by Rev. Bill Gupton

February is the shortest month. Often, it is also the coldest. It is dim, and gray. But it is also the Month of Love.

Yes, Valentine’s Day is an uber-arbitrary, Hallmark-infused modern commercial holiday essentially invented by Geoffrey Chaucer. Nonetheless, falling as it does right in the middle of February, it can lift the spirits in an otherwise potentially drab month. And, hey – any opportunity to celebrate love is good in my book.

There is, of course, the romantic kind of love (the type associated with Valentine’s Day) – but many other ways of love abound in this diverse world. Martin Luther King Jr. reminded us that the Greeks had several different words to distinguish the nuances of what we English speakers think of simply as “love.” There was “eros,” the passionate, desire-driven love we tend to associate with Feb. 14. There was “philia,” the love shared by family and friends. And there was “agape,” the kind of love that King described as “spontaneous, unmotivated, overflowing, creative goodwill to [all].”

In other words: the Love that is the Spirit of this church. What better time than February, with its gray skies and bitter winds, to come home to Heritage? To the loving embrace that awaits you in the church that still – and always has – centered love. Whether you’ve been away for a while or attend, shall we say, religiously (pun intended). Whether you’re young or old(er), even if you’re brand new. On a recent snowy Sunday morning, two intrepid souls made their way to HUUC for the first time; each experienced the warm, inclusive welcome and judgment-free community we strive to be, week in and week out.

We’re hardly perfect. But I think we have a pretty good thing going here. A pretty rare thing, in this day and age (probably, in any day and age). So scroll through this newsletter, and take a look at what’s on tap this month – from worship services about faith and hope and love and healing, to gatherings for meals and conversation, to shared work to make our church, and our world, a better place. Come join us. Come experience the Month of Love at the church where Love is always centered.

Blessings,
Rev. Bill

February 2023.

by Julie Kane

As we head into February, I have been surprised to feel a strong sense of hope. Although there could be many reasons for this feeling of hope, there are a few that I would like to share.

I am reminded that, although winter is far from over, the daylight hours are increasingly growing, and it won’t be long before we enter springtime. My hope lies in seeing the many changes of the seasons, understanding that time marches on and this winter will also pass.

I reach for the hope that engulfs me when I attend services like the one last week, in honor of Martin Luther King Jr., entitled “Beyond the Dream.” There was such an overflowing of love at that service! At one point, I noticed that the word “Love” was mentioned repeatedly, and each time, there was true feeling behind the word. The service, the music and the feeling of love that resounded in our sanctuary made me hopeful for the future. Love really is the spirit of our church.

Lastly, I am hopeful when I see more young families coming to Heritage. After such a long time with only virtual services, seeing these new faces enter our beloved space, blending with the faces that have become so familiar, like family, I am filled with hope for the future of Heritage UU Church.

This month, I wish for you to find hope, or some hopeful moments, as you continue your journey.

Julie

February 2023.

by Rev. Bill Gupton

A new year is here, and change is in the air. We are entering a time of discernment – both locally here at Heritage Church – and denominationally, in our Unitarian Universalist movement. Closer to home, what do we want our church to be like? What do we want it to stand for? How shall we best serve the needs of our members, friends, and the community, in a rapidly changing world? At the macro level – how will Unitarian Universalism define itself and what will its focus be? These are some of the questions facing us in 2023.

Later this month, I begin a two-part sermon series in which I will grapple with some of these questions – and invite you to do the same. What do you believe? What kind of religious community are you seeking? What things can we agree on, here at Heritage? What should our relationship to the wider denomination be? Previous generations, in our church, have had very different answers to such questions – dating all the way back to our founding, as the First Universalist Society of Cincinnati, in 1827. It is time for our generation to consider these defining questions anew – for ourselves.

You can begin offering your input right now, by participating in a congregational survey that was emailed to everyone who receives HUUC-Announcements emails (there is also a QR code to access the survey, located on the bulletin board in the hallway at church). This survey is designed to guide us toward any desired shifts in emphasis in our programs and activities in the coming year, as well as to generate new ideas for how we might better serve the needs of the Heritage community.

Denominationally, you can always express your opinion by contacting the Unitarian Universalist Association – or more directly, by attending and speaking up at the UUA General Assembly this June in Pittsburgh (or online). Heritage Church is entitled to four lay delegates to the General Assembly, and our Board is receiving requests for delegate status now. Speak with Board President Julie Kane to learn more, or speak with me about what might be involved in becoming an attendee and active participant at G.A. Scholarship assistance is available for those who may need it.

Shifting back to the local level, I encourage you to attend our next HUUC Town Hall meeting (again, either in person, or online), to be held Sunday, Jan. 29 at noon, right after my sermon titled “Whither Our Principles,” which will examine the current state of our Seven UU Principles, and their potential removal from our UUA Bylaws. There is a lot we might talk about. Let’s have a conversation (or two)!

A new year brings new possibilities. May we lean into those possibilities – together – and may we keep the flame of Universalism, love, inclusion and spiritual connection brightly burning in Cincinnati, through this winter, and for many, many years to come.

