The arboretum at UUCCH was established nearly fifty years ago, and has seen remarkable evolution and change over the years. In this time of renewed commitment to our own little corner of the interdependent web of all existence, how do we cultivate and care for this space that nurtures our minds, bodies and spirits?
As this new year unfolds, we see signs of hope that we may emerge from a time of challenge and loss for ourselves, for our families, our community, our society and the world. What are the skills, the gifts, the commitments that can help us gain deeper understanding and reconciliation in our interdependent world?
This congregation has committed to live into the proposed 8th principle of Unitarian Universalism, working to accountably dismantle racism and other oppressions in ourselves and our institutions. The actions we take to honor Black lives, to right historic wrongs in our nation, call us to engage our minds, hearts and spirits to restore justice and wholeness for all.
Author Isabel Wilkerson suggests that we cultivate radical empathy as a positive response to racism, connecting with each other at the human heart of our shared existence. How do we live in an interdependent world where we share humanity in innumerable diverse ways? How do we balance the calls for equality and equity to create a world of justice for all?
There is one universal truth. Everything starts from something, or does it? In the beginning there was Light, there was Ein Sof, there was nothing but open possibility. Reality is so much more than we can know. The center is everywhere. We are all made of stardust. Let us imagine, let us celebrate all the beginnings in all dimensions.
