“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”
Another Milestone
Last Sunday, Karin Fuog, past president of the UU Congregation in Andover (UUCiA or “Locke Street”), asked me to light a candle to mark another milestone for that congregation: she had received word a week prior that the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Andover is officially and formally dissolved. While anticipated, I imagine this is yet another step in the process of grief and letting go for the members of the congregation, perhaps something like the Jewish tradition of “unveiling of the stone” (the formal dedication of a gravestone or monument towards the end of the first year of a person’s death).
The news also brought relief for leaders that a challenging process is now complete. Appreciation goes out to Karin and the other members of the UUCiA Board- Chas Bicking, Karen Gale, Michelle Filleul and David Grober- who all stayed on until the congregation was formally dissolved. They led the way through the congregation’s discernment and dissolution process with integrity, transparency, generosity and care. I lit the candle on Sunday also as a symbol of gratitude and appreciation of all those who were ever part of UUCiA, for all the good ministry of the congregation, and for the ways that its people continue to bring UU values and voices into the world- including at and through North Parish. As Karin wrote, “I would like to emphasize that the entire congregation stepped up to get it done. This was not my work or even the work of the board; this was an effort that involved so many members who attended faithfully and took on various tasks as needed.” This was sacred work indeed.
Many small congregations are struggling these days and discerning where their future lies. In town, three of the “mainline” Christian congregations (United Methodist, Congregational and Episcopalian) do not have settled pastors and are too small for full time ministry. And yet- more than ever in recent history- our communities and society need robust, courageous, free-thinking congregations that have deeply held ethical values at the center of their being, practices of mutual care and joy, and long-haul thinking.
In the Enews, the Board has announced a big step in the preservation and “green envelope” (insulation) project that has been in discussion and process for the past few years. Squirrels and woodpeckers are no longer making the spires their home, but ours is still a big, gorgeous, rather leaky 189 year old building. As we approach the congregation’s 380th anniversary celebration on Oct. 26th, there is cause to think with deep gratitude of all those who have come before us, who built us a sanctuary and kept it standing, and who sustained and changed the congregation. We shifted from Puritan beliefs to Unitarian and then Unitarian Universalist ones over many years, but we date our formal declaration of Unitarianism to the same year the Meeting House was raised, 1836.
With gratitude for all those who’ve sustained 189+ years of Unitarianism here,
Rev. Lee
P.S. So many thanks to Adam, Lorryn, Tom and Lora for sharing their reflections about their Catholic, Jewish, Methodist and Evangelical backgrounds on Sunday. We will do this again; if you’d like to speak, let me know.
P.P. S. Let me know if you’d like to help plan or assist with our 380th Birthday party!