The Violence

Since the terrorist attacks by Hamas on Israel this past weekend, I've found myself glued to my news feeds. I'm reading articles, editorials, and opinions. I listened to the powerful speech by President Biden yesterday and have read many personal stories of Israelis and Palestinians who are angry, terrified, grieving, and at continued risk.

I feel on alert, as if there is something I should do or that we should do. Maybe, once again, I'm reaching for a quick path for the violence to end. Yet, I know that is not likely.

It's tempting to look away from one more international crisis and move on. Yet, I encourage us not to look away. It's not that we need to continually digest news, but there is value to paying deep attention.

In her statement in response to the attack, Unitarian Universalist Association President Rev. Dr. Sofia Bentacourt said this: "Be gentle with yourselves when you need to be, but do not turn away unless you must. We are one global family living tenuously on the same human-impacted Earth. Let us center ourselves in justice as we call for peace."

In her call to not turn away, Rev. Bentacourt reminds me that the role of witness matters. Being a witness is not a passive role. In the role of witness, we listen to those closer to the experiences of others and let ourselves feel something. As active witnesses, we observe closely, care for, and sense our shared humanity.

It may lead us to our next right step. We may be reminded to check in with friends most directly impacted—those likely struggling. We may name issues. We may join vigils. While the issues are daunting and it's tempting to look away, our care and attention are needed.

If you or your family need support in these times, please reach out.

Terrorism is evil, and we can’t turn away from the consequences.

In faith,

Rev. Sue

The new Members and Friends Directory is available. Check out the updated photos. Be in tune with the current addresses and phone numbers. See our new members and friends. The directory will be available again in the lobby this Sunday, October 15^th. Please limit one per household.

Our Social Justice Outreach Offerings continue throughout the month of October, focusing on the topic of strengthening our democracy. We had a robust and inclusive discussion after service this past Sunday about three particular areas:

• Ending gerrymandering
• Getting dark money out of politics
• Reforming elections (via tools such as ranked choice voting)

Contributions this month will go to the Education Fund of the organization, Represent.us. If you missed the service and/or discussion, we highly recommend you view the short 12-minute video here. If you would like to be a part of the continuing "Conversations on Democracy" that those in the after-service discussion agreed to be a part of (via email and other meetings), send your email to Marilee Taussig at marileetaussig@gmail.com to be included on the list.

Your UUCR Social Justice Committee will be meeting this Friday, October 13, at 10:45 a.m. at UUCR. Everyone is invited to attend. We will be discussing both our prior and future events and activities.