Growing Unitarian Universalism
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The Pop Culture Conversation (covered in the most previous blog post, which inspired some very interesting comments) also inspired an act of gratitude and witness that I hope you will pick up and make your own.
The Pop Culture Conversation asked the questions, “Where in American popular culture is most exciting? Does Unitarian Universalism have a place there? And what could that look like?”
A handful of us continued the conversation with the questions, “Who in American popular culture is most exciting? How do they live out the ideals of Unitarian Universalism? How can we cheer them on and support them?” The group’s collective lightbulb went on simultaneously. I ran down to the UUA Bookstore and picked up five Standing on the Side of Love t-shirts and a package of chalice-bearing notecards.
President Peter Morales was delighted to be involved with our mission. He wrote encouraging messages to the following people, which we folded into our care packages along with his business card and information about Unitarian Universalism.
Rachel Maddow, Host MSNBC’s “Rachel Maddow Show” and author: “Thank you for standing on the side of truth, which is core to our faith tradition.”
Melissa Harris-Perry, host of MSNBC’s “Melissa Harris-Perry” and author: “Thank you for standing on the side of truth, which is core to our faith tradition.”
