“True, it's not over till it's over. And even when it's over, it just begins again.”
“What was before is left behind; what never was is now; and every passing moment is renewed.”
Our Pride service last Sunday was full of great energy and enthusiasm! For those who missed it, we celebrated the 20th anniversary of equal marriage for same sex couples and also reflected on the need to focus on inclusion for trans/non-binary people given the slew of anti-trans legislation across the nation. It was a reminder of all the good church work that was done at North Parish two decades ago and how we can be part of making history. (See the white board in Freeman Hall for newspaper clippings from that era, and the article elsewhere in this eNews about the national UU Association’s history with LGBTQ+ rights and welcome.)
Last weekend, I spent about 24 hours in western Mass at my 35th (!) college reunion. I had been asked to speak on a panel about “sustainability” and how to choose what actions to take in the face of climate disruption. So I spoke about joining groups- whether faith-based groups, non-profits or coalitions- rather than trying to do everything on one’s own. I gave my reasons why, including the fact that coalitions are helpful when crisis hits.
Then I talked about the 2018 Merrimack Valley Gas Disaster and the concerted response to the disaster by the Lawrence Interfaith Clergy Group, where Karen Martin and I served as suburban representatives. That group helped to organize citizen testimonies for the various state panels that were convened over a two-year investigative period following the disaster. I said to the audience, “My philosophy when it comes to climate activism might be ‘Never Waste a Good Crisis.’ It’s surprising how many people will do just that- who will simply move on with their lives without using the crisis to motivate change.”
There are now millions of dollars coming into the city from the settlement and the state to help with a clean energy shift and the very first utility-led networked geothermal project went online this week in a Framingham neighborhood. AND there is so much work left to do. The thing about making history is that it usually happens slowly… even when change is urgently needed. One does have to be at the ready- ideally with people you already know and trust- when the chance comes.
Speaking of history, I’m looking forward to the party on Saturday marking the end of my 25th year here at North Parish! I hope some kids will be there and we’re all hoping the weather holds. (If not, we’ll still have fun!) I know that it is a busy time of year and many of you have other advance plans and won’t be able to make it; hopefully we’ll still have time to connect before my last day on Friday June 28th. I’ll be in the pulpit on the 16th and in the seats for the Summer Solstice service on the 23rd.
Meanwhile, this Sunday we’ll be thanking our leaders and volunteers, dedicating a child and having a flower communion- that UU ritual that connects us with the story of Rev. Norbert and Maya Capek. They faced the worst that humanity could be in the form of Nazi persecution and death camps, but as Unitarians they also affirmed the gifts of life, stood by their ethical principles, and gave us this beautiful ritual for all ages. I hope to see you Sunday.
In faith and with flowers,
Rev. Lee