watched her over the years grow into a
beautiful teenager.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every once in a
while, when I happened to think of it, I wondered, “What does it mean to be a Godfather;
how am I supposed to help her on her spiritual journey through life.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was no longer Catholic while she was
growing up; I had grown away from the religion of my youth, and had become a
Unitarian Universalist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My own spiritual
journey was varied—affirming humanism and Buddhism as paths to deeper
understanding of myself and the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And I thought Tabitha doing well on her own, spiritually and
otherwise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She seemed happy, full of
teenage enthusiasms, lots of friends, beautiful and headstrong as only redheads
are.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She didn’t seem to particularly
want or need a God father. And I was very busy with my own life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was deeply involved in my church as a
lay-leader.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was in private practice as
a psychotherapist. I had gotten married and had two very young children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My life was full and enjoyable and
wonderful—especially watching my two sons growing up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My thoughts about my responsibilities for
Tabitha’s journey through life and her spirituality faded into the background,
overlaid by Boy Scout meetings, church Board meetings, workshops to earn
Continuing Education Credits, dinners with our supper club; you know, with
life.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
In February 1993, my extended family, my parents,
brothers and their spouses, my wife and children, my uncle and aunt, Tabitha
and her younger brother got together for another Mardi Gras.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tabitha was 16 years old, involved in lots of
school activities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She had a gaggle of
friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was in the band at
school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was upbeat and excited to
see me and all the rest of the family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We ate together; we went to parades together; we even talked a little
about nothing in particular in the midst of all that wonderful chaos.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A few weeks later, Tabitha had an argument
with her parents and, while they were out at a restaurant, took one of her
father’s rifles and killed herself in her parent’s bedroom.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The word suffering is
sometimes used in the very narrow sense of describing physical pain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I define suffering differently.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Suffering is our negative and persistent
response to pain, pain that can come from many sources—from the death of a
loved one; physical, mental, emotional, spiritual trauma or illness; and life
stresses, such as personal conflict, economic hardship, life’s ordinary and
extraordinary changes/transitions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
cannot avoid pain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is an inevitable
part of life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As contemporary Japanese
author Haruki Murakami reminds us: “Pain is inevitable, but suffering is
optional.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As much as I believe this, I
have, as probably you have, suffered in response to pain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Poet Elizabeth
Jennings wrote:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
…Time does not heal,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
It makes a half-stitched scar</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
That can be broken and again you feel</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Grief as total as in its first hour.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
My grief over Tabitha felt and feels this way—like a half-stitched scar
that will never ever completely heal, that can be broken open again and again
and again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some of this is the normal
natural pain of loss, and some was and is my suffering.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>For some time after my
cousin’s death, I blamed her mother.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her
mother was chronically depressed, frequently talked about suicide, and never
really took responsibility for her life, her marriage, her children,
anything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She drifted through life
seemingly always on the verge of suicide; and used these threats to manipulate
her family or to get her way or to deal with problems—problems she often
created, though she seemed completely unaware of this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everything was always someone else’s
fault.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could not help feeling that
somehow Tabitha heard her mother’s threats as permission to end her own life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And yet, I was the psychotherapist in the
family, who was called on to help my aunt, Tabitha’s mother, get her life back
together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My parents expected me to put
aside my own feelings, my own confusion, my own share of the blame, to help
Tabitha’s mother and her family find a way, somehow, to face life without
Tabitha.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I couldn’t deal with my own why’s,
because I had to help my aunt deal with her family’s why’s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My aunt, uncle, and Tabitha’s younger
brother, came to Houston to live in my parent’s home, too overwhelmed to deal
with putting their lives back together; they wanted us to put their lives back
together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Pain and suffering can
also cause collateral damage, harm to family, friends, other people who are
near those who are in pain or suffering.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In other words, in the midst of our own pain and suffering we may not
realize that our pain may cause pain to those close to us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Martha and I realized, despite the pain we
were both suffering, Tabitha’s death had touched our children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And we realized that it was important that
our children be told the truth, in an age appropriate way, as completely and
quickly as they were able to take it in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Protecting or shielding them could have created a web of distortions and
misperceptions, and a conspiracy of silence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This was especially important, because my aunt, uncle and cousin lived
very near us for a long time after Tabitha’s death.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My two young sons knew Tabitha, and had a
relationship with her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And my sons were
exposed to my aunt’s family constantly, to their struggles and their grief, not
to mention mine and Martha’s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If we had
told them stories or denied their observations, how would that have impacted
their mental, emotional, and spiritual development?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We decided to be open with them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My four year-old son, some weeks after
Tabitha’s death, wrote a letter to her family saying he loved them and wanted
them to know that Tabitha had just lost her feelings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
Pain brings up strong feelings, overwhelming
feelings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The kind of feelings that feel
like they are going to submerge you, maybe forever.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We suffer when we try to avoid the pain, but
what happens is the pain becomes more intense and long-lasting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pain can make us question our meaning and
purpose in life, our spiritual beliefs, our ability to cope with life, because
life continues on even as we are in pain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Suffering keeps us from embracing the pain and moving through, making
meaning from, healing from it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even
chronic pain, whether physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual, needs to be
faced, not avoided, in order for us to make meaning from it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We may never completely heal, but we can make
meaning and find a path forward.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Putting off my own search for meaning, only proved to make the process
longer and more difficult for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My
anger and bargaining with myself persisted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When I was finally able to start the process, I had to move through the
blame I held toward my aunt, through the fear that I had missed something or I
should have known something was going on with Tabitha, through the resentment
that I had had to put aside my own feelings and needs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Only after I was able to move through these
stages of grief, only after I was able to forgive my aunt, and realize that
there was no one who could have really looked into Tabitha’s head or heart and
known the risk she posed, only after I was able to accept my own feelings and
needs, only then could I begin to make meaning from her suicide.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
I have spent time with many individuals and families
suffering grief, pain, loss, significant change.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have heard people struggle with long held
beliefs in the midst of their suffering. I have heard people say about
suffering: “take up the cross and suffer in silence, like Jesus did” “Suffering
will make you closer and more like Jesus” “God wants us to suffer to be
redeemed” “God will not give us anything more than we can handle”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“God did this thing for some greater
purpose.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I cannot tell you how many
times in my practice as a psychotherapist that people said to me, “What did I
do that was so wrong that God is punishing me” in the midst of their pain and
suffering.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have seen people struggle
with these beliefs, lengthening their suffering.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
There was more to my spiritual healing process that I
wasn’t as prepared for.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had to forgive
myself for not providing the spiritual grounding and support that “might” have
helped Tabitha.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was her
Godfather.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was supposed to talk with
her about my spiritual journey and her spiritual journey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was supposed to have mentored her, walked
with her, helped her to find her own way to meaning and purpose, to embrace
mystery, to search for the expressions of the divine in her life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And as a Buddhist, to help her to understand
that life is transitory, whatever she was going through would pass, as did all
things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Something that seemed world shattering,
traumatic, overwhelming at this moment would seem different in the next moment,
if she could have just held on to the next moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If she could have known she wasn’t alone in
that one moment when everything seemed too much.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Pain can bring up many
irrational ways of thinking and feeling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Some we may recognize as irrational, and we can move through them
relatively easily.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But when we hold onto
the pain, when we choose suffering, the irrational can find a niche within
us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And if we don’t give that niche some
attention, that is, if we don’t take the time to examine and process that
niche, we can find ourselves vulnerable to and reliving the irrational thoughts
that bring more pain into our lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Pain and suffering result in feeling helpless, hopeless, fearful, angry,
reacting rather than acting –we make poor decisions, lacking clarity, often not
taking the time to reflect on what is happening within and around us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Iris Bolton, Director
of a counseling center in Atlanta, lost her son to suicide.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She wrote:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I don’t know why?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I’ll never know why?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I don’t have to know why?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I don’t like it?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
What I have to do is make a choice about my living?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
As I continued to struggle with spiritual and emotional issues from
which there seemed to be no escape, I realized that I had to face the big
question of why.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whenever pain happens,
the thought of why will inevitable rise up within us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
I didn’t know why Tabitha committed suicide.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I never will.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And, I’ve come to understand, I don’t have to know why.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will never like that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tabitha is a half-stitched scar upon my
heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes, when I see a group of
kids walking to or from school, laughing, talking, full of life, I’ll see a
gangly red-haired girl, all knobby knees and sharp elbows, and that
half-stitched scar will open, and again I feel grief as total as in its first
hour.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I’ve made meaning of her
suicide and, in making meaning, have made a choice to embrace the pain, but not
embrace the suffering.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Tabitha’s death resulted in much soul searching and much bewilderment
for me for some time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But today, I hold
her in my heart in a loving way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By no
means do I tell you this to say that what I went through was a smooth and
complete process of dealing with my own pain and suffering; it was not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I tell you this because we will all have pain
and suffering in our lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes,
perhaps, suffering is a choice, but it is a very easy, seductive choice. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And when we are fragile, a choice we often
make without ever being aware of it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So
be gentle with yourself, don’t think yourself weak if you find yourself in the
midst of suffering.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Know that you are
not alone, know that life will be waiting for you when you are ready to return
to it, and know that suffering will pass, if you face it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Namaste</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13696702276573978770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1817262490042841260.post-55770060310053825342015-10-12T14:17:00.000-05:002015-10-12T14:18:59.068-05:00Beyond the Normal by Reverend Tom Capo, preached on 10/11/2015<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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Jim Mulac was a member of the congregation I served before
coming here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jim developed a
life-threatening illness, and so asked me to come over to discuss what he
wanted in a Celebration of his Life service and to reflect on how he had lived
his life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jim was a jazz pianist, a
poet, a bookstore owner, a husband, father, and friend to many.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we talked about the service and his life,
he told me of a near death experience that he had many years ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He said that he had an out of body
experience, a heading toward a light, and seeing deceased family and friends
waiting for him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This experience was
transformative for Jim; after this experience he chose to live life as fully as
he could every single day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had been
an atheist before this near death experience; afterwards, he came to believe
that there is something after death—though he pondered till the day he died
what that was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Though perhaps none of you have had a near death experience,
many, most, perhaps all of you have had a uniquely significant experience that
struck you, that was so profound and moving that you were unable to adequately
describe it in words.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And perhaps that
experience did something to you, changed you in some way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many of these types of experiences are
transitory, passing quickly in and out of our consciousness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes these experiences offer some new
insight, wisdom, awareness, perspective.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Some people say that they feel more connected to something larger after
such an experience.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
How do we as Unitarian Universalists make sense of these
kind of “beyond the normal” of experiences?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And how do we share these experiences with one another?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or do we share them with one another?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Doe our DuPage Unitarian Universalist family
feel like enough of a safe and accepting space to share such things?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How would you respond if someone here shared
with you a near death experience?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What
if they shared a mystical experience or a transformative life-changing experience
with you?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In our normal day to day life,
people tend to be more interested in how to be effective and efficient, and not
so much about the extraordinary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
question becomes: is a Unitarian Universalist church an “appropriate” place to
share mystical experiences?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If not, why
not?</div>
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There is truth and wisdom that can be garnered from these
extraordinary experiences.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What is
wisdom?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is it knowledge?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We each have access to much of the world’s
