Marlene J. Geary
Community
–“A vision for Unitarian Universalism in a multicultural world” by the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) Leadership Council, adopted October 1, 2008
What does it mean to create a community?
The New Member Ceremony is a deeply powerful and moving segment of our Sunday services, celebrated several times per year. During the service, we explain what it means to become a new member and a key part of that is our community. The ceremony is an important one to introduce new members but also to remind all of us that we are a part of a larger whole and a part of each other.
These brief moments of community commitment clearly explain what it means to create a community: sharing values, action, talent, triumph, struggle, learning, growth and fellowship.
So, how about we take a moment to consider and renew our commitment as a part of March’s ministry theme of community? As you read this, consider what the community of UUS:E means to you.
Dear reader,
We welcome into our community all who have chosen to make a commitment to this congregation.
We are also glad to have you here with us and that you have chosen this community of fellow seekers to travel with you on your life journey.
Will you accept our gifts of fellowship, discovery, and service?
Will you offer us your unique presence and gifts?
Will you add your name to the long history of Unitarian Universalist women and men who spread hope with our living faith?
Will you engage with us as we seek to create a community and a world dedicated to love and justice?
Will you welcome all new members with the warmth and comfort of your fellowship?
Will you seek to add your strengths and talents to the gifts they bring to us?
Will you share our triumphs and our struggles as our community grows and changes?
Let us say together again the words of this community, the promise that we make each week to ourselves and to each other that holds our community together with common purpose and common love in the midst of our beautiful diversity of belief:
