Somewhere Over the Rainbow
May 5, 2023
A month from now (June 4th), UCN will be celebrating LGBTQ Month (June), with a service and sermon on "The Theology of The Wizard of Oz." (Yes, there is a theology there, one that is very compatible with Unitarian Universalism; plus it has become an LGBTQ-friendly meme, especially its signature song "Over the Rainbow.") This service will be quite festive and will include songs from the 1939 movie--sung by UCN choir members AND you! Also, since this is a "first Sunday," we will have lunch downstairs after the service: Wouldn't it be great if some of you could bring a rainbow-themed treat? (Rainbow cake and jello come to mind, and I've heard that there are a few of you who are good at that; but really anything festive would be appreciated.)
Because rainbows are made up of different colors--which, despite being different, are so beautiful together--they have become a symbol of unity-in-diversity. As a prayer of the Guami people puts it: "Let my life be like the rainbow, whose colors teach us unity." This is also why the LGBTQ movement made the rainbow flag its symbol: to indicate that we don't all have to look the same, or love the same, or even believe the same--to make something beautiful together. And because rainbows normally come about as the result of a storm (something normally fearful or unpleasant), they are also symbols of our ability to create something worthwhile and beautiful out of our hardships and struggles. You see, sunny skies don't produce rainbows, and perfectly clear air doesn't provide iridescence. Which is why the Minquass Indians have a saying: "The soul would have no rainbow, if the eyes had no tears."
In this time of many struggles and tears--along with all the beauty and hope we have seen--let us celebrate the rainbow, remembering that our UU congregation is a rainbow of its own, cherishing the inherent worth and dignity of every person--with, of course...
peace and unrest,
tony