knowledge, something no generation before us has had.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Does knowledge alone help us discern one
truth from another?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is it wisdom that
helps us make sense of our knowledge?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Our life experiences, both the easily explained and the seemingly
inexplicable, our individual and our shared experiences, can assist us in
discerning how we understand, make meaning of, and utilize knowledge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wisdom, then, is that which directs knowledge
so that we may live our values in a way that is congruent with our deepest
selves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How can a “beyond the normal”
experience lead to wisdom; wisdom can lead a person to have a positive impact
on the world.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Think about Francis of Assisi, a late 12 and early 13th
century Catholic preacher and friar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What do you know about him?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some
of us might think about the blessing of animals; this ritual is conducted in
remembrance of St. Francis of Assisi because of his love for all
creatures.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What else do you know about
him?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had a mystical experience and
changed from being a rich boy who spent money on indulgences for himself and
his friends to being a person who renounced all his worldly goods.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He believed that he had received messages
from god to do specific work in the world: rebuilding a church, caring for
people and animals, starting religious orders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Whatever you may think of Francis’s story—Catholic myth or historical
truth or whatever—what most of us can agree on is he had a profound experience,
and made meaning from it in such a way as to have a profound effect on the
world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I believe that some of you here
today have had a profound, perhaps transcendent, experience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And you made meaning from it in such a way as
to benefit humanity, animals, the planet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
American writer, activist and pagan Starhawk talks about a transcendent
experience as a conversion and says, “Conversion is primarily an
unselfing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The first birth of the
individual is into his own little world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He is controlled by the deep-seated instincts of self-preservation and
self-enlargement—instincts which are, doubtless, a direct inheritance from his
brute ancestry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The universe is
organized around his own personality as a center.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>[Conversion, then, is] the larger world-consciousness
now pressing in on the individual consciousness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Often it breaks in suddenly and becomes a
great new revelation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is the first
aspect of conversion: the person emerges from a smaller limited world of
existence into a larger world of being.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His
life becomes swallowed up in a larger whole.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Starhawk reminds us that these experiences can push against our
relatively narrow life focus, giving us the opportunity to have a larger
worldview and to become increasingly un-self focused.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The extent to which we explore this larger
worldview depends on our own choices—how far we are willing to let go of the
self, how comfortable we are in a universe that is not centered around our own
personality.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, how do we reconcile all this mysticism, transcendence
with science?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Neuroscientist David
Eagleman writes, “People wouldn't even go into science unless there was
something much bigger to be discovered, something that is transcendent.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His work is on the edge of science.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is constantly looking for something more,
reaching out to change the world, looking for wonder and awe in life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In a recent blog he writes:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“While medicine will advance in the next half
century, we are not on a crash-course for achieving immortality by curing all
disease.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bodies simply wear down with
use.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are on a crash-course, however,
with technologies that let us store unthinkable amounts of data and run
gargantuan simulations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Therefore, well
before we understand how brains work, we will find ourselves able to digitally
copy the brain's structure and able to download the conscious mind into a
computer.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He feels called, if you will,
to combine psychology, neuroscience, and computer science; he also explores
culture, fiction, and synesthesia--a neurological condition in which
stimulation of one sensory or cognitive pathway leads to automatic involuntary
experiences in a second sensory or cognitive pathway—he wonders if we could
learn to smell though our fingers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What
was the “conversion” experience that birth this neuroscientist?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He fell off a roof when he was a child, and
developed an interest in understanding the neural basis of time
perception.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was how he made meaning
from that profound experience, and now he is having a profound effect on the
world.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I believe we’re primed for transcendent, profound,
transformational experiences; I don’t think it matters whether you are a
humanist, a mystic, an atheist, a Protestant, Catholic, Muslim, Hindu, Jew—or
whatever.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have the opportunity to
re-evaluate our lives, our priorities, to look at the world with wonder and
awe, to break down the barriers that culture has placed before us, to explore
new ways of living, being, and doing in the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These are properties of the human mind and as
far as I am aware, no other living creature has the capacity for transcendent
experiences.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A case could be made that
other plant and animal species adapt to their environments, so as to be more
successful or dominant, but adaptation is not the same as transformation, just
as knowledge is not the same as wisdom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Humans can choose to explore their personal beliefs, can become more
intentionally self-reflective, and can change the world. “People wouldn't even
go into science [or social justice work or ministry or journey into their
selves, their beliefs, their lives] unless there was something much bigger to
be discovered, something that is transcendent.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What meaning will you make of a transcendent or profound
experience?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Will you ignore it?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dismiss it? Ponder it?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Be transformed by it?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What wisdom, enlightenment, insight, wonder
will you take from it?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How un-self-focused
will you become as a result?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When the
larger world consciousness presses on your own consciousness, how will you live
in a universe that is not centered on your own personality?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These are the questions I leave you with as
you back go out into a world that will offer you experiences that are beyond
the normal.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13696702276573978770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1817262490042841260.post-1034988512239626852015-09-21T20:12:00.000-05:002015-09-21T20:12:15.314-05:00Reflections on Yom Kippur by Reverned Tom Capo<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I believe the Buddha said something
like this: “Imagine that you are walking along a path in the forest and
suddenly, out of the trees, comes an arrow and heads right into your
thigh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When the arrow goes into your
thigh, do you say to yourself, ‘I wonder what kind of wood the arrow is made
out of…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wonder where its bird feathers
came from…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wonder how hard the arrow
traveled before it hit me…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>NO! What you
are thinking is, ‘I gotta get this freaking arrow out of my leg!’”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>This makes sense, but so many of us do
not remove the metaphorical arrow from our metaphorical leg.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We dwell on it instead sometimes for years.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>After my father got into recovery from
his alcoholism, he came to me wanting to reconcile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had done his fourth and fifth steps in Alcoholics
Anonymous, a searching and fearless moral inventory, and admitted to God, to
himself, and to another human being the exact nature of his wrongs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And he said before we could reconcile he
needed to make amends to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Now you might wonder why I am telling
you this story when we are talking about Yom Kippur.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First as Bev mentioned earlier, Yom Kippur is
about confessing, being honest in our personal inventory, and then working on
forgiveness and reconciliation with one’s god and other people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My father had certainly done these things. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>But here’s the hitch to all this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the point my father came to me, I was
still in process.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hadn’t done all the
forgiveness work I needed to do and was not sure I was ready for
reconciliation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wanted to think about
it some more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wanted to write about it
some more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wanted to be in control of
when and how this happened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I couldn’t
even conceive of reconciliation with my father.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I was stuck and not sure what to do.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Unitarian Universalist minister Reverend
Forrest Church wrote a sermon on Yom Kippur and talked about this
stuckness:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 200%;">“Look at it this way. You are reading a
book. And then you get stuck. I know it's happened to you. So often it's
happened to me. I read a page and then realize I wasn't paying attention. My
mind wasn't tracking. So I go back to the top and read it again. Simple, right?
No, not so simple. Because, more often than not, when I go back to read the
page again I get even less out of it than I did the first time. I go into a
kind of trance. I concentrate harder, but to no avail. I read sentence after
sentence, and then get to the bottom of the page and again realize I haven't
caught the drift. So I go back to the top. This time I really concentrate. I
read it word by word. I hear the words ring in my brain, but they don't even
compose sentences. The harder I try to get through this page, the more
completely incomprehensible it becomes. I am in a trance, increasingly
frustrated, more and more lost.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In life,
as when reading a book, whenever you are stuck, when the harder you try the
less you comprehend, when you have read the same passage three times with
diminishing returns, my suggestion follows the logic of this sacred season:
‘Turn the page.’”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Reverend Church concludes, “Yes, you will
probably have missed something. But sometimes trying to find something you know
you have missed just delays you from discovering things that await you when you
turn the page. New characters. A twist in plot. Or the development of
character, which almost never happens when we are stuck--when we are going over
the same old page, again and again, caught in a trance, looking for paragraphs
and finding sentences, looking for sentences and finding words. Not able to go
on. Not able to turn the page. Reading the same words, the same thoughts, the
same feelings over and over again, hitting bottom and then going back to the
top of the page, the same page, where we are stuck with ourselves or with
others or with our lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So that's my
message … and the message of the season. If you've read some recent chapter
from the script of your life over and over again, if you keep reading it over
and it's making less and less sense, seal the book, turn the page.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>So, I turned the page with my
father.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I decided to meet with him, even
though I hadn’t done all the work I needed to do, even though I didn’t feel I
was ready, even though I had left so many things unexplored in our
relationship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had been working on
forgiveness of him for my own internal healing, but reconciliation that was
something completely different.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I let
him share his Step work with me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
listened, I accepted his confession, his forgiveness, and his desire for
reconciliation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I was numb.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wanted there to be more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In my head I had turned the page, but in my
heart turning the page was much more difficult.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I wanted to a new beginning with my
father, but it would take some more time for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could now treat him with kindness,
compassion, respect, but I still needed joy, love, and connection to really
turn the page.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew I had just
ear-marked it to come back to it later.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The key was confessing my numbness to
him and working together to find the joy, love and connection that we once had,
and we both wanted to find again.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>In the Jewish faith, Yom Kippur calls
for confession, forgiveness, and reconciliation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We can, through with the help of our
spiritual community here, as well as our own internal resources, do the work of
confession and even forgiveness, knowing sometimes, reconciliation may not be
possible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes, the person is dead,
or is not ready, or you are not ready, or the person is not someone you really
want to reconcile with—perhaps he/she is an abuser—and we have to turn the page
without reconciliation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our heart will
not be fully healed, but we must move on in our lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As Rev. Church says:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“If you've read some recent chapter from the
script of your life over and over again, if you keep reading it over and it's
making less and less sense, seal the book, turn the page.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Seal the book.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Easy to say, hard to do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I told you of a page I had to come back to,
but there are within all of us books that just need to be sealed permanently,
so we can move on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13696702276573978770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1817262490042841260.post-25680976776391631232015-09-21T19:58:00.004-05:002015-09-21T20:02:45.720-05:00Only the Shadow Knows by Reverend Tom Capo<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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In preparation for this sermon, I watched The Shadow, a 1994 movie starring Alec Baldwin—as you saw from the preview, he is the Shadow. A Tibetan Monk says him: “… I … know that for as long as you can remember, you have struggled against your own black heart and always lost. You watched your sprit, your very face change as the beast clawed its way out from within you. You are in great pain, aren't you? You know what evil lurks in the hearts of men, for you have seen that evil in your own heart.” What evil lurks in our hearts? Only the Shadow knows. Only your Shadow knows. So let the adventure begin as we explore the shadows inside each of us. <br />
I can feel my shadow rising when my reaction to something is much larger than it should be. When listening to MSNBC news about how Donald Trump or Scott Walker or Jeb Bush is caught lying or distorting the truth or flip flopping something in my shadow screeches: “They are caught; they are bad; my political party is better. See. Ha Ha Ha….” This poke from something in my shadow tempts me to tarnish those whom I have named other, somehow different from me; while in reality they are human beings like me, imperfect like me, just trying to act on their principles, principles that aren’t ones I share. When I see the other, I dip into the unconscious well of my own disowned darkness with a wide brush and stain the icons I call enemy with the sinister hue of the shadow. I make them into monsters and they must be destroyed, and I must do it with whatever tools that are at my disposal. This is one reason I have difficulty with the political season, it pricks something in my shadow, frequently tainting those whom I feel are enemies and overly embellishing my heroes or heroines. My shadow is deep and dark and strong. I can learn from it, but I cannot allow myself to be completely absorbed by it. <br />
We all have a shadow; it is part of the psychological complexity of human beings. Most of us know what evils lurks in the hearts of men and women, for we have glimpsed those evils in our own hearts. Many times we try to deny the unpleasant impulses, the evil, hidden in our shadow by attributing them or projecting them onto others. We do this to keep ourselves from owning them. <br />
Psychoanalyst Carl Jung developed the concept of the Shadow. He believed that our shadow resides deep inside us, rich with life, and on occasion our shadow pokes up through our psyche. He theorized that many of us will subvert our shadow’s poke to some selfish or destructive use, and if we do, whatever poked us will go back deep inside our Shadow. He goes on to say, “…the less embodied [the Shadow is] in the individual’s conscious life, the blacker and denser it is.” <br />
