Memo from MAM October 15th

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A Message from Reverend Mary Ann Macklin
October 15, 2024
FLOWING in the EXTREME STREAM
LOVE AT THE CENTER

I just looked up the word extreme.  I found two definitions

  1. reaching a high or the highest degree;  “extreme cold”
  2. furthest from the center or a given point; outermost.

“the extreme northwest of Scotland”

So much appears extreme nowadays—Extreme Weather, Extreme Disinformation, Extreme Violence, Extreme threats to Democracy— I find myself returning to the second definition, “furthest from the center or a given point.”   If parts of the world feel like they are veering off, furthest from the center, what is my/our center point?  And how do we find our way there even if the extreme stream is flowing elsewhere?
I believe our Unitarian Universalist values provide a type of safety flotation device to aid us in the rough waters.  Our center, of course, is love.  Love as individuals and love as a community.  From there flows justice, equity, transformation, pluralism, interdependence, generosity.

When extremes cause me to feel fear, I often ask myself, “What if I applied love to that fear?”  My body and spirit often respond with relaxation, creativity, hope and courage; sometimes this is immediate and other times I must be patient with my return to center.   Once I am there, l sense a greater capacity for action instead of reaction.

(Pause)
I invite you to pause for a moment, take a deep breath, and name a fear in your life.  Then ask yourself, “What if I applied love to this fear?”

Let your inner wisdom speak slowly to you. (Deep Breath.)

May you, may we, find ways to help one another remain afloat in the churning waters so we can return to the center, love, over and over again.
ELECTION TIME: KEEPING LOVE AT THE CENTERThere is no doubt that the upcoming election is creating fear and anxiety in many of our lives as individuals, as congregation members, as citizens of this country. How do we help one another keep love at the center of our being during this time?  Remember, you are not alone  Gathering and being together in various ways can help alleviate loneliness and stress.

During the days around the election, we will have several opportunities for gathering here at First Unitarian Church of Louisville

Sunday, November 3

  • 11am  Worship Service: Election Day Promises
    (remember daylight saving time begins)
    5pm to 6pm  Drumming Circle in Sanctuary

 Monday, November 4

  • 6pm to 7pm Gathering in Voice
    With hymnals in hand we will have a hymn sing.  You choose the hymn and Ethan will lead us in song.  Also, you can choose a reading from the back of the hymnal and read it (or have it read) as part of the evening’s content.  We will also have silent lighting of candles for joys and concerns.

Wednesday, November 6  (Who knows what we will know at this point)

  • 6pm to 7pm   Evening Worship Service
    Simple format:  Song, Reflection, Prayer, Ritual

I hope you can join us for one or all four of these opportunities for communal gathering.  If you can help with the practical aspects, please contact Reverend Mary Ann.
GENEROSITY in TIMES OF NEEDLastly, the Unitarian Universalist Disaster Relief Fund, chaired by our FirstULou UUA Congregational Liaison Reverend Lisa Presley, is one way we, as Unitarian Universalists, can take action regarding the widespread hurricane damage in the southeast.  Click here for more information

Peace and Love, MAM
Reverend Mary Ann Macklin