Namaste,
Rev. Bill

January 2023.

by Julie Kane

2022 was a good year; we’ve resumed in-person services, potlucks, choir, Sunday school and many other activities at the church. It was a very good year to reimagine ourselves. How are we different? How do we deal with change? For many of us we have had to learn all kinds of technology. For me, Zoom and Google Drive are the most challenging.

I will make a New Year’s Resolution about reimaging our church. Will you join me? Last September we had a retreat about reimaging the church. Many of you attended and suggested new ideas. The Board has taken your ideas and created a survey. Please take a moment to take the survey. Your feedback is important to us. If there is something you’re interested in please note it in the survey. We want to hear what is important to you.

Have a Happy New Year!

Julie Kane
HHUC President

January 2023.

by Kathy Wade

Part Three: We are here to welcome people of all beliefs, to value diversity of all types, and to offer a safe place to explore all questions with honesty. ~ From the Mission and Vision Statement

Over fifteen years ago, I walked into Heritage Church hoping to find a faith community that would welcome my gay nephew, if he chose to come here. He and many of the gay and lesbian friends we love were not welcome at the Catholic church I had been attending, even though it was probably the most liberal of all the Catholic churches in Cincinnati.

One of the first things I noticed once inside Heritage’s front door was the rainbow flag. Some months later, a transgender woman was encouraged to share her story during a service. Then, some months after that, a youth who was undergoing a gender transition stood at the podium and shared their experience. “That’s walking the talk,” I remember thinking.

I was a little surprised to learn that members of Heritage were not all Unitarians or Universalists – or either. Some followed the pagan religion, some declared they were atheists, some were nothing at all. Yet all these people were not only welcome, they were encouraged to step forward and identify themselves, share a joy or sorrow, even lead a service, or share their beliefs in some way.

During the years my husband, Forrest, and I have been attending Heritage, we’ve been offered all number of classes in all categories of beliefs and spiritual practice, alongside the Sunday service. Evening and weekend classes, book discussions, Vespers chanting in the spirit of Taizé, drumming, bonfires honoring pagan practices … you name it, it’s been offered.

There is one area of the diversity vision that has been slow to develop, and that’s around racial diversity, for a number of reasons. How can we bridge that gap? How can we “explore that uncomfortable question honestly” – as our mission states? I have witnessed Heritage staying at the table, so to speak. The most recent example occurred when HUUC hosted the Diversity Day which Turpin High School students were barred from holding at their own school.

Visit our website (huuc.net) and you’ll find this description of HUUC:

Individuals in our church draw inspiration from various sources, including Western religions, Eastern religions, pagan practices, and humanist thought. What holds us together is a sense of community and shared principles. By coming together in worship, work and play, we nourish our souls. By participating in social justice initiatives, we help heal the world.

May it continue to be so.

 

January 2023.

by Rev. Bill Gupton

A couple of weeks ago, I had an experience I want to share with you – one that assured me Heritage Church is, without a doubt, “back.” The Great Hall was filled with adults who were sitting around tables, having just completed a potluck lunch together, talking and chatting and connecting with one another. That, in itself, would have been cause for celebration.

I had gone to my office to get something and was coming back out into the hall when about half a dozen young children, mostly elementary school age, came running around the corner, chasing one another, laughing, scooting into the bathrooms or an office or the sanctuary to “hide” from each another, then quickly resuming the chase, literally running in circles around the building. An adult or two frowned at them and offered a half-hearted “Don’t run in the church” admonishment – but I could tell that they, like me, were actually smiling broadly inside.

This is what church is supposed to be like. This is what church used to be like. This is what church is – now – once again. The age-appropriate energy and enthusiasm, the connections and memories being made, both in the Great Hall, and all over the building, were simply heartwarming to behold.

“We’re back!”

That cold November Sunday morning, 10 or so kids left the sanctuary with a bounce in their step, headed to their Religious Education activities, as the adults remained behind for a worship service filled (if I may say so) with music and meaning. Many other adults were turned in on Zoom. After the service, those at the church shared fellowship and conversation over a shared meal. The community-building – for all ages – continued long after.

I am deeply grateful that we are at this point. I am deeply grateful that we have each found this unique and special church community. So many other churches, both here in town and across the country, are not at this place, for a variety of reasons. We are truly blessed. In this holiday season, let us always remember that.

Namaste,
Rev. Bill

December 2022.

from Julie Kane

 

 

by Laci Lee Adams, Director of Lifespan Faith Development

Winter is here – almost! Although the first official day of winter isn’t until December 21st, we have already started to feel winter in the air and see it settling in around us. I have to admit to generally hating winter or more specifically, to hating winter weather. Growing up in bayou country Louisiana does not really expose one or prepare them for the bone chilling cold that can accompany winter. That being said, if I really take a few minutes to consider the power and possibilities of winter, I might be able to find a few commendable aspects of winter and the accompanying blanket of cold.