Sam Keen’s poem describes how this process of projection can lead to identifying what you fear, your “enemies.” In most cases the enemy is something or someone who reflects what is in our “unconscious well” or “disowned darkness.” When we react intensely to a quality in an individual or group--such as lethargy or ignorance, assertiveness or success, sensuality or spirituality--and that reaction consumes us with great loathing or admiration, this may be our own shadow showing. We have all done this. Have you said at one time or another: "I don't know how she could wear that outfit." "This is the third time you arrived late without calling me." “You look like something the cat dragged in—just kidding.” This may be your shadow showing. <br />
The late psychiatrist RD Laing put it best: <br />
The range of what we think and do <br />
is limited by what we fail to notice. <br />
And because we fail to notice <br />
that we fail to notice <br />
there is little we can do to change <br />
until we notice <br />
how failing to notice <br />
shapes our thoughts and deeds. <br />
Classicist ER Dodds writes: “Only those who know their capacity for lust, greed, rage, gluttony, and for all things excessive--who have understood and accepted their own potential for inappropriate extremes--can choose to regulate and humanize their actions.” We all have the potential for these excesses. Our desire for excess--that we may have put firmly in our shadow--still can shape our thoughts and deeds. Let’s say I want to buy the ultimate H-3 Hummer—the largest most elite of the Hummer series. I don’t just want it; I obsess over my desire. I spend hours on the internet looking at colors and styles and option packages. I daydream about the adventures in my Hummer will take me on; how glamorous I’ll look stepping down from the cab at the Lincoln Center or how serene I will feel when I gaze upon the Grand Canyon from its luxurious front seat. But a Hummer is voracious gas guzzler—sucking up our natural resources—and it is expensive—wasting dollars that could serve a better purpose—it just seems morally wrong for someone like me who cherishes the planet and humanity to buy such a vehicle. So I push this excessive, this bad, desire into the shadow, denying I ever had this desire. Later a friend buys a really nice new car, let’s say Lexus 460 Luxury SUV; suddenly my shadow looms up and takes control, and I react negatively—perhaps ridiculing my friend for her ostentatious purchase or pointing out all the problems she will face with this obviously morally wrong, gas inhaling vehicle. I might get a little, I dunno, preachy. If you feel an overwhelming, powerful–though not always negative—emotion, this could be your shadow showing. When you notice an emotional poke from your shadow, you can choose to not let it control your reactions, and you can take the opportunity to reflect on the experience, putting light into your shadow. By the way, I don’t really want a Hummer, but maybe fuel efficient Lexus ES 300h. Grey. With heated seats. And maybe remote ignition. <br />
If a culture is to be viable, there must to be certain agreed-upon moral standards, what is right or good, that those in the society agree to live by. As we grow up, our parents, teachers, ministers, authority figures, and peers school us on what is right and what is wrong, what is acceptable behavior and what is not, what is okay to think or say and what is taboo. As we learn and as we decide for ourselves what is right and wrong, we put certain aspects of ourselves into some place deep inside ourselves—in our shadow. Alexander Solzhenitsyn wrote, "If only it were all so simple! If only there were evil people somewhere insidiously committing evil deeds, and it were necessary only to separate them from the rest of us and destroy them. But the line dividing good and evil cuts through the heart of every human being. And who is willing to destroy a piece of his own heart?" We try to hide away our aggressive impulses, our violent rages, our selfish needs, our deepest insecurities, our paralyzing pain. Some of our aspects may truly be evil or destructive to others or ourselves but many of our shadow aspects are our submerged dreams, fantasies, even talents. <br />
According to Jungian analyst Liliane Frey-Rohn, this dark treasury includes our infantile parts, emotional attachments, and neurotic symptoms, as well as our undeveloped talents and gifts. The shadow, she says, "retains contact with the lost depths of the soul, with life and vitality--the superior, the universally human, yes, even the creative can be sensed there." <br />
I had placed in my shadow, deep in my unconscious, a pre-teen desire to be a priest. My mother reminded me of this when I decided to pursue ordained ministry; she said when I had told her I wanted to be a priest she had dissuaded me, encouraging me instead to pursue my interest in computers. And so my desire for the priesthood was submerged, despite its potential to be a positive, energizing force in my life. She didn’t mean any harm; she just felt the Catholic priesthood was not a good career choice for her 11 year old son. People throughout our lives say or do things that cause us to choose to put part of ourselves into the shadow. It’s just part of the societal schooling from the authority figures and peers I talked about earlier. And my purpose is not to make the parents here feel paranoid about what they say to their children. We’re all doing our best here. Even the mythical perfect parent, who does everything single thing right every single second of every single day would still give a message that would cause their child to some part of themselves into the Shadow. It is not about what you say; it is about how we hear and how we make sense of what we hear. <br />
In order to honor what is in the shadow, to further integrate our whole selves, we need to find ways to develop awareness of all aspects of ourselves. Developing awareness of the shadow calls for breaking old habits and cultivating dormant talents. As R. D. Lang said, “The range of what we think and do is limited by what we fail to notice.” "Shadow-work" is a term that refers to the continuing effort to develop an active relationship with the shadow. A healthier relationship with our shadow brings gifts. Through “shadow work”, we can achieve a more genuine self-acceptance; understand ourselves more completely; diffuse the negative emotions that unexpectedly erupt in our daily lives; and recognize the projections that color our opinions of others. <br />
After thirty-plus years, I finally heeded the “call” to become a minister that I had put in my shadow. Was I scared facing my shadow? You bet. Did I have a lot of self-doubt? Sure did. Did I feel like everything that I had ever known about myself was about to change, radically? Yup. However, I cannot tell you the positive difference this intentional, eyes-wide-open dance with my shadow has made in the quality of my life. I now honor my call to help others explore their own spiritual choices; I now honor my call to make our world a better place; I feel impassioned to read, study, write, and preach. My calling fills me with joyful, dynamic energy that I had never had before I tangoed with Shadow, even on the toughest of days. Is my life always butterflies and sunshine? Of course not. But it is authentically lived, and I am more integrated, more in alignment with who I am, because I said “yes” to dancing with my shadow. <br />
We need to remember that the shadow reveals itself again and again, always in our visceral responses to external or internal stimuli or cues, always giving us the opportunity to learn more about ourselves and grow emotionally and spiritually. Our task is to refrain from becoming reactive or destructive when our shadow rises, and instead notice it, learn from it, integrate our shadow into our conscious being in order to become more whole. I invite you to listen to your shadow through your heart, through your body’s reactions to life. Let your shadow show you something that has been lying dormant inside of you. The experiences can be astounding. German poet, Rainer Maria Rilke, reflects on his new experiences as a result of his relationship with his shadow, "...I can see farther into paintings, I feel closer to what language can't reach." During times of being connected to our shadow, we are both less self-conscious, while at the same time experiencing an expanded sense of self--a deeper sense of our own center--and a melting away of the usual boundaries separating us from the world. Life can be beautiful and life can hurt like hell. British Jungian analyst Liz Greene points to the paradoxical nature of the shadow as both the container of darkness and the beacon pointing toward the light: "It is the suffering, crippled side of the personality which is both the dark shadow that won't change and also the redeemer that transforms one's life and alters one's values. The redeemer can get the hidden treasure or win the princess or slay the dragon because he's marked in some way--he's abnormal. The shadow is both the awful thing that needs redemption, and the suffering redeemer who can provide it." If you seek out what is in your shadow, if you watch for it whenever it erupts, and then embrace it, you can be the redeemer who can provide the redemption you need. I urge you to courageously search for the emotional and spiritual nourishment, enlightenment, passion, and redemption that is within your shadow. I’ll close with another quote by Rilke: “Perhaps all the dragons in our lives are princesses who are only waiting to see us act, just once, with beauty and courage. Perhaps everything that frightens us is in its deepest essence, something helpless that wants our love.” Walking with your shadow, intentionally and consciously, is an act of beauty and courage which can lead to loving your hidden self. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13696702276573978770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1817262490042841260.post-42086313657089706322015-06-16T09:00:00.000-05:002015-06-17T22:38:30.125-05:00Sunday Service: Modern Judaism - June 14th, 2015<h3>
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<span style="font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Modern Judaism</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">By Reverend Tom Capo</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">06/14/2015</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">From the Babylonian Talmud, comes these words: </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"> “In the hour when an individual is brought before the heavenly court for judgment, the person is asked: Did you conduct your [business] affairs honestly? Did you set aside regular time for Torah study? Did you work at having children? Did you look forward to the world’s redemption?” </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Please note that “Did you believe in God?” and “Did you observe all the rituals?” are not considered as the first questions to be asked of a Jewish person when they are reunited with God, according to this Rabbinic text.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I titled this sermon Modern Judaism, but that is not an entirely accurate title. I am actually going to talk about Rabbinic Judaism, the Judaism that all sects of the Jewish people recognize as their faith. What is Rabbinic Judaism? We will need to consider a little Jewish history to answer that question.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">In the fourth year of his reign, around 833 BCE, the Jewish King Solomon found himself at peace with his neighbors and began the construction of the Temple, a place where the Jewish peoples could come to ground themselves in the practices and rituals of their faith. The site chosen by King David was the top of Mount Moriah, where Abraham had once proved his readiness to offer up his dearly beloved son in obedience to G d's command. The practices and rituals of the temple were led by Jewish priests. Now many of the Jewish people made regular pilgrimages to the Temple--the temple and the priests were in Jerusalem--but for most of the Jewish people that was a very long way to go. They needed people to teach the children Hebrew and to hold a recognition ceremony when a child became an adult, a Bar Mitzvah, and to help the Jewish people in the towns and villages remember, practice, and interpret the basic tenets of their faith, and those were the Rabbis. Rabbis were and are Jewish scholars, people trained in Jewish law, ritual, and tradition, discerning what is lawful in Judaism and performing Jewish ceremonies. It was during the first destruction of the Temple, when Israel was defeated and the Jewish people were exiled to Babylonia, that the role of the Rabbi increased in significance. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, we also wept, when we remembered Zion. We hung our lyres on the willows in its midst. For there those who carried us away captive required of us a song; and those who tormented us required of us mirth, saying, Sing us one of the songs of Zion. How shall we sing the Lord's song in a foreign land? If I forget you, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget her cunning. If I do not remember you, let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth; if I do not set Jerusalem above my highest joy. (Psalms 137:1-6)</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">While the people of Israel grieved the loss of their country and their Temple, they still practiced their faith. The Rabbis, rather than the Temple or the priests, were called upon to ground the people in their faith. It is also believed by many scholars that during this exile the Talmud, the central text of Rabbinic Judaism, was written. This text contains commentaries and stories written by Rabbis to help the Jewish people interpret the Jewish Bible, its laws and traditions.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">The story that Jo Linsley shared with us today is an allegoric Rabbinic story of the final sacking and destruction of the temple in Jerusalem in 70 CE by the Romans. The jewels are the tenets of the Jewish faith, G-d’s teachings. The Jewish people are the pigeons. The castle was the State of Israel or the Temple in Jerusalem. Rabbi Tzvi Freeman writes of this story: “In our history, the pattern of destruction and exile has repeated itself many times. We began in exile, in the land of Egypt. Then there was the destruction of the first Holy Temple and exile to Babylonia, and then the second destruction and a very lengthy exile, which we still endure. There is no other nation that has been spread so far apart, yet retained identity as a single whole, always with hope to return. And all of it was part of G-d’s divine plan, to retrieve all the sparks of holiness. Which is what we did, because wherever we go, we use the materials, the foods, the music, the customs of that place in a Torah way.” </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">“But now has come the time for us to all return home” is how the story ends. This can mean the country of Israel; the spiritual home of the Jewish people has returned. Or it could mean that the Jewish people have created new homes for their faith wherever they live in community with one another. The latter meaning is closer to a Rabbinical vision of the Jewish faith. This tradition, with all its destructions and exiles, had to find a new home, a home wherever they were. The Jewish people carry their faith in their hearts and through their lives, not in a Temple or even in a country. Those externals are fragile and can be taken away. Only when a faith lives within the person and through the way they live their lives can it never be taken away. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Today, Rabbis are called by congregations to be their teachers, to teach Hebrew, to celebrate life’s transitions, to lead worship, to interpret the various holy books of their faith—the Tanakh (the Jewish Bible), the Talmud (Rabbinic writings from 200 CE and 500 CE), the Shulchan Aruch (Code of Jewish Law), the Mishneh Torah (Rabbi Maimonides’ understanding of the code of Jewish Law), the Zohar (a mystical Midrash—a Midrash is a book of homiletic stories told by Jewish rabbinic sages to explain passages in the Tanakh) and other prayer books and written theologies. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">In many ways for the Jewish people, revelation is not sealed. With the Rabbinic tradition, the scholarly approach to their faith, a rational exploration of their faith, the Jewish people deeply examine the writings of their holy books, the foundation of which is the Torah—what we might know as the first five books of the Christian Holy Bible. Bereshit, which literally means "In the beginning", is known to Christians as “Genesis”; Shemot, which literally means "Names", is known to Christians “Exodus”; Vayikra, which literally "And He called", the book of Leviticus; Bəmidbar, which literally "In the desert [of]", the book of Numbers; and Devarim, which literally "Things" or "Words", is known to Christians as the book of Deuteronomy.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Remember the questions at the beginning of the sermon: Did you conduct your [business] affairs honestly? Did you set aside regular time for Torah study? Did you work at having children? Did you look forward to the world’s redemption?” According to Rabbi Joseph Telushkin, these questions “unequivocally assert that ethics is at Judaism’s core; god’s first concern is with a person’s decency…The second question concerns Torah study, for Judaism teaches that through studying the Torah, a person learns how to be fully moral, and how to be a part of the Jewish people…third comes having children…Rabbi Irving Greenberg notes that raising a family fulfills the “covenantal obligation to pass on the dream and work of perfecting the world for another generation.”…fourth is hoping for and working toward this very perfection…Jews are part of a people and a broader world, and Judaism imposes on the Jewish people the obligation to help bring about the repair (or perfection) of the world…Rabbi Tarfon teaches “It is not your obligation to complete the task [of perfecting the world], but neither are you free to desist [from doing all you can]” When a Jewish child is born, this prayer is offered:</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">May the parents rear this child to adulthood imbued with love of Torah and the performance of good deeds, and may they escort him/her to the wedding canopy.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">In the practice the Jewish faith, at least from my impressions and exposure, there is a strong emphasis on working for justice and equity in our society. I have spent time with Rabbis in Iowa and in Texas working for GLBT rights, Women’s reproductive rights, stopping the death penalty, and many other issues. My friend, Rabbi Todd Thalblum, who is serving Temple Judah in Cedar Rapids, spoke side by side with me before the media and other groups on marital equality; and Rabbi Aaron Sherman, worked tirelessly with myself and other interfaith leaders to create civil, respectful, healing dialogue with the Imams in Cedar Rapids, especially when there was escalation in the Middle East. It is written in the Tanakh book of Jeremiah:</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Thus said the Lord: Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom; let not the strong man glory in his strength; let not the rich man glory in his riches. But only in this should one glory; In his earnest devotion to Me. For I the Lord act with kindness, justice and equity in the world; For in these I delight.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I have not met a Rabbi or a Jewish person who “glories” in their work to make this world a better, kinder, more just and equitable place. They do this work steadily and without need for acclaim or reward. And perhaps that is the best way to practice one’s faith: do good works without anyone knowing.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">There is one more principle that you might not know about the Jewish people that I would like to share with you. This is from the Ethics of Fathers, is a treatise of the Mishna—one of the Jewish holy canonical scriptures-- that details the Torah's views on ethics and interpersonal relationships.