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.
