Reflections on membership – What does it mean to me to be a Unitarian Universalist at Bell Street Chapel?
April 10, 2009
It means many different things. I can think on my own rather than following a creed. The Seven Principles of the Unitarian Universalist Association guide me:
The inherent worth and dignity of every person;
Justice, equity and compassion in human relations;
Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations;
A free and responsible search for truth and meaning;
The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large;
The goal of world community with peace, liberty and justice for all;
Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.
I began attending Bell Street Chapel services in 1997 or 1998. I came when I was in the mood. Now I would have to have a reason not to attend the service.
It means many different things. I can think on my own rather than following a creed. The Seven Principles of the Unitarian Universalist Association guide me:
The inherent worth and dignity of every person;
Justice, equity and compassion in human relations;
Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations;
A free and responsible search for truth and meaning;
The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large;
The goal of world community with peace, liberty and justice for all;
Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.
For me the service allows me to mark my week and to center myself. It affords me a chance to meditate with others and to combine energy with them.
I pray daily and I meditate daily along with various other Eastern practices. Bell Street Chapel and its members and friends allow me to be me more and to filter out the world at large and its continuous bombardment of noise.
I am aware of the happenings around me and in the world at large but I am able to focus for a brief period of time on Sunday morning on me and becoming more whole.
I have become at times extremely involved with governance, such as when I was on the Governing Board and served on the Nominating Committee and the Committee on Ministry. At other time it has been luxurious to attend as a congregant, sans title.
Many wonderful people have contributed to my experiences here and to my growth. In interacting with people of different ages, religious traditions, genders, generations, backgrounds, and so on, I have added exponentially to who I am.
I have found it most interesting learning from several different ministers. Each has gifted to me unique prisms of awareness.
The ideas found in the principles and traditions have opened my mind to various new experiences that mean a lot in my journey towards wholeness. As a naturally caring guy, it has also enabled me to better channel some of this energy.
I hope to wake up tomorrow and many more days going forward knowing that as a Unitarian Universalist, I can manage the day and the days ahead.
Bell Street is home to me even when I am not in attendance. I am grateful to you all for your love and affection and support.
~Steve Kagan
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