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">The world endures because of three activities: Torah study, worship of God, and deeds of loving kindness.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">What has kept the Jewish religion vital, even with all its exiles, its diasporas? And I don’t mean to say that an exile is an entirely bad thing, it can be uncomfortable, even painful, but the reality is we all experience them, in one form or fashion, at one time or another, in our lives or another. These are times when we are separated from what we consider our normal, routine, when life changes in some significant way, or in a way that feels significant. These routines provide time for us to reflect, contemplate, consider direction, meaning, and purpose in our lives, for these will change as we grow and we learn and as we experience the world. And the Jewish people have not only lived these exiles in their history, they have ritualized them in their worship and traditions. This has helped their religion remain vital.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">In addition, what has kept the Jewish people vital is their consistency in the practice of their faith. They are consistent in living an ethical lifestyle, consistent in using their heart and mind to deeply study their religion, and consistent in reflecting on and trying to improve the effect of their lives on the world. And since Unitarian Universalist roots are Judeo-Christian, we share this heritage of consistency in the practice of our faith. How we live Unitarian Universalism will be different from how the Jews live Judaism, but do we not also consistently affirm study, worship, and lovingkindness? Should we not also live these with consistency?</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Judaism’s rational scholarly approach to faith, the Jewish people’s justice work are qualities that Unitarian Universalists not only relate to, but prize in their own lives and their own faith walk. If you have not attended a service at synagogue, I would encourage you to do so. If you have not attended one of our church’s Jewish Heritage events here, I would encourage you to do so. Let yourself experience another faith which shares some of our values, but walks them in a different way than we do. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">One final story from 3rd century Rabbinic writing:</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">A mortal king…had two servants whom he loved with perfect love. To one he gave a measure of wheat, and to the other he gave a measure of wheat; to one he gave a bundle of flax, and to the other he gave a bundle of flax. What did the clever one of the two do? He took the wheat and made it into fine flour by sifting the grain and grinding it. Then he kneaded the dough and baked it, set the loaf of bread on the table, spread the napkin over the bread, and left it to wait the coming of the king. But the foolish one of the two did nothing at all. After a while the king came into his house and said to his two servants: my sons bring me what I gave you. One brought out the table with the loaf of bread baked of fine flour on it and with the napkin spread over the bread. The other brought out his wheat in a basket with a bundle of flax over the wheat grains. What a shame! So, too, when the Holy One gave the Torah to Israel, God gave it as wheat to be turned into fine flour and as flax to be turned into cloth for garments. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Many of the Jewish people, at least those I have met, work to turn what they have been given, their lives and their faith, into something of substance in this world. This is what they have been taught to do, yes, but it is what they have also chosen to do. We too, as Unitarian Universalists, have been given much, a rich history, our Principles and Purposes statement, our beloved communities of openness and exploration; these are our wheat and flax. What will we do with this wheat and flax we have been given? How will we consistently live out the faith in our heart of hearts in this world and in our community? How will we study our faith, history, religion? How will we internalize our faith, so that whatever happens in the world, our faith will be preserved? May these questions be on our hearts and in our minds, and may we seek and find the answers that will preserve our faith. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Amen.</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13696702276573978770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1817262490042841260.post-4689385014111861452015-05-26T15:34:00.000-05:002015-06-02T15:36:05.195-05:00Sunday Service: How Do We Help Each Other? May 24th, 2015<div class="p1" style="text-align: center;">
<span class="s1">How Do We Help One Another</span></div>
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<span class="s1">By Reverend Tom Capo</span></div>
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<span class="s1">Delivered on 5/24/2015</span></div>
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<span class="s1"> A lot of things drew me to DuPage Unitarian Universalist Church last year: your hunger for social justice/social action causes, your hands-on involvement with PADS and Bridges, helping homeless individuals and families, your eagerness to embrace the use of technology on Sunday mornings. Another quality that made this church stand out for me was the way you take care of each other, and in particular, the Pastoral Ministry Associates, or PMA, Committee. Revitalized in 2012, the PMA have been able and effective partners in ministry. They call people, write cards, monitor our Joys and Concerns Facebook page, and generally reach out to the people here in this community who are in crisis, in need, in pain. This past year our PMA Committee created an on-call schedule to keep track of and follow up with the many members and friends in need. And one of the things I love about this congregation is that many of you have formally or informally reached out to people in need in this congregation to give them help and/or support. This winter and spring in particular, have seen an uptick in the number of members and friends who have needed some support, and I have been so gratified and impressed by the consistently nurturing and caring responses this community offers. DuPage Unitarian Universalist Church is truly a community of love and truly understands how important expressing that love for one another is. </span><br />
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<span class="s1"> And yet, this community, we, are not like one of Shakespeare’s fictional characters. Our bounty is not “boundless as the sea.” And so many times, though we love truly and deeply, we don’t find that “the more [love we] give… the more [we] have” to give. While there is truth in how our hearts can grow as we share our love with one another and with people in need, unlike a fictional character, our love is not infinite. We are human, and like it or not, we have limits. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">Many of us have been working long and hard this year helping members and friends who are in need, and I’ve wondered about whether some of us might experience some compassion fatigue.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">“You cannot say, I need you</span></div>
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<span class="s1">So you say, I like your shoes</span></div>
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<span class="s1">I cannot say, I see your gods have failed you</span></div>
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<span class="s1">So I say, your eyes look so sad</span></div>
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<span class="s1">You fold your arms, the sentences for my crimes is life</span></div>
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<span class="s1">I lean in, let’s look at those chains</span></div>
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<span class="s1">You look past me, eyes wide, I am alone</span></div>
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<span class="s1">And the night is coming for me</span></div>
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<span class="s1">My heart pounds</span></div>
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<span class="s1">Knowing what waits there</span></div>
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<span class="s1">Your breath stops to keep</span></div>
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<span class="s1">The next door locked and shut</span></div>
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<span class="s1">But my left foot</span></div>
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<span class="s1">Is already in it</span></div>
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<span class="s1">Outside the trees</span></div>
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<span class="s1">Are restless with light</span></div>
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<span class="s1">In the settling quiet</span></div>
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<span class="s1">Each filament of dust</span></div>
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<span class="s1">Streaming in from earth or star</span></div>
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<span class="s1">Delivers us, mote by mote</span></div>
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<span class="s1">From the hour of undoing</span></div>
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<span class="s1">Into the hour of mercy</span></div>
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<span class="s1">On what wings</span></div>
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<span class="s1">We cannot say”</span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>This poem was written by psychotherapist, mystic, and poet Frances Hatfield. </span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span class="Apple-tab-span"></span> I want to be clear that we will always have people in need in the congregation and we should be willing as a community to step up and be there to help them. This sermon is not about telling people who are in pain, who are suffering, to “suck it up.” This sermon is about how we care for others and care for ourselves.</span></div>
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<span class="s1"> At one time or another, all of us, every one of us in this community, will be in need—when someone we love dies, when we lose a job, when we suffer a disaster; we are all breakable, subject to damage—physically, mentally, emotionally-- and subject to the stresses, chaos, unforeseen circumstances, genetics that we have no control over that will impact our lives. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">We are a beloved community. This means that we want to encourage those who are in pain, hurt, damaged in some way, to ask for help from us because we love them. I know that you want to be able to help everyone who asks. And I want us to be able to express our love to one another, especially when we know someone in this community is in need. The big question for me is how do we care for one another as a church community?</span></div>
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<span class="s1"> And from that comes questions like: What does it mean “to get support from this church.” What does it look like? Does it always look the same? What does it mean if one or two congregants give emotional or spiritual aid to a hurting member? Does getting help from one or two members “count” as getting support from this church? If not, why not?</span></div>
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<span class="s1"> “What is it, to suffer? Is it to allow myself to be as I am, to stay with myself as I am? To suffer my neighbor to be as he or she is—to stay with closely, not expecting them to be other than how they are? First I need to find the possibility of allowing, of accepting however I find myself to be, before I can extend that sympathy to another being. In such suffering may be born a moment of being more of who I really am, really experiencing who my neighbor is, and through that may come for a moment the joy of everything being more in place, a sense of order appearing.”</span></div>
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<span class="s1">This was written by spiritual teacher Georges Ivanovich Gurdjieff's first American pupil, Rosemary Nott</span></div>
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<span class="s1"> Like any “good” Unitarian Universalist minister, I do not have the “right” answers to the many questions that I have posed. However, I do have some thoughts. I do believe that the most important thing we can offer one another is love, emotional support, an ear to listen, a shoulder to cry on, an arm to lean upon, and an open heart to share the pain of another. </span></div>
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<span class="s1"> After many of our Services, you will find a member of the Companions Group or the PMA sitting at the back of the sanctuary. They are there simply to listen to those who cannot give voice to a concern or sorrow in front of all of us. They don’t judge; they don’t psychologize or try to solve your problem. They are there to offer a safe nurturing space for you to share what you feel comfortable sharing. Some of us are so private that sharing concerns, sorrows, or needs is too difficult, too daunting. And yet, we’re still here to walk with you on the rocky parts of the road. When you are ready to share, we will be here for you.</span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span class="Apple-tab-span"></span> Many of us, myself included, are fixers and eager to give advice or referrals. But my belief is that we are better suited to walk alongside a person who is struggling--listening, companioning them as they find their way--rather than pointing them to the solution, a solution that might or might not work for their situation or for who he/she is as a person. When we, myself included, try to fix someone else’s problem for them, we inadvertently send a message of disempowerment, of dependence. I want to be very clear about what I am saying here. Fixing the problem is different from offering support to the person who is experiencing the problem. Fixing a problem for someone is a short-term solution that has its locus in you, the fixer. Offering support to the person experiencing the problem empowers that person by setting the locus of problem-solving in that person, the person who “owns” the problem. </span></div>
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<span class="s1"> Remember what I said in the child dedication: “There will be some pain in his life that we cannot protect him from, but through the pain we will be with him.” Everyone we love, everyone we are in relationship with, including those in this congregation, needs us to walk with them through the pain they experience, as they heal, as they find their own solutions.</span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span class="Apple-tab-span"></span> Sometimes people here don’t need a companion; they need some resources. They need people to move things, mow lawns, change tires; or they need money to pay rent, to buy food, to get gas; or they need things like furniture, a car, clothing. There is money in our Ministerial Discretionary Fund to help congregants in need, but the amount is limited. Some of you have offered additional funds to help those in need. Some of you have driven people to appointments, fixed someone’s tires, given or loaned clothing. Our TLC Committee has helped organize some of this help, but some of this help has been spontaneous. When the need is expressed, there is someone to help. Many of you have given to others here in ways that I am not even aware of. You take care of each other. It is one of the many things I love about this church; one of the things I love about all of you. </span></div>
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<span class="s1"> “Let your life speak. Have the patience to be silent and listen for truth. Then have the courage to let the best that is in you direct your actions. Recognize that your true identity is nothing more or less than the way in which you conduct your public and private affairs—the way which, for good or ill, you let your life speak.”</span></div>
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<span class="s1"> This was written by the former headmaster of Sidwell Friends School in Washington. D.C., the country's largest Quaker day school, Robert Lawrence Smith. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">Our love is “boundless as the sea.” Our love, however, is housed in bodies that grow tired, emotions that become frayed, spirits that become weary with caring so very much about what happens to the people we love. Realistically, we all have limits. What are those limits? And what happens if we push our limits? </span></div>
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<span class="s1"> Imagine a pot filled with cold water. A frog is quietly swimming in it. The fire is lit under that pot. Water slowly begins warming up. Soon it becomes lukewarm. The frog finds this rather pleasant and keeps swimming. The temperature slowly keeps rising. Water is now warm. It’s a little more than what the frog enjoys; it becomes a bit tired, but it doesn’t panic. Water is now really warm. The frog finds that unpleasant, but it has also become weak. The temperature keeps rising up to the moment the frog is cooked, without ever extracting itself from the pot.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">We all know what it feels to be a boiled frog because we have been there at some point in our life. To prevent compassion fatigue we need to pay attention, develop self-awareness and recognize when the temperature is rising, by becoming familiar with the signs given by our body, emotions, and thoughts, such as physical, emotional, mental, or spiritual tiredness, diminished self-care, resentment or even skepticism toward those in need. We are expending mental, emotional, physical and spiritual energy when we help another person. We need to pay attention to our bodies’ messages and notice when feelings of tiredness, of resentment, of skepticism start, and jump out of the pot to take care of themselves for a while, setting ourselves as the priority, before jumping back into the pot to help again.</span></div>
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<span class="s1"> You all are very giving people. You want to help, especially help friends when they are in need. But sometimes, saying “no, I am not able to help you right now” is the best response to maintain the healthy relationship you have with another person and for the healthy relationship you have with yourself. Much as you may want to, it is not healthy to empty yourself out to help another person. Chances are, they wouldn’t expect you to do that. And you wouldn’t expect someone to do that for you. There is a difference between “give what you are able” and “give til you destroy a relationship or give til it causes you a debilitating illness or give til you have nothing left to give to yourself or anyone else.” That’s not healthy for you, for the person you are helping, or for our community. We have to model for one another appropriate ways to care for one another. This doesn’t mean we help each other all the time, in every situation, expending ourselves until we’ve emptied ourselves out. This means we help one another in ways that we are able, and that we recognize our limitations—limitations with our time, money, any of our resources, including our mental, emotional, and spiritual health. And we realize that we are community—there are others who can help when we are unable to.</span></div>
