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Friends,
We recently celebrated the birthday of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King. Dr. King was a true American hero braving arrest, racist thuggery, fire hoses and attack dogs to end segregation in the South and obtain voting rights for African-Americans. He did this with a message of love, brotherhood and an understanding of the unity that all humankind shares. To him, the civil rights movement wasn’t a war or a battle to be won, but an evolution into a higher form of being. In 1968, he died a violent death while living for peace. We honor him not as a great Black American but as a great humanitarian and disciple of love and global harmony.
As we all know, and as Reverend Sara reiterated last Sunday, the election of Donald Trump goes against everything that Martin Luther King stood for. We are entering a dark age of corruption and intolerance in government. We would be well served to honor MLKs memory by not looking at resistance as a “Fight” but as a journey to harmony. We should not declare a “War” on injustice but lovingly move our people and culture to a place of greater humanity. It is natural to be angry and frightened, in fact, you wouldn’t be human if you weren’t, but we must never let that anger or fear stifle the better angels of our nature. Move forward with love and kindness, not hate and violence. Strive for justice, but not revenge, unity not dominance. As Unitarian Universalists, this is our way. If we are to have our nation “Live out the true meaning of its creed”, we must do so peacefully. Otherwise, hate and violence will only bring more hate and violence.
Our congregation is moving forward with our discernment process about the Chelan property. After the November town hall, it was determined that the greater part of the congregation favors one of two options.
- The Hybrid Option: Sell part of the property and retain half to develop with an eye to social justice in partnership with another community organization.
- Sell outright: Put the property on the market and find a buyer, relinquishing any influence or control over its use but get a greater return on our investment.
These options will be discussed at the February town hall meetings and questions will be welcomed. We are also going to give a brief overview of the BUUF endowment and how proceeds from the sale will enable us to have a revenue stream for the operating budget and special projects like social justice. The final decision will be made, by congregational vote, at the annual meeting in May. This is a very important decision, and it is the wish of your board to have the widest participation possible.
Also on the horizon is the return of the Annual Auction. Donations are being accepted now. If you have something interesting just lying around, put it to good use by donating it to the auction.
As always, I am honored to be this year’s board president and am grateful for the hard work and devotion of my fellow board members. I am also proud to be associated with such a compassionate and progressive congregation such as yourselves. Things seem dark right now, but I am confident we will keep moving forward. Love, compassion and justice are the true meaning of OUR creed. Peace to you all.
Rob Ham
BUUF Board President
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