Roots Hold Me Close, Wings Set Me Free Sermon by Reverend Addae Ama Kraba Presented Sunday, November 30, 2014 While we all belong to the human family, when we speak of our roots, we re usually referring to our family of origin, our genealogy, when and where we were born, who our ancestors were. Sometimes this leads to a discussion about culture and whether English is our first language. But no matter how diverse we are, besides our humanness there is another basic commonality that we share. We re all seeking happiness for ourselves and our children, and all follow many different paths unto that end. As people of faith we have taken many paths to arrive at the flaming chalice that symbolizes Unitarian Universalism. We are seekers of a new way of being, so diverse in our genealogy that we find ourselves explaining to those outside the fold who we are not. We sometimes fail to see, dare I say remember our origins, our genetic stock. We come from early Christians who gathered in small numbers seeking shelter from persecution and isolation from the Roman government. By the 15th century the Unitarians withdrew from practices connected with worship of the Trinity, and had become part of the persecuted. We also come from Universalist who preached Universal salvation the first three centuries of the Common Era. The first organized Unitarian structures were established as Polish men and women gathered in each other s homes in the same 1
manner as first century Christians. They gathered and encouraged one another to stand up against fear allowing their gifted selves to emerge, remaining vibrant by the devotion of those who would not let go of their faith, freedom of religious belief, or the pursuit of truth. The most prominent and effective group was formed in Ko-loz-var, Transylvania. The people were encouraged as they shared ideas, and hopes, demanding freedom of religious life, separation of church and state, all while risking oppression and death. That is the genetic spiritual stock that connects all who embrace Unitarian Universalism as their chosen system of belief. In the New Testament the mention of church isn t reference to an actual building, it describes a group of people, either all of the Christians in the city or a group gathered in a particular house. Wherever two or three gathered, the spirit of the faith known by the collective would be realized. So you see all of us here, you and me, we are the church, and beneath all of our diversity, the roots of our common spiritual genealogy makes us one forest of faith. From this rooted place there are many possibilities, because Unitarian Universalism affirms that no one way, or one guide, or series of edicts can encompass all of the religious sensibilities possible in the human family. Embracing truth as it breaks into our lives is a highly personal and relational awakening. The power of life can be known within the quietude of our own soul and amongst the activity of relationship with others, the world, or the mysterious holy. However, we are connected in our conviction that the forest of 2
our faith has many paths that can lead to a righteous way of living, and our lives will be richer for some glimpse into other ways of viewing the holy. We take seriously all that we know of science, history, and experience, along with religion as the material to weave meaning into our lives. We are connected by our desires for a community of faith for ourselves and our children where curiosity is honored and celebrated. We are connected in our affirmation that all people, of whatever origin are unique and precious, worthy of respect, compassion, and equality in life. We are connected in a belief that how we live, here and now is far more important than the variety of hopes and beliefs held about what may come after. And last, but certainly not least, we are connected in our desire to be part of a community that welcomes, inspires, nurtures and challenges us. It is in the power of relationship that Unitarian Universalism finds its footing. It functions within a covenant promising that we will strive to be with one another. It is fueled by the belief that the larger truth is known from the gathering of smaller truths. It s inspired by the conviction that each person who walks through our doors has something to teach, as well as something to learn. It grows in the understanding that the joys and sorrows of life must be shared in order to heal, grow wiser, and to realize justice. It is grounded in the claiming of community that embraces each other in our varied stages toward the larger, grander vision of a just and compassionate world. It s rooted in origin, and inspires us to go forward into what each of us can become. 3
It s not an epitaph, but a challenge to church life that needs to be met. It s an ever growing, and ever changing living tradition. It s a cultivating faith that strengthens and brings aspects that we are all capable of the courage to love, and express longings. Many aspects of church life can enhance this journey. There s the corporate work to bring about social change and transformation. We can accomplish this through modeling vigilance and with voices joined in a common purpose. There is the civic heart and mind to be in dialogue with existing social institutions that support the work toward freedom and responsibility. There s the evangelistic voice which speaks the good news of the community s worth. There s the pastoral presence providing consistency through shared concern and symbolic expression. There s providing friendship, encouragement and consolation. And there s the power of vulnerability with one another, because one of the things that we do in religious gatherings is provide a mutual focus on the fullness of the moment. We invite a deeper listening, and movement toward a shared moment of heightened awareness. It s an effort toward sacred knowing found in relationship. The faith is perpetuated by members of congregations; they are the impulse, the reason and the answer for coming together, coming to serve, teach and share with each other. The people make the faith by respecting each other s contributions and gifts, because processing wisdom is the key to feeling fully alive, and to finding our wings. The ritual of gathering here on Sunday morning in this sacred space 4
humbles me, and the discipline expressed by members of this community amazes me. During this hour that s set aside, so much can happen, so much can be communicated, opened, examined and challenged. However, the discipline is one that I pray will always be cherished, and never taken for granted. I pray that we find and form moments of togetherness and gratitude in struggles that we are embroiled in, or opportunities that we enjoy. Because outlook and the energy conveyed makes the difference in the substance of our lives. Faith communities can do this as long as we pay attention to where we have come from and what we hope to become. Our roots are deeply embedded in our history and in our community, yet in belief and hope in unimagined possibilities, it s the wings of our faith that take flight in accomplishing together. From my heart to yours, may it be so. 5