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<span class="s1"> Back to a couple of questions I asked at the beginning of this sermon: “What does it mean ‘to get support from this church.’ What does it look like? Does it always look the same? What does it mean if one or two congregants give emotional or spiritual aid to a hurting member?” Does getting help from one or two members “count” as “getting support from this church? If not, why not?” How help is given, who gives the help, will be unique to each situation. My hope is that we all understand that when one of us reaches out to a member who is in need, that is our beloved community reaching out to that person—“The church” is you, each and every one of you. When one of us helps another in this community, the church is helping that person. We are a beloved community and how each one of us treats or helps another is a reflection of this whole community. It may not be the minister who comes to see you in the hospital; it might be Pat Lichtman, or Jack Seacrest or Sue Ross or Jo Linsley or someone else from this community who reaches out to you—and when he/she does, remember it is all of us in spirit who are with him/her in your hospital room, sharing our love. </span></div>
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<span class="s1"> Mark Morrison-Reed writes: “The central task of a religious community is to unveil the bonds that bind each to all. There is a connectedness, a relationship amid the particulars of our own lives and the lives of others … It is the church that assures us that we are not struggling alone … The religious community is essential, for alone our vision is too narrow to see all that must be seen, and our strength is too limited to do all that must be done. Together, our vision widens and our strength is.” Together, my friends, we help one another. Together we are able to do more and be more for one another. The central task of our church is to love one another and I am here to tell you, the members of this church wake up in the morning and they do that. You do that. You each make a difference in each other’s lives. May we continue to unveil the bonds that bind us one to another in this beloved community. So may it always be.</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13696702276573978770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1817262490042841260.post-60232533120020787192015-05-12T10:00:00.000-05:002015-05-12T10:00:07.593-05:00Sunday Service: Where is the Love in the Political Parties? Sunday May 10th 2015<div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; margin-bottom: 8px; text-align: center;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Where is the Love in the Political Parties?</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">By Reverend Tom Capo</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Preached on 5/10/2015</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>In Washington and in most state capitols, finger pointing, blaming, yelling, discrediting, and finding fault in the “other” political party is how our government is working, or rather not working. Calling Republicans Nazis and Democrats Communists is not uncommon for political pundits on the left and on the right. Gerrymandering districts and huge amounts of money, with the accompanying political influence, are the way politicians stay in power. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Here is Political Scientist, Paul Enrique C. Casas’ view of today’s political conundrum. Liberals feel change is good. And those on the extreme left want lots of change/change everything. Conservatives want to change slowly and have very little change. And on the extreme right, they want no change or even want some of the changes that has happened reversed. Both Democrats and Republicans who are moderate in their political views want to change some things and leave others alone. At least right now few of those moderates are getting elected or even want to be involved in politics because they believe that the radicals and reactionaries in the two political parties have taken over and are unwilling to compromise. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>With the extreme left and right controlling the political parties, it is not surprising that the party who is in the majority acts like the crocodile man who owns fire and refuses to share it. Is it any wonder there is so little love between our politicians and political parties? Where is the rainbow bird to whisk away the fire, to show them how to share that power?</span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">“Humankind has not woven the web of life. We are but one thread within it. Whatever we do to the web, we do to ourselves. All things are bound together. All things connect. ~ Chief Seattle</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">We believe each person has intrinsic worth, and should be treated with dignity and respect. They should be afforded universal human rights because they are humans and they have worth. Universal human rights should not be denied them because of some specific characteristic or difference.”</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Let’s step back for a moment and look at Democrats and Republican and examine the broad generalizations of each of these political parties. A Democrat is typically known as a supporter of a broader range of social services in America than those advocated by Republicans; in other words Democrats want the government to play a role in helping others and the party supports a larger government. Republican philosophy is based on a limited influence of government, particularly the federal government, and a powerful and influential foreign policy.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>One study done at the University of Pennsylvania found: Modern Republicans’ moral foundations are embodied in concepts like individuality and loyalty; modern Democrats’ moral foundations are embodied in concepts like equality and protection (Intern. Journal of Research in Marketing, June 30, 2011).</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“We found that while both Republicans and Democrats tend to equally value justice and caring for the vulnerable, Republicans place a much higher value on issues of [ideological] purity [like being a “true conservative” or a “true Christian”] and respect for authority,” said Karen Page Winterich, study co-author and assistant professor of marketing at Pennsylvania State University. “Given these differences, Republicans are more inclined to donate to a charity when these values of purity and respect are met, whereas Democrats are more inclined to donate when the emphasis is purely on equality or protection rather than respect or purity.”</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>As I continued to explore political differences, I can across this article in the Journal of Applied Social Psychology (Feb 23 2009): “Although claimed differences in values have played a prominent role in recent U.S. politics, the value systems of typical Republicans and Democrats have not been evaluated [recently]. In 4 studies, party members were compared on extrinsic (money—financial stability, popularity—wanting to be liked, image) and intrinsic (intimacy, helping, growth) values. Republicans were consistently higher on extrinsic relative to intrinsic values; while Democrats were higher on the intrinsic value of helping needy others.” Some of you might not agree with these generalizations and some of you might believe that this research paints a picture of one party being better, however you would define better, than the other. I want to emphasize that what I am describing is differences between groups, not judging one group as bad and the other as good, not that certain values are better or worse. They’re just different. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">“You need not think alike to love alike. ~ Francis David, Unitarian</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">We believe, despite the differences in ideology throughout our country, we should try to maintain some level of civility and respect in interactions, working through conflict for the benefit of our country.”</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>As a religious community what effect can we have upon our politicians to find some love, to encourage them to be better leaders of to our country? Jim Castelli, a journalist wrote: “Religion is bad for American politics when it undermines the civil religion: when it speaks of political matters with the certitude of faith in a pluralistic society in which faith cannot be used as a political standard; when it treats opponents as agents of Satan; when it weakens a sense of national community; when it violates the precept of the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom which formed the basis for the First Amendment -- the precept that any American should no more be treated any differently than any other American on the basis of his or her opinions about religion than on the basis of his or her opinions on literature or geometry … Religion is good for American politics when it supports the civil religion; when it speaks out with civility and respect; when it accepts the principles of tolerance and pluralism; when it appeals to a shared sense of morality and not to religious authority or doctrine; when it reminds us that we are a community, not a collection of isolated individuals; when it reminds us that we are our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers.”</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">“Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets. ~ Christian New Testament Book of Matthew 7:12</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">We believe all people, especially those who are disabled or economically disadvantaged, should be able to get basic needs met. Although many non-governmental organizations do honorable and necessary work in meeting the needs of the less fortunate, the government’s efforts are absolutely essential and need to be maintained at adequate levels. As (Democrat) Vice-President Hubert Humphrey once stated, ‘The moral test of government is how it treats those who are in the dawn of life, the children; those who are in the twilight of life, the elderly; and those who are in the shadows of life, the sick, the needy, and the handicapped.’” </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">In the Fall of 2012, members of the Inter-Religious Council of Linn County, of which I was a Board member, decided that they were sick and tired of all the fighting and finger pointing in our government and decided to do something. We sent a letter to all the people who govern us—our mayor, our city council people, our state representatives, our federal representatives, and the President of the United States. All of them received the same letter, signed by all the religious leaders in our Council. There are excerpts from the letter in this sermon (see quotes embedded in sermon). The letter contained quotes from holy books, religious and spiritual women and men, along with what we, a group of diverse religious leaders, felt were important principles and values: civility, respect, compassion, charity, stewardship, fairness, equality, peaceful resolution to conflict. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Whether or not this letter would make any difference, we felt we had to do something. We could not stand by and watch our government being ineffective, uncivil, unkind, disrespectful, and divisive. We believed that our legislators needed to be reminded about the shared values of we, the People. We did receive a few letters back from various government officials, some form letters, one handwritten, some local, some national, in appreciation for what we had done. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>We ended the letter with this: “As you contemplate these principles, our desire is that you will embody them in the work you do. In difficult times, these standards are often neglected. May you uphold and reflect these in your decision making and leadership of our country. You are invited to respond with your views and comments. Also, we request that you share this letter with your colleagues. The prayers and blessings of our many faiths be with you.”</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">“Unitarian Universalist Dr. Bruce T. Marshal wrote: ‘Optimism, as I understand it, is an attitude of expectation that a particular result will occur—that a person will recover from illness, that we will achieve a specific goal, that the Publisher’s Clearing House will pick my number from among the billions submitted. The dictionary defines optimism as “an inclination to anticipate the best possible outcome.’”</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Hope is less specific. It’s an attitude that looks for possibility in whatever life deals us. Hope does not anticipate a particular outcome, but keeps before us the possibility that something useful will come.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">We are told that an optimistic outlook is a good thing, but I’ve rarely found it so. Optimism often leads to disappointment. When the best possible outcome doesn’t occur, we are let down, may even feel betrayed…</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Hope is more resilient, more enduring, more helpful. In a serious illness, for example, there are often setbacks. In the face of these, optimism may wear down. But hope encourage us to move forward despite the setbacks…</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">[Psychoanalyst] Erich Fromm observed, ‘”To hope means to be ready at every moment for that which is not yet born, and yet not become desperate it there is no birth in our lifetime. Those whose hope is weak settle of comfort or for violence; those whose hope is strong see and cherish signs of new life and are ready every moment to help the birth of that which is ready to be born.’” </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>It is easy to complain about the divisiveness and lack of love in our government. It is easy to want to be optimistic that things will change and be disappointed when they don’t. As people of faith, as Unitarian Universalists, we are called to move beyond complaint and to take action. We are called to put aside empty optimism and embrace hope that encourages us to move forward despite the setbacks. Certainly we can use our prophetic voice to speak on issues that are important to us. We are also called to hold hope that change will happen and be ready when it does to assist in its birth. When the Inter-Religious Council sent the letter to the political leaders, it was out of a sense of hope, not optimism. We, the members and friends of DuPage Unitarian Universalist Church, can also remind our political leaders of the principles and values that are essential to living effectively in a pluralist world, with hope in our hearts. We come here, to DuPage Unitarian Universalist Church, to be reminded to be our best selves, to be reminded of our values and principles, with hope that we will live our values and principles in all that we do. Our world is full of misinformation, chaotic sound bites, consumerism, and hate mongering. I believe it is an act of lovingkindness and of hope to remind each other and our politicians of the values and principles that guide us and other people of faith. We can ask them to consider these principles and values as they make decisions, as they work with one another, as they lead us. As it turns out most of us—Republicans and Democrats, Humans-- share many of the same values and principles – we all want to help those in need, we do believe in civility, compassion, charity, stewardship, fairness, equality, and peaceful resolution to conflict. These values and principles may be expressed in different ways, but they are still in the hearts and minds of many, if not all, of our legislators. I really believe that none of them want people to go hungry and none of them want us to be involved in a war. I urge you to resist the Roman Circus foisted upon us by the political pundits, the talking heads more interested in a juicy soundbite than thoughtful inquiry and thorough examination. Resist the urge to turn politicians and political parties into two-dimensional parodies of decent people trying to do the best they can in a political system that, for all its flaws, is still a system that seeks to be representative of our values and beliefs. </span></div>
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; letter-spacing: 0px; white-space: pre;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; letter-spacing: 0px;">Unitarian Francis David said:</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; letter-spacing: 0px;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; letter-spacing: 0px;">“You need not think alike to love alike.”</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; letter-spacing: 0px;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; letter-spacing: 0px;">If change is to happen in government, we, you and I, must continue to hold the hope, to hold the image in our hearts, that love can be a unifying principle in our government.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; letter-spacing: 0px;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; letter-spacing: 0px;">We must keep working across party lines and religious divisions for civility, compassion, respect, working together for these values to prevail in our government, and we must continue to remind our legislators how important civility, compassion, respect, working together, and love is to people of faith, of all faiths.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; letter-spacing: 0px;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; letter-spacing: 0px;">And perhaps one day with love as a guiding principle, our political leaders and government will truly reflect the values of “a more perfect union.”</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13696702276573978770noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1817262490042841260.post-19068003347039518702015-03-31T10:00:00.000-05:002015-05-11T16:51:31.089-05:00Sunday Sermon: Affirm and Promote that Black Lives Matter, Sunday March 29th 2015<div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 8px; text-align: center;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Affirm and Promote that Black Lives Matter</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">By Reverend Tom Capo</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Preached on 3/29/2015</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">How do we put value on lives? There is a movement in our country called “Black Lives Matter.” Our Unitarian Universalist Association has a web page devoted to the “Black Lives Matter” movement, which continues to build as more and more awareness of systemic racism is raised. Trayvon Marin, Michael Brown, Jr., Eric Garner. How many more Black men have to be killed before America wakes up to the racial injustice inherent in our daily lives? What will it take for us to stand up as white allies and speak truth to power?</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">In the book Soul Work: anti-racism theologies in dialogue, Reverend Patricia Jimenez writes: “Unitarian Universalist minister Reverend Paul Rasor has suggested and others have affirmed [that] racism [and oppression are] problems of “othering” people, of holding some up as superior and putting others down as inferior. It is embedded in our way of doing things in this country and gets played out in many ways, including personal disdain and hatred, institutional discrimination, and cultural domination. All of these represent power-over—domination, which is a fundamental evil, a theological problem that we [Unitarian Universalists] are seeking to address.”</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I have heard some people, some liberal voices say, “Instead of promoting ‘Black Lives Matter’ why don’t we affirm that ‘All Lives Matter’. Making the movement about ‘All Live Matter’ would raise everyone’s worth and value to the same level, rather than focusing just on people of color.” Well, before I answer that, let’s hear from Peter, a white man.