With so many other wondrous outdoor alternatives to church on a Sunday morning in Traverse City in the summer, why choose church? (I am using the word "church" as shorthand, for all the places where we find religious and spiritual community.) And why, invite someone to come with you?

 

Maybe it's just my own peculiar position, but I happen to believe that there is value in being part of a religious community. Over the years, I've had many conversations with well-intentioned, thoughtful people who happily share with me why they see no benefit in going to church. Why would they possibly want to be part of a spiritual community when they have friends and a social network in the hundreds? What could possibly be important enough to get out of bed early on Sunday and delay their reading the paper or missing their favorite brunch? Why would they want to be made to think about things they don't want to think about?  

 

After they've exhausted their rationales, I take a deep breath and gently reply something along these lines:

 

Unitarian Universalist congregations are not the same as other churches. And....

 

You need a church because our small social circles are not enough. Your friends and family may love you, but may not be able to challenge you to be your best self, or be able to help you answer the deepest questions on your heart.

 

You need a church when your life is falling apart, when your heart is joyous or when it is breaking. You need a church when things are in transition. You need a church as a reminder that each of us has much yet to learn about being fully human and we have a responsibility to give back to the world. You need a church, because no one can do all this work in the world alone.

 

And for those who suggest they don't get enough out of church to make a real commitment, I suggest that we only get out of something what we are willing to put into it.

 

So Come to Church, you might just be surprised.

 

In these times when our lives are more fragmented and scattered than ever before, when the superficial passes for depth, we need places and people who will gently remind us of our real worth and challenge us with new ideas, helping us to discover new perspectives on this world we share.

 

Even scientists and researchers are confirming what many of us know - that attending services is good for our overall health. (See work done by the University of Michigan, Johns Hopkins University, and the Center for the Study of Religion/Spirituality and Health at Duke University Medical Center.)

 

So, yes, I am looking forward to seeing you on Sunday morning, in a place where connections and community slowly over time fill places in our lives that other social venues and groups cannot. Come join us in a place that reminds us of our humanity and reminds us of what may yet be possible. And if you can, bring a friend or two. They might need this place and her people just as much as you do.

 

In hope and faith,

Rev. Beth

Margaret Wozniak, coordinator

In this day of legitimate concern over Equal Rights for ALL, there is only one state ratification needed to make the ERA an Amendment to our Constitution. 

This history is important and informative:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Equal_Rights_Amendment

 

Now sign to urge Virginia to finally ratify the amendment:

  https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/sign-the-petition-we-must-ratify-the-equal-rights

UUCGT Social Justice Action Team

Emmy Lou Cholak, co-chair

Together we can do great things!

   http://www.uujustice.org

- Mindfulness Meditation: Sunday, July 14, 5:00-7:00pm, sanctuary - s ee www.tcmmg.org for more information

- Bridge Club: Every Tuesday @ 1:00pm, social hall

- Sunday Services Committee: Wednesday, July 17, 12 noon, social hall

- Finance Committee: Wednesday, July 17, 3:30pm, office

- Basement Giveaway Volunteers Set-up: Wednesday, July 17, 3:30pm

- Basement Giveaway for UUCGT Members & Friends: Thursday, July 18, 9:00am - 1:00pm

- Brown Bag Picnic Lunch w/ Rev. Beth: Thursday, July 18, 12 noon. Casual relaxed lunch and chat

- Congregational Care Team: Thursday, July 18, 1:00pm, library

- Peacemakers Needleworkers: Every Thursday, 1:30pm, social hall

- Vocal Ensemble: Thursday, July 18, 7:00pm, sanctuary

- Public Giveaway: Friday, July 19, 9:00am - 1:00pm

- Sokukoji Buddhist Meditation Retreat: Saturday, July 20, 9:00am - 4:00pm, sanctuary. Open to public, $40 fee, light lunch

- An Evening with UU Rev. Antoinette Brown Blackwell presented by Rev. Beth and a Special Guest: Saturday, July 20, 6:00pm, sanctuary. Light refreshments - Everyone is Welcome!