The political climate we have found ourselves living in these days is increasingly stressful, disturbing, annoying, and sometimes fearful. For me, I find myself waking up every morning wondering if it’s over yet, and then, once I’m fully awake, I realize it’s not. Thus begins my day.

Instead of dwelling on the swirling thoughts of uncertainty about our future as a country, I find that what I look forward to that sustains me are Sunday mornings at RVUUF. Arriving together with an expectation of being nurtured by your presence is comforting.

As a liberal religious community I especially see RVUUF during this political season as a place for nurturing the values of love and compassion within each of us. Where else can you arrive on a Sunday morning to find people who hold principles of justice, peace, love and compassion as honorable, respectful, and powerful values to live by? Thank you for showing up on Sundays, and when you aren’t able to be present I continue to find sustenance in knowing you are connected by way of your commitments in service to RVUUF many days of the week.

Speaking of Sundays, October will include two more opportunities for members and guests to exchange thoughts and ideas about RVUUF’s mission. The next Sunday morning discussions will occur on Oct. 9 (“Empower connection”) and Oct. 30 (“Engage in the work”). Based on the discussions that occurred on Sept. 25, the feedback generated many lists of concrete examples of the way RVUUF embraces diversity, and those examples are posted on the windows of the library in the Great Hall. I’m impressed with how many are willing to engage in this work, which empowers your connection to each other and to RVUUF’s mission.

For those who heard my sermon on Sept. 18, it was drawn from my friend and colleague the Rev. Nate Walker’s new book Cultivating Empathy, the Worth and Dignity of Every Person – Without Exception. I encourage you to purchase the book or get it from the local library. He shares very personal experiences about practicing the moral imagination during times of challenge, conflict and stress. The practice of moral imagination in today’s world is a practice we all can benefit from as we covenant with each other to embrace diversity, empower connection and engage in the work.

Rev. Nan L. White
RVUUF Developmental Minister