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">“Here and now, I don't feel affirmed living out issues of race. This is a dirty business willed to us by people who looked like me. However, what doesn’t kill me makes me stronger, and I can do nothing without doing some harm. I am moving from being an etherized White man ignorant of race to being a European American man discomforted everywhere...My participation at a self-consciously diverse Unitarian Universalist church dismantling racism in fits and starts has offered consolation. Despite my being and my action, my brothers and sisters remain authentically engaged with me in things that I get right and things that I get wrong. Like an unreformed drunk (since my culture will not yet allow me to live one hour, much less one day at a time, privilege-free), I must lean on the good will of my fellow travelers in this religious community I have chosen to join. It’s their good will and its reflection of their perception of my good will that offers affirmation.”</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">The voices you will hear throughout this sermon are those of Unitarian Universalists struggling with racism and oppression—none of them are from our church. I will also share some of my experiences and insights. My hope is something you hear today will touch you, reach you, and perhaps motivate you to look at racism and oppression differently. Our faith calls us to intentional work to dismantle racism and oppression, in our churches and in our world. Our Unitarian Universalist Principles and our heritage as change agents in society call us to do this work. However, we need to remember as we do this work that we are human, and humans have blinders. Even Unitarian Universalist humans have blinders. We don’t always recognize when racism or oppression happens around us, even when it happens in our denomination or in our church. I know it has happened in our churches. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">This voice is Cathy, an African American woman involved in a Unitarian Universalist church.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">“Throughout all my years as a parent and teacher in the Religious Education program at my home congregation, I felt the need for inclusion of materials that were culturally and racially relevant for my children. All the curriculum materials are from a dominant culture point of view. I felt that people got tired of my asking for alternative points of view to be represented by someone other than myself. I felt that some White adults were uncomfortable around my children. A number of times I felt that the Religious Education volunteers were afraid of my African American son. There were unconscious racist remarks made. Over the years my children were often the only Children of Color in their RE classes. One Sunday, in the Youth Group, an adult advisor said to my child, “When you wear those glasses you don’t look Black.”…I did connect my children to the wider UU community so that they could have an experience of more diversity, but I still worry about the effects of being isolated from a larger African American community of faith has had on my children.”</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"> “When you wear those glasses you don't look Black.” This is seemingly an off-hand comment, but one that strikes deep into the heart of the person hearing it. Certainly the person making this comment was unaware that they were being racist. They did not intend any harm. We all carry within us prejudices, blinders, biases, incorrect knowledge of others—all of us. Part of our role in changing, in transforming, is awareness. If we are unaware of our actions, if we are careless with our words, we are likely to cause pain to others.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Listen to the voice of Sojourner, another African American woman:</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">“While experiencing racism within Unitarian Universalism has been painful, the reaction of UUs when I tell them my story has been even more disturbing to me. Usually most White listeners will want to hear the particulars of what happened to judge for themselves whether they would have named the incident as racism, instead of trusting me. I have to repeat time and time and [time] again the what, where, and how, and relive the pain. It feels like I am being judged as to whether our first Principle should be applied to me. Rarely does this trial occur when I share other stories of oppression around the multiple identities I carry. Thank goodness for listeners of Color and White allies. They hear with their hearts and believe me without the nitty-gritty. When I receive this affirmation it helps me heal and move on. My pain is transformed.”</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I admit that I have struggled with racism and oppression. When I was younger I was verbally threatened and physically intimidated by African American boys in Junior High. And for many years, avoided interacting with African American boys or men, thinking they too would be aggressive toward me. When I was younger, I made fun of people who were fat, at least fatter than me, who I thought were not as smart as me, who looked geeky, I mean geekier than me. Fortunately, I came to realize some of what I was doing and changed my behavior. From that point on, I reached out to people who were different from me which helped me begin to work through my fears and prejudices. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I really make every attempt within my own limited awareness of the world to no longer oppress others in order to empower myself and improve my self-esteem. This was by no means an easy process, nor is it a process I do alone. Chad Simmons, an African American friend of mine and the Director of Diversity Focus, a Cedar Rapids nonprofit working with industry to reduce racism and oppression, was one of my guides, a mentor who helped me grow emotionally and spiritually. We attended a workshop together a several years ago called White Men as Full Diversity Partners. This program encourages white male leaders to recognize their privilege of being white and male – of being dominant in our culture, which many in the workshop had never fully considered before. The attendees of this workshop were not just white men; they were men and women of many different races, cultures, and sexual orientations. Part of the goal was to begin building bridges between people and cultures, to share each of our emotional journeys through life, our perspectives on events, and learn that we all experience the world, at least sometimes, in very different ways. After the workshop, Chad and I decided to get together. We shared with one another more deeply, asking those questions of one another that we had no-one else to ask; and in my case was afraid to ask. One of the most important things I learned from our conversations and from our relationship is how differently people live in the same world. How two people can have the same experience, yet how unique meanings of that experience can be, and how some experiences might have occurred for very different reason. As an example, in talking with my African American friends, I hear all of them say that they have stories of being stopped by the police. Now I have been stopped by the police for speeding, and thought nothing of it. Heck, I have often gotten out of tickets because I am clergy. But my friends were primarily stopped because they were Black. Now you might wonder how they know this. But I assure you, they were not speeding; they were not weaving in traffic; they did not roll through or run a stop sign; their seat belts were buckled; they were not under the influence; their cars were not missing license plates or rearview mirrors. They only thing they were guilty of was driving while being Black. They live with this every day. They know that even though they are affluent, well-dressed, well-known in the community, they might still be stopped and accused of stealing, drug possession, or having committed a crime just because they are black. And Chad told me that Black mothers and fathers tell their children that they will be stopped while driving because they are Black; so the children will understand when it happens. Aberjhani, an American historian, columnist, novelist, poet, and editor, put it this way: “the issue, perhaps, boils down to one of how perceptions or misperceptions of racial difference impacts various individual’s, or groups of individuals’ experiences of freedom in America. Some would argue that it goes beyond hampering their ‘pursuit of happiness’ to outright obliterating it.” </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I had a conversation with my brothers not too long ago. They are both business professionals. My youngest brother is Vice President of a company, and hires many people. He declared that he was not prejudiced at all. In fact, he hires people based on their ability to do the job—heck, he even hired a Black woman recently, not because she was Black but because she was the best qualified candidate. I asked him if he thought that every person in America had the same opportunities for learning; that every person could gain the experiences they needed in order to qualify for jobs in his company. He’d never considered how poverty or institutional racism or oppression, threaded through every event of a lifetime, impacts a person’s educational opportunities and, in turn, job opportunities. Eventually he did realize that some people do not have the money, the life experience, the available educational opportunities, or even the awareness of what they needed to do to be eligible for any job he might hire for. He was done talking about this, and he began talking about how horrible socialized medicine and universal health care is.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Now let me get back to the question of whether we affirm and promote the movement “Black Lives Matter” or whether the “All Lives Matter” movement is really better because it more “inclusive.” I think Unitarian Universalist Reverend Daniel Schatz answered this question well in a letter to someone advocating for “All Lives Matter.”</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">“Of course all lives matter. Central to Unitarian Universalism is the affirmation of the inherent worth and dignity of every person. Sadly, our society has a long history of treating some people as less valuable than others. Study after study has confirmed that in equivalent situations, African Americans and Latinos are treated with deadly force far more often than White people, and authorities held less accountable…To say that Black lives matter is not to say that other lives do not; indeed, it is quite the reverse—it is to recognize that all lives do matter, and to acknowledge that African Americans are often targeted unfairly … and that our society is not yet so advanced as to have become truly color blind. This means that many people of goodwill face the hard task of recognizing that these societal ills continue to exist, and that White privilege continues to exist, even though we wish it didn’t and would not have asked for it …As a White man, I have never been followed by security in a department store, or been stopped by police for driving through a neighborhood in which I didn’t live …To deny the truth of these experiences because they make me uncomfortable would be to place my comfort above the safety of others, and I cannot do that …it is painfully evident that a great many people do not believe that they are treated fairly. Healing begins by listening to those voices and stories.”</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">So where do we go from here? How can we make a difference? At a very basic level each of us can reach out to people who we perceive as different from us in some way. We can get to know them, perhaps even engage in dialogue about how we and they experience the world. And I am not talking about a sort of Starbucks “Race Together” exchange; I mean an in-depth conversation. We can walk alongside people of color and those on the margins to add our privileged, powerful white voices to theirs as they fight for equality and justice, which is different from trying to “help” them get equality and justice. Indigenous Australian, visual artist, activist, and academic, Lila Watson wrote: “If you have come to help me you are wasting your time. But if you recognize that your liberation and mine are bound up together, we can walk together.” And we can bring more multicultural experiences to this church—giving us exposure to different ways of believing, different music, different lifestyles, and different values. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Here is one other thing we can do in our church. Radical Hospitality, radically accept all who join us. Not just tolerance when strangers walk through our doors; we must welcome each and every person with open arms, as long-lost family, saying, “I’m so glad you’re here. My life may be different than yours, so please tell me your stories; I want to hear them. I want us to understand each other. I recognize that your liberation and mine are bound up together. Please, may I walk with you?”</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13696702276573978770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1817262490042841260.post-37692401826195107402015-03-24T10:00:00.000-05:002015-05-11T16:53:47.784-05:00Sunday Sermon: Some Thoughts and Feelings on Humanism, Sunday March 22nd, 2015<div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; text-align: center;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Some Thoughts and Feelings on Humanism</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">By Reverend Tom Capo</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Preached on 3/22/2015</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">A member of this church and of our Humanist Group, Jack Seacrest, sent me an email of President Barak Obama’s speech on the 50th anniversary of ‘Bloody Sunday’, a day when thousands marched in Selma, Alabama, for civil rights with Martin Luther King, Jr. Many were hurt and two were killed. Here are some excerpts from Obama’s speech: “What greater expression of faith in the American experiment [is there] than this … the belief that America is not yet finished, that we are strong enough to be self-critical, that each successive generation can look upon our imperfections and decide that it is in our power to remake this nation to more closely align with our highest ideals … ‘We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.’ …These are not just words. They are a living thing, a call to action … a roadmap for citizenship and an insistence on the capacity of free men and women to shape our own destiny … [We are] on a mission to change America … the idea of a just America, a fair America, an inclusive America, a generous America …Selma was part of a broader campaign that spanned generations …it is in our power to remake this nation to more closely align with our highest ideals … that all men are created equal … [This is] a roadmap for citizenship and an insistence on the capacity of free men and women to shape our own destiny … This is work for all Americans, and not just some. All of us are called to possess their moral imagination …to feel, as they did, the fierce urgency of now… change depends on our actions, our attitudes, the things we teach our children.”</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Jack felt that this speech spelled out a definition of religion. Religions around the world aspire to do many things. Religions try to teach people to be of good character by affirming certain moral values and high ideals. Religious people are encouraged to remake themselves and their world based on these values and ideals; they are told that these changes are urgently needed. Religions also teach that it is important that these values and ideals are passed on to the next generation. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>For the next several minutes, let's agree that Obama's Selma speech does spell out a definition of religion. If so, then there are some insights in this definition of religion that we, here at DuPage Unitarian Universalist Church, might reflect upon: What values and ideals do we affirm? Do we urgently bring them into our lives and out into the world? And what values and ideals are we passing on to our children? You might say “I know the answer to the first question—our seven Principles—valuing each person, the democratic process, spiritual growth, the search for meaning and purpose, the interdependent web of all existence, and working for justice, peace, and equality. How do we use our power to shape these values and ideals in the wider world? Do we do so with "fierce urgency?" What are the ways we show our children the importance our Unitarian Universalist values and ideals? </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Before we go much further, we probably need some common definition of Humanism. Here is my shot at a definition. Humanism is living life in the here and now with no notion that deeds or misdeeds in this one life have any effect beyond the here and now; that is, there is no afterlife—"no hell below us, above us only sky." Humanism recognizes that we are part of a community of humanity and as members of that community we must work for the betterment and the health of all humans, as well as of this planet and its creatures. Humanism recognizes that humans must cooperate and collaborate to achieve the goal of a peaceful, just, and equitable world. In other words Humanism, at least as I understand it, embraces all of us, all the people on this planet, and focus on what we can do together to make this world livable and sustainable for every person.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I joined my first Unitarian Universalist congregation in 1979 and quickly affirmed that I was a Humanist. I felt I could be a member of a religious community that focused on the here and now, the needs of our world, with love, peace, equality, and justice as its highest aspirations. But over time, I wondered about my previous beliefs—growing up Catholic. How could I—or even, should I—reconcile the religion of my childhood with my identity as a Unitarian Universalist Humanist? Did I need to be an atheist—believing there is no god, nothing supernatural, nothing beyond what I can know through my senses and my intellect? Perhaps I ought to be an agnostic—being unsure, but open to the possibility of a god or the supernatural or something beyond what I can perceive or know. What did my personal kind of Humanism look like? In the 1980’s being a Unitarian Universalist meant that I had to be an atheist Humanist. Being otherwise was not really accepted.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>While struggling with my own spiritual beliefs 30 years ago, I came across this meditation by Unitarian Universalist minister, Reverend Jacob Trapp:</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">“Religion as a set of right beliefs and right observances becomes divisive…</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Religion as walking with others, listening to others, sharing with others, is not a creed but a way of life.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">To be religious is to be grateful for the much we are given and to give in return as much as we can.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Religion is a way of life with sympathy, responsiveness, reverence for sacred potential, respect for one another, for mother earth and all her creatures—</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">A way of life that love makes beautiful.”</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>This made sense to me 30 years ago, and it still makes sense to me now. This is why I love Unitarian Universalism, because it continues to be a religion that allows me the freedom to explore myself, my beliefs, and how I see the world. It encourages me to affirm love, sympathy, and responsiveness. In the 1980’s I could talk about supernaturalism, mysticism, and other god-or goddess-based beliefs, at least during a rational, intellectual discussion. But the Unitarian Universalist Humanism of that time was very different from current Unitarian Universalist Humanism, and in those days I did not feel I could affirm any beliefs other than atheism or agnosticism to support my Humanist ideals. I identified as a Humanist and knew I would continue to do so throughout the rest of my life because of its high ideals and values. And I also wanted to explore the distant shores of my soul both in the here and now and in the efficacy of the eternal. