Normally, at this time of the year, I try to remind everyone to take some time to be still. But this year is a little different.

Here at UUCOV we are swinging into the hustle and bustle of our busiest season. The Rockin’ Holiday Dance is coming up quickly, the amazing Art & More Auction event not too far behind. Sunday mornings are getting full. We are heading toward the beginning of the stewardship campaign, and conversations about what it means to be the stewards of the church.

Because we are stewards, or caretakers of the church, we get it all; the good and the bad. The celebrations, the community, and the bills.

We’re in it together, and we try to take care of one another.

But we’re not just stewards of the church. We’re stewards of the world.

And the world needs us now, perhaps more than ever.

In this busy season of joy, I would ask that you do something simple. Be alert. Look for the places where you can live your values. Look for the places where you can be the church in the world, because the world isn’t very safe for some people right now.

Let an LGBTQ+ friend or relative or coworker know that you see them, that you see their beloved family. Let them know that you are there for them if they need you.

Let a Jewish friend or neighbor or relative know that you do not support anti-Semitism, and that you can be trusted to fight it when you see it.

Rise up against racism, and against the oppression of black people. Make a conscious decision to engage in the work of disabling racism. Intervene. Speak up. If you don’t know how to help, ask. Let black friends, and relatives, and neighbors know that they are not alone in this fight.

Speak up for the Muslim being bullied in the coffee shop.

Stop and film the black or brown or queer kids being arrested. Ask if they need help. Do not walk away.

Speak up for the Hispanic family being told to speak English or for the Chinese or Korean family told to go back where they came from.

Say something. Do something. Refuse to be complicit in oppression or hatred this holiday season or any other time.

Help to heal a hurting world. Be the global steward you were born to be.

 

Warmly,

Rev. Amy