Winter is a fallow time! Think of all the ways we talk about winter. Gardeners are putting beds to rest. Readers are snuggling up on couches with hot chocolate for a long-awaited read. Families are hunkering down for winter. We are all bundling up when we go outside. All of these ways of conceiving our winter experiences have connotations of settling in and settling down while finding quiet and contemplative ways of regenerating. This is exactly what the earth is doing around us – embracing the deep darkness of rest and with it a hint of future possibility!

Winter is the perfect time for our imagination. A time when other things might be stripped away so that we might be left to imagine new and awesome possibilities. What is possible for our church community in the coming season? What would we hope for our young people if we were not bound by what was? What could we make together if we dreamed of new ways of connecting? As we embrace the stillness of winter, I would invite you to wonder and imagine with me and with each other.

Laci

December 2022.

by Kathy Wade

Part Two: “We are here to celebrate the mystery and wonder of life, to share our joys and sorrows, and to care for each other and for the world at large.” ~ From the Mission and Vision Statement

Looking at our Mission and Vision Statement as a four-part document, you can see that three of the four paragraphs begin with: “We are here….” Presence is an essential component of community – “a group of people in a specific locality, who share government, a common heritage [or faith], and an open interchange of thoughts and resources,” loosely quoted from Webster.

While some of us may not live geographically in this “specific community,” each Sunday morning we do come together in community – in person or on Zoom – and /or our presence is felt by attending the many other “gatherings” offered through Heritage – book clubs and study groups, men’s and women’s groups, singing circles and vespers, and social-justice groups, to name a few.

Presence in community, as it’s practiced each Sunday morning at Heritage, boils down to a few non-changeables: the seven chimes of our church bell, a lit and later extinguished chalice, call to worship and a reading or two, reciting our covenant, a sermon or reflection, assorted music, an outreach offering, time for all ages to include our children.

But some would say that the most cherished part of every Sunday at Heritage is our Candles of Community. We are invited to share our celebrations of “the mystery and wonder of life,” [birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, graduations] as our Statement says. We are here to “share our joys and sorrows… for each other and for the world at large.” Sorrows shared are held in the moment – AND you can expect a note or call from a member of the Care Committee soon after.

Candles of Community is not only “cherished,” it goes to the heart of who we are at Heritage. That’s why we are given the opportunity to share our requests so that they can be heard and held in a variety of ways – emailing our joys or sorrows ahead of time; writing into the Chat if we’re present on Zoom; or lining the sanctuary, taking the microphone when our turn comes, and speaking aloud, eye-to-eye and face-to-face with the congregation (sometimes with tears or shaking hands, or with sheer joy radiating through our face masks).

Paragraph Two of our Mission Statement makes it clear: We are here to celebrate, to share, and to care.

 

December 2022.

by Rev. Bill Gupton

Some years ago now, an emphasis (dare I say “specialty”?) of my ministry came into focus: end-of-life ministry. Most clergy have some area that they focus on, or feel particularly skilled at – but for much of my career, I considered myself a “generalist.” Something began to change for me in the fall of 2013, however, when beloved church member Noel Pedrotty was dying of cancer. I felt called to spend time – quality time – at her bedside, with her and her family, and her many loved ones. I felt called to walk with her, as we say, as far as one can go – up to the door of death. I still have the little heart-shaped crystal and poem, given to me by her daughters after she died, on my home altar.

Not long after Noel left this life, I began formulating plans to create a natural burial ground in Cincinnati, to serve the Tri-State region (the nearest such burial ground to here was more than 150 miles away). By 2016, the church had given birth to a separate LLC named Heritage Acres Memorial Sanctuary, which opened in the spring of 2020.

Now I often tell folks I “have two jobs.” I am the full-time Senior Minister of Heritage Universalist Unitarian Church, and I am the part-time volunteer President of Heritage Acres Memorial Sanctuary. Both roles are rich and rewarding, full of beautiful opportunities to serve and be with people at important moments and milestones in their lives, and the lives of their loved ones. As I write this column, we are preparing to bury a young 26-year-old woman at Heritage Acres. This will mark the 44th burial there in two and a half years. Each one is unique, deeply personalized to the individual and their family, and – invariably – a profoundly moving, spiritual experience. Loved ones and mourners leave the graveside grateful – and transformed.

Something similar often happens at church on Sundays, or even during the week (though not, of course, “invariably”). A newcomer’s eyes grow teary as they express their relief at finding a religious community like ours, where they can bring their true self without fear of judgment (either from us, of from God). A child, smiling broadly from ear to ear, lights the chalice, or proudly tells me about something they did at school that week. A meeting to plan a worship service suddenly clicks, and we know it will be a good one (and that Sunday, it is). Our Choir struggles with a difficult piece during Thursday night rehearsal – but simply knocks it out of the park on Sunday. The list goes on and on.

I guess what I’m getting at, with this month’s “On the Path” column, is simply this: What I am blessed to do, both for this beloved congregation and for the wider community, is deeply fulfilling. It is profoundly rewarding work. In fact, it hardly seems like work at all. It’s exactly what I would choose to do.

As we enter the season of gratitude, know that I am truly grateful for each and every day that I have with you. Thank you, for being on this beautiful journey with me.

Namaste,
Rev. Bill

November, 2022.