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Unitarian Universalist Humanism reminds all of us, no matter how we identify theologically, “to heed the guidance of reason and the results of science, and warns us against idolatries of the mind and spirit.” And Unitarian Universalist Humanism does not conflate spiritual exploration with “idolatry of the mind and spirit.” Unitarian Universalists, and by extension Unitarian Universalist Humanists, to borrow from Reverend Leslie Takahashi Morris, let “us make our lives sanctuaries to nurture our many identities.”</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>As I pondered these truths, I felt the old misperceptions of “either/or” melt away, and felt the bedrock support of Unitarian Universalist Humanistic ideals and values as I continued to explore what my personal Humanism might be like.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I started studying Buddhism and in particular Zen Buddhism. The larger questions of existence around whether there was a god, an afterlife, sin/salvation are not relevant to a Zen Buddhist, and to me, this felt congruent with Humanism. Like Humanists, Zen Buddhists focus on the here and now. Zen Buddhism also involves a spiritual practice, Zazen meditation, and an openness to insight, revelation, enlightenment. In talking to my friend, Zen monk Zwiko Redding, I came to further understand that Humanism and Buddhism were extremely compatible. Zen Buddhism’s agnostic belief system affirms peace, equality, justice, the inherent worth and dignity of every person, and the interdependent web of all existence. For the past 15 years, I have identified as a Humanist Buddhist Unitarian Universalist with a pinch of agnosticism thrown in for good measure.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I have been looking back on my Christian roots with new eyes for the past decade. The story Chuck told today was written by early Unitarian religious educator, Sophia Lyon Fahs. She tells the story of Jesus without miracles, very much like Thomas Jefferson did in the Jefferson Bible. She presents Jesus as a spiritual man who was charismatic and compassionate. A man of wisdom and hope. This is a Jesus that I can bring back into my life and explore as a Unitarian Universalist and as a Humanist and even as a Buddhist. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>In the past few years, I have also identified as a theist or pantheist, because I believe there is something in all creation that connects each creature, indeed each atom in each creature to all the other creatures and atoms. And I personally believe there is some creative force in the universe that bends toward justice, toward hope, toward love, toward the continuation of life. I have had experiences that I would call mystical or spiritual—sitting atop a mountain at Sunrise and experiencing the interdependent web of existence in a way that cannot be conveyed with mere words, experiencing an almost tangible connection with a treasured friend, and working with a counseling client, finding a path to their healing without really knowing how I got them there, feeling a deep intuition, a sudden, seemingly random insight that moved us to the breakthrough point. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I am not alone in this very personalized Humanism. Many people who identify as Unitarian Universalist Humanists today are more agnostic than firmly atheist. This is a change from the Unitarian Universalist Humanism of 30 years ago. In fact, there was a young woman who got up in front of the last church I served and said she was an agnostic humanist—feeling she needed to clarify that she was both—and talked about how important it is to live humanist values, to develop a good character, be a good citizen, to teach her children morals and ethics, and to be affirmed in community by others who do the same. Yet she also had experiences that she couldn’t explain; experiences that seemed holy, mystical, transcendent. Some of today’s Unitarian Universalist Humanists are exploring spiritual practices, are open to spiritual/mystical experiences, and are wondering if there is something more than what they can perceive with their senses. Our minds call us to heed the guidance of reason and the results of science, and warn us against idolatries of the mind and spirit; our hearts seek that transcending mystery and wonder which moves us to a renewal of the spirit and an openness to the forces that create and uphold life. Today’s Unitarian Universalists Humanists realize that “Life tells its truth in many hues” and that Unitarian Universalism is a rainbow of philosophies and faiths—and who would want to diminish the colors of the rainbow? Without each and every hue our Unitarian Universalist rainbow would be incomplete.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>T. S. Eliot famously, or infamously, depending on who you talk to, converted from Unitarianism to Anglicanism after moving to England. One of his biographers, Peter Ackroyd, commented that “the purposes of [Eliot’s conversion] were two-fold: the Church of England offered some hope for himself, and I (Peter Ackroyd) think Eliot needed some resting place. But secondly, it attached Eliot to the English community and English culture.” How I wish Elliot could have experienced the Unitarian Universalist Humanism of today. Back when Eliot knew Unitarianism, he found it unsatisfying, too intellectual, not a “resting place” for those in need. But the Unitarianism of Eliot’s time, the 1920’s, and the Unitarian Universalist Humanism of today are two different religions. Today’s Unitarian Universalist Humanism does offer “a resting place;” today’s Unitarian Universalist Humanism recognizes that we are, after all, “only” human. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>T. S. Elliot wrote: </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">“What we call a beginning is often the end</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">And to make an end is to make a beginning</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">The end is where we start from.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">We shall not cease from our exploration</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">And the end of all of our exploring</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Will be to arrive where we started</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">And know the place for the first time.”</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I would add:</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">To find a truth is often is where we start from</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">On the ceaseless journey within </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">And the end of a journey is to see oneself</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">And the world in ways that cannot always be readily explained.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Continue your journeys, my friends, and don’t forget to look for the rainbows.</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13696702276573978770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1817262490042841260.post-6055932361670237252015-03-11T08:00:00.000-05:002015-03-11T08:00:04.713-05:00Sunday Service: The Cosmic Evolutionary Journey, March 8th, 2015<div class="p1" style="text-align: center;">
<span class="s1">The Cosmic Evolutionary Journey</span></div>
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<span class="s1">By Reverend Tom Capo</span></div>
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<span class="s1">Preached on 3/8/2015</span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>We have seen many images today-- the Big Bang, the evolution of our cosmos, and the evolution of life on this planet. When I think about the universe and evolution, I am in awe of its ongoing process. How could you not be? It is amazing. </span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>The earliest humans climbed down from the trees to walk upright on the ground. Some theories about human’s ability to walk upright suggest that this change happened to free the hands for tool use and carrying, while others suggest that early humans walked upright to cope with changes in climate and habitat that favored a more elevated eye-position. And some theories suggest that walking upright resulted in human developing a larger brain. How many things had to align, had to work out, for us human’s to come into being, to have consciousness, and to be able to reflect on our own existence? </span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>When I attended General Assembly, maybe 10 years ago, I walked into a workshop sort of by accident. I had planned to attend a workshop on preaching, but didn’t really engage with the speaker. So I wandered out, and passed an open door of another workshop. An image of stars and clouds in space was projected on the screen. This piqued my curiosity. So I went in. The workshop was sponsored by the World Pantheism group. Let me share with you some information from their website to give you a sense of the message that I heard as I walked in to this workshop: “Many World Pantheist Movement members belong to Unitarian Universalist congregations and some are UU ministers … The essence of Pantheism is a profound reverence for Nature and the wider Universe and an awed recognition of their power, beauty and mystery. We tend to believe that Nature and the wider Universe should be the focus of our deepest reverence ... From this feeling flows the desire to make the most of our present life in our bodies on this earth, to care for Nature, and to respect the rights of humans and animals in general. We believe that everything that exists is a part of Nature … We believe that mind and body are an inseparable unity, and so we do not expect personal survival after death. Instead we look forward to a natural persistence of our time on earth, in the actions and creations we leave behind, memories people hold of us, and recycling of our elements in Nature.”</span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>The presenters also said that this movement within Unitarian Universalism is not about a divine being or a god, though some Pantheists do use the word god to mean the ever-evolving universe, not a separate being. The World Pantheists also said that they are skeptical of supernatural phenomena. </span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>I have to say that while I found the images of space profoundly moving and much of what they said compelling, I was not willing to let go of mystery and the possibility of some sort of divinity in all things. This is a conundrum that I face—why does acceptance of science, evolution, the universe, even rational thought have to be disassociated from religion, spirituality, or impassioned thought? Why can’t both exist within each of us, in some sort of harmony, or if not harmony, at least in good will? I had hoped when I walked into the workshop that I had found a group of Unitarian Universalists who were embracing awe and wonder, emotional and spiritual experiences, in addition to rational explanations of our universe. But they were insistent that any concept of supernaturalism or divinity was unacceptable to a true pantheist. </span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>Perhaps these Pantheist Unitarian Universalists were trying to bridge the assumed gap between rationalism and the emotional/spiritual. Perhaps they felt that scientific explanations and theories might benefit from poetic imagery, from a lyricism of language. And in this I agree with them. I commend them for threading their philosophy with awe and wonder and mystery. How could you not when you look up at night and see the stars and planets? However their mystery is limited, controlled. It seems to me that a mystery is not a true mystery unless it is limitless, open to any possibility.</span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>In our story today, Anansi the spider is caught in her own conundrum. Does she help the snake by removing the stone on his back and risk being bitten, or does she leave the snake, perhaps to die, under the stone? Now I read this story a number of times and wondered what it meant. Does it mean don’t risk helping someone who might hurt you? Does it mean there is evil in the world that even a compassionate act can’t change? Does it mean let evil or destructive people die? Does it mean an animal, or person, is unlikely to act against its true nature? Or perhaps be clever in how you deal with things that might hurt you? In pondering the story, I wondered if there is another lesson that we might bring to bear. Are we willing to risk reaching out to those who are different from us, even if we might get hurt, for a greater good? Anansi helped the snake and got bitten. What if the story focused on Anansi reaching across natural lines and her own fear? What if the point of the story was that she had decided to do something beneficial even at the risk of being bitten? That perhaps she had planted a seed in the snake that might sometime in the future lead to great spider-snake relations? </span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>This leads to another conundrum that I face, how can we write a compelling story of the ever-evolving universe for all people—people of all beliefs, all cultures? How can we reach across what we assume to be naturally existing lines in the sand between certain Theists and certain secularists, when both sides have been hurt by the other and probably will be hurt again? How can all humanity, all the spiders and snakes, embrace the great story of the cosmos; a story that is based on the scientific discoveries of the universe, while not discounting the possibility of mystery and include metaphor and belief?</span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>Two people who are exploring this cosmic evolutionary story with mystery and metaphor, as well as scientific facts and theories, are Progressive Christian minister, Reverend Michael Dowd, and his wife, Unitarian Universalist, evolutionary humanist, and botanist, Connie Barlow. Dowd and Barlow consider it their mission to travel around the world in their van, teaching and preaching evolution to Christians as well as anyone else who will listen, including Unitarian Universalists. One of Dowd’s bestselling books is “Thank God for Evolution!” In the first few pages, he quotes various scientists, such as Craig Mello, 2006 Nobel Prize winner in Physiology and Medicine and John Mather, a NASA chief scientist, and 2006 Nobel Prize winner in Physics, as well as Theologian Matthew Fox and Unitarian Universalist and senior minister of All Souls Unitarian Church Tulsa in Oklahoma (one of our largest congregations), Reverend Marlin Lavanhar. All praise this book, which gives a clear scientific explanation of the universe and evolution, while also explaining how religion and spirituality need to embrace the cosmic evolutionary understanding of the universe. Dowd also includes a letter from Richard Dawkins to his daughter Joliet about the difference between good reasons and bad reasons for believing in something. Some of you may have read this letter. Dowd wants us to engage in the difficult discussions of science and religion across assumed natural lines, risking getting hurt, to change the world. He feels it is necessary to bring science and religion together for the future of our planet and our species. He writes: [We are] a force that is polluting the planet and causing mass extinction, but at the same time [we are] a unique and precious expression of Earth. We are Earth’s meaning makers, painters, self-discoverers, storytellers, and bards. We are Earth’s deep memory. If we can embrace that as our unique ecological role, if we can learn and celebrate our Great Story [the story of the Big Bang and evolution], if we truly can see ourselves as actual cells of our larger body, Earth, then caring for the environment will feel as urgent and as natural as caring for ourselves.”</span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>What draws you in, emotionally, to commit yourself to a cause? How do people change their behavior, change their way of understanding the world? From what I have seen, the answers to these two questions are: you either have a profound experience or you hear a story that is engaging, moving. People are rarely changed or even motivated by facts alone; I know it is sad to say, but that is the truth. A rational argument is generally accepted by someone who is already emotionally ready to receive it. </span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>Like Dowd and Barlow, I believe we need to tell the great story of our ever-evolving universe in a way that all people can hear it. We need to find a way to tell it with passion and awe and mystery. We can use old and new stories and metaphors to bring this story to life. We need to be compelling storytellers without losing our facts, figures, and theories. And no matter how compelling our story may be, if we tell our listener that they are wrong or stupid or irrational for having their creation stories, then we will enlighten no-one. Each of the following three statements is like a facet of the same prism:</span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“In the Beginning was the Big Bang”</span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“In the Beginning was the Great Radiance.”</span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“In the Beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”</span></div>
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<span class="s1">Wouldn’t it be great if someday, theists, deists, atheists, and agnostics could hear each of these phrases as essentially equal interpretations, only differing in the hue as the light travels through the prism?</span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>Dowd writes: “So far as can be known, we are the only animals blessed and burdened with a mythopoetic drive. We simply cannot not make events mean something. [And we cannot not stop ourselves from telling stories that share this meaning]. For example, each of us tends to recall the events of our life in ways that render the whole into something meaningful, a coherent pattern that explains how we became who we are today and how we got to where we are…we yearn for a story that can make sense of our birth… the story of our parents, [and] the story of how everything came to be.” Dowd goes on to say that stories are the vehicle of this mythopoetic, or religious, urge in each of us; the urge that calls from within to seek and find answers to the Big Questions of existence. He suggests that we need the old stories to help interpret the present, to help us make meaning of the scientific discoveries and the ever evolving universe, and to help us secure a future for those who will come after us.</span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>Could you imagine yourself telling this story: </span></div>
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<span class="s1">“In the beginning, all the universe was compacted into a very tiny space. Was this the beginning of time or perhaps just a beginning? We do not know for sure. Then something caused an explosion—an explosion so big that all the pieces of the universe were sent speeding away from each other in all directions. We call this explosion by many names: the Big Bang, the Great Radiance, the Hand of God. From this explosion, light, energy, matter began to find shape, to exist in different ways—some formed stars, others, planets, others, remained as dust and clouds. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">In time, this star dust, either through nature, chance, divine assistance, or by properties that we don’t fully understand, became elements like gold, lead, oxygen; and later this star dust became oceans and land; and later this star dust became living things—animals and plants. And even later, this star dust became us. And now we study the star dust.”</span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>How would a humanist hear this story? How would a Christian or Hindu hear this story? Could this kind of story create a bridge where we, people of all faiths, could stand together and engage in meaningful dialogue about our ever evolving universe and our connection to it? </span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>I invite you to listen with heart and mind to these words by Unitarian Universalist humanist, Reverend Robert T. Weston; notice how he weaves science and spirituality: </span></div>
