Parson to Person: “Why Support a UU Church?”4-10-20

Since we are all still sheltering in place, and since UCN’s pledge drive is still happening, I thought I’d write something about why we give our time, talent, and treasure (the “3 Ts”) to this beacon of religious liberty in Ozaukee County. I think the following may also work as a short-hand description of what UUism is, at its best.

If you are looking for a church with all the answers, we are not that church. (But we take heart from Ralph Waldo Emerson, a 19th-century Unitarian, who said: “Everyone wishes to be settled. But only insofar as we’re unsettled is there any hope.”)

If you are looking for a church with certainty, we are not that church. (But we are heartened by the English philosopher L. P. Jacks, who said faith is “not belief in spite of the evidence, but adventure in scorn of (the) consequences.”)

If you are looking for a church of perfection, we are not that church. (But then, we are encouraged by the late author and columnist Andrew Greeley, who said: “Search for the perfect church if you will; when you find it, join it, and realize that on that day it becomes something less than perfect.”)

If you are looking for a church where everyone thinks like you, we are not that church. (But, as I heard another UU minister put it: “We can’t all live in harmony i we all sing the same note.”)

If, however, you are looking for a questioning, uncertain, imperfect, and diverse religious body, you’ve come to the right place! All that remains is to support it with your time, talent, and treasure so that it will continue to be here, even after you are gone.

I once heard of a 6-year-old UU child who was asked by a young friend of his if he had been saved. He thought for a moment and finally said, “I think in my church…they don’t let anyone get lost.”

We may have different opinions in our church; we may not always agree. But we do covenant to practice love toward one another, and not allow anyone to be lost.

I hope you find that this is the kind of church that is worth your support.

peace and unrest,

tony