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UU, no you

I actually made it to the UU (Unitarian Universalist) 10 AM service this morning.  That would be miraculous for me on a Sunday, except that I spent this Friday and Saturday nights rather quietly.

Anyway, I'm not about pimping any particular religion, which is why I like the UUs.  The fellowship seems really active here, and I'm looking forward to getting involved.  I may even become a member here.  I don't really have an organized post on this, just a few things I want to share.

I can't find anything I disagree with in the 7 UU principles:

  1. The inherent worth and dignity of every person;
  2. Justice, equity and compassion in human relations;
  3. Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations;
  4. A free and responsible search for truth and meaning;
  5. The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregation and in society at large;
  6. The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all;
  7. Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.


And the sources of inspiration in a service can come from anywhere.  I love that.  For example:

Today's words of dedication:
From unreality, lead me to Reality.
From darkness, lead me unto Light.
From death, lead me to Immortality.

The Upanishads
The call to worship was a reading from Martha Graham:
There is a vitality, a life force, an energy, a quickening that is translated through you into action, and because there is only one of you in all of time, this expression is unique. And if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and it will be lost. The world will not have it. It is not your business to determine how good it is nor how valuable nor how it compares with other expressions. It is your business to keep it yours clearly and directly, to keep the channel open. You do not even have to believe in yourself or your work. You have to keep yourself open and aware to the urges that motivated you.  Keep the channel open. ... Nor artist is pleased. [There is] no satisfaction whatever at any time. There is only a queer divine dissatisfaction, a blessed unrest that keeps us marching and makes us more alive.  
The reading came from Genesis today, and the sermon drew heavily on Jewish and Quaker traditions.  I just like that when I leave, I feel like I was part of something positive.

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