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<span class="s1">“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. </span></div>
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Time out of time before time in the vastness of space, earth spun to orbit the sun, </div>
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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. </div>
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Ponder this thing in your heart; ponder with awe: </div>
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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 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.” </div>
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<span class="s1">Perhaps in these words there is a beginning; a place where people of all beliefs can create a great story; a place where humanity can, out of their hearts, cry wonder about this universe we live in and sing together as we live. </span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13696702276573978770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1817262490042841260.post-5073003761282346852015-02-10T09:00:00.000-06:002015-02-22T17:07:29.378-06:00Sunday Service: Christianity, A Different View - February 8, 2015<div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; text-align: center;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Christianity, A Different View</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Reverend Tom Capo</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Preached on 2/8/2015</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Before the sermon, I offer this prayer or meditation. It is selections from the <i>The Thunder: Perfect Mind</i>. In December 1945, local farmers in Nag Hamadi, Egypt found a sealed earthenware jar containing thirteen leather-bound papyrus codices, together with pages torn from another book. It is believed that the documents found at Nag Hamadi were texts used by various sects of early Christians, but the texts had been deemed heretical once the church began to formalize the books of the Christian New Testament. <i>The Thunder: Perfect Mind</i> was contained in those thirteen leather-bound papyrus codices.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>I invite you to open your mind, heart, and spirit to these words:</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>I was sent forth from the power,</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>and I have come to those who reflect upon me, </i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>and I have been found among those who seek after me. </i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>Look upon me, you who reflect upon me,</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>and you hearers, hear me. </i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>You who are waiting for me, take me to yourselves. </i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>And do not banish me from your sight.</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>And do not make your voice hate me, nor your hearing…</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>For I am the first and the last.</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>I am the honored one and the scorned one.</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>I am the whore and the holy one.</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>I am the wife and the virgin.</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>I am <the mother> and the daughter.</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>I am the members of my mother.</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>I am the barren one</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>and many are her sons. </i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>I am she whose wedding is great,</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>and I have not taken a husband. </i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>I am the midwife and she who does not bear.</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>I am the solace of my labor pains.</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>I am the bride and the bridegroom,</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>and it is my husband who begot me. </i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>I am the mother of my father</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>and the sister of my husband </i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>and he is my offspring… </i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>I am the silence that is incomprehensible</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>and the idea whose remembrance is frequent. </i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>I am the voice whose sound is manifold</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>and the word whose appearance is multiple. </i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>I am the utterance of my name…</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>For I am knowledge and ignorance.</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>I am shame and boldness.</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>I am shameless; I am ashamed.</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>I am strength and I am fear.</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>I am war and peace.</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>Give heed to me…</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>Hear me, you hearers</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>and learn of my words, you who know me. </i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>I am the hearing that is attainable to everything;</i></span></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; text-align: center;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>I am the speech that cannot be grasped. </i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>I am the name of the sound</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>and the sound of the name. </i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>I am the sign of the letter</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>and the designation of the division.</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>Blessed Be…Amen</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">One of the symbols of early Christianity was not a cross; it was an ankor. This symbol was used to encourage hope in a time of persecution, and held its meaning from the Hebrew scripture: “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.” </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">As we begin our journey I thought I would start with this from the <i>Gospel of Thomas</i>, an early Christian text, “Jesus said: “Let the one who seeks continue seeking until he finds. And when that one finds he will be disturbed, and once that one is disturbed he will become awed, and will rule as a king over the all.” </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">We are all seekers here; that it the very essence of our faith, to seek truth and meaning individually and collectively, to share with one another and be enriched and disturbed by one another. To look more closely at ourselves, each other, and the universe around us, and be awed by what we see. We will find that life is not static, belief is not static, the universe is not static. If we believe in the divine, perhaps we will find even the divine is not static. We are all co-creators, integral parts of the beauty and wonder that surrounds us. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">As we look at early Christianity, let us keep this in mind. And let us also keep in mind as we explore early Christianity that the writings of those early Christians continue to be explored by people today. These modern non-traditional Christians are seeking a deeper, more complete view of Christianity and developing new insight and meaning from these old writings; many of them, like Theodore Parker so many years ago, are seeking the permanent rather than the transient in Christianity. Here is another quote from the <i>Gospel of Thomas</i>. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"> “Jesus said to his followers: ‘Compare and tell me whom I resemble.’ Simon Peter said to him: ‘You are like a righteous angel.’ Matthew said to him, ‘You are like a wise philosopher.’ Thomas said to him: ‘Teacher, my mouth will not permit me to say whom you resemble.’ Jesus said: ‘I am not your teacher—you are drunk. Because you drank from the bubbling spring that I have measured out.’ And he took [Thomas] and departed. When Thomas came back to his companions they asked him: ‘What did Jesus say to you?’ Thomas said to them: ‘If I told you the sayings he told me, you would take up stones and cast them at me. And fire would burst out of those stones and burn you.’”</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Whatever Jesus said to Thomas must have blown his mind. What I take away from this text is that each of us has the opportunity to make meaning from what we hear; that is, we don’t have to simply soak in whatever we hear. We have the opportunity to use our minds and hearts to test what we are hearing. Jesus is also saying to beware of possible bias when teachers/preachers/other’s share their beliefs. They may be presenting their beliefs in a in a way that is measured out, in other words, they may be leading you to a certain idea, belief, or understanding that they want to convince you to hold or believe in as well. If you wholly embrace their ideas or beliefs, without question or self-reflection, then you are not thinking or making meaning for yourself. You are not taking the opportunity to use your mind and heart.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Also we need to keep in mind that when Jesus preached, no one was there writing it all down, at least as far as we know. Theologians believe that the books in the New Testament and other early Christian writings were not written until 40 or more years after Jesus’ death; some were written hundreds of years after his death. And much of what we have today has been both intentionally and unintentionally altered over the almost two thousand years since they were written down. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">When Jesus was preaching, each person heard and made meaning of his message for his/herself. Then these stories were passed on by word of mouth, and changed a little depending on what had resonated with the storytellers when they first heard the tales. The same thing happened when the various texts came to be written down. From these sharings and transcripings and various meanings, many different groups formed to explore Jesus’ teachings. There were many different forms of Christianity before 325 ACE, more than we have today, due to this unstructured, unencumbered sharing and exploration, before there was a formal Christian religion. This next text is from the <i>Letter of Peter to Phillip</i>: “The ambassadors worshiped again, saying, ‘Lord, tell us how shall we fight against the rulers since they are over us?’ Then a voice called out from the appearance saying, ‘you all will fight against them in this way: the rulers fight against the inner part of humans, but you will fight against them in this way—come together and teach salvation in the world with a promise. Strengthen yourselves with the power of my father and offer your prayers. The Father will help you as he helped you by sending me. Do not be afraid, I am with you forever—as I said to you before when I was in the body.’”</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">This letter was also discovered at Nag Hamadi. It is believed that this letter was written by and for the early Christians who were being persecuted for their beliefs. This letter starts out with the conflict between Peter and Phillip, two leaders in the church who are having some theological differences. The letter encourages the listeners to the need to work through differences for the greater good, building beloved community. This was an important message, particularly because they needed each other to cope with the persecution they were experiencing.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">There were early Christians who were considering a counter-insurgency, rebelling against the Romans. Again it is believed that this letter was an attempt to keep this from happening, encouraging a more peaceful opposition—strengthening each other’s resolve by gathering in community, affirming their beliefs, and praying together. Perhaps these were the first nonviolent protesters. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>The Acts of Paul and Thecla</i> was discovered at Nag Hamadi, and also gives us some sense of the persecution of early Christians, and how some of those early Christians tried to cope. Thecla was what we might call a Feminist. She bucked the social systems of the time, choosing her own spiritual path regardless of the consequences. And there were consequences, threats, jail, even being put to death—or at least trying to in Thecla’s case. Many women of the time followed her—developing a community of support, and affirming the rights of women to be spiritual leaders and ministers in the Christian faith. There are artifacts and paintings that lead theologians to believe her sect was active at least into the 5th century.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Some of these Nag Hamadi writings are giving us a different, I believe more complete look at the early Christians. This is from <i>The Gospel of Truth</i>, another Nag Hamadi text. “That is the gospel of him whom they seek, which he has revealed to the perfect through the mercies of the Father as the hidden mystery, Jesus the Christ. Through him he enlightened those who were in darkness because of forgetfulness. He enlightened them and gave them a path. And that path is the truth which he taught them. For this reason error was angry with him, so it persecuted him. It was distressed by him, so it made him powerless. He was nailed to a cross. He became a fruit of the knowledge of the Father. He did not, however, destroy them because they ate of it. He rather caused those who ate of it to be joyful because of this discovery.”</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">This is an unfamiliar view of Jesus’ death on the cross. Rather than focusing on his dying so our sins would be forgiven, Jesus’ life and teachings were the central messages in some early texts. People did not stop from exploring his teachings after his death. In fact, people continued to be enriched by his life and teachings. It’s easy to think that Christianity has always been the religion we’re familiar with today. But if anything, I hope you have heard today that Christianity is anything but static. Early Christianity was dynamic; it is just that most people don’t know this. Unfortunately, early Christianity has been contained in footnotes in theology textbooks that almost no one reads, until very recently. Increasingly through writings like the Elaine Pagel’s <i>The Gnostic Gospels</i> and the writings of theologians like Bart Ehrman, Marcus Borg and others, more people are learning of these early texts and the lives of these early Christians.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Back to the <i>Gospel of Truth</i> for one more moment. In this text “the good news of truth is joy for those who have received grace…” This is not a book about the consequences of not believing. It is a book about the joy of believing in something bigger than yourself, about love, forgiveness, and compassion leading to joy. Again, some of you might say this is not the central message you receive when you attend a traditional Christian church, and you would be right. It isn’t. Here is a passage from the <i>Gospel of Mary</i>, another Nag Hamadi text. “When the Blessed One had said these things, he greeted them all, saying, ‘Peace be with you! Bear my peace within yourselves! Beware that one lead you astray saying, ‘Look over here!’ Or ‘Look over there!’ For the child of humanity is within you! Follow it! Those who seek it will find it. Go then and proclaim the good news of the realm.’”</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">The <i>Gospel of Mary</i> is the first and only gospel whose main figure is a woman, Mary Magdalene, who is portrayed as a confidante of Jesus. The focus of the teaching of this gospel is “enthusiasm for becoming a true human being.” What a radical gospel. Mary, a woman, is presented as a leader in the early church. Are any of us surprised that the <i>Gospel of Mary</i> wasn’t contained in the canonical books? Are any of us surprised that Mary has been presented by some in the traditional Christian churches as a prostitute, denigrating her and discrediting her significance? Read the Christian New Testament and you will discover that nowhere is there anything written about Mary Magdalene being a prostitute. Is it any wonder that many people today are exploring these ancient Christian texts? </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Now I have a question to ask you. Theodore Parker asked this question in his 1814 sermon, the Transient and Permanent in Christianity. Would the Christian New Testament and the writing of these early Christians be equally true or false even if it could be shown “that Jesus of Nazareth had never lived?” Whether or not you believe Jesus existed is up to you. Of course, we really don’t know if Lao Tzu or Buddha really existed either. If we focus on the teachings, the parables, the poetry of Jesus and his followers, would these writings still hold meaning for you, intellectually, emotionally, spiritually if it was found that Jesus had never existed. My answer is they would, at least for me. And I believe there are others here who would also answer in the affirmative. For some Unitarian Universalists, this might be a way to begin exploring and perhaps reclaiming of these texts and this religion. Approach it like you approach the <i>Tao Te Ching</i>—does it matter whether Lao Tzu existed? </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Unitarian Universalism’s foundation is Christianity; our forebears were Christians, yes, unorthodox, often considered heretical, Christians, but Christians non-the-less. Our forebears looked at Christianity with an open mind and open heart; they didn’t want others to interpret it for them. We can be like those early Unitarians, exploring texts with new eyes—opening ourselves to them as if they were something new and different. We can do this together and apart. This won’t change who we are—whether we are Atheist, Humanist, Jew, Buddhist, or Pagan, but like all books, it will open us to new ideas. Ideas we can struggle with individually and together. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Here is one last quote from the <i>Gospel of Thomas</i>: “His followers said: ‘Show us the place where you are, because it is necessary that we seek it.’ [Jesus] said to them: ‘Whoever has ears to hear, hear! There is light within a person of light, and that one lights up the entire world. If that one does not shine, there is darkness.’”</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">You my friends are the seekers, and you are the people of light, as were Jesus, Buddha, Mohammed, Lao Tzu and so many others. Your light comes from who you are in your heart of hearts and what you believe about this wonderful awe-inspiring universe in which we live. Go forth seeking, finding, and being the light that the world needs to hold back the darkness. So may it be.</span></div>
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