I want to express my gratitude to all the folks who came out in early September for our quick start workshop. Richard Speck, from the Joseph Priestly District, guided us through conversation that was very helpful for me as your new Interim Minister.
During the workshop three goals were set: to increase attendance at worship; move toward making our church building pay for itself (a report is forthcoming in the next Anchor); and bring a greater sense of peace to our experiences at church. An interim ministry is a short period by definition but it seems possible to me to begin work on all of these goals during our time together.
The welcome and membership committee, along with what will soon be the worship committee will focus on the first goal. Al Templeton is gathering a group to look at the second. And I will be exploring various ways to address the goal of bringing more peace to our experiences at UNMC.
One thing I would ask of you, all of you, if you are not currently actively engaged in a spiritual practice, please consider what you might do for your own spiritual deepening/relationship with God. While I believe it is the responsibility of the church to offer opportunities for spiritual growth; I also believe it is our individual responsibility to bring the best that we are to our religious gatherings. In fact, working on our own spiritual growth is one of the obligations that I believe is implicit with church membership. (The others are presence, participation, and sharing our resources.)
Bringing our own deep confidence in God's love for us will surely give us the strength we need to share love with others. As we cultivate the holy light within, our ability to recognize the light in others will be sharpened.
May we meet one another with a generosity of spirit cultivated by prayer, or meditation, or some other spiritual practice. May we always assume that we share an affection for and commitment to UNMC, that the intent of others is good even if the result is never perfect. And may our prayer be for peace. Amen.
In shared ministry,
Mary Katherine
Rev. Morn can be reached in the church office at 202-387-3411 or by email at mkmorn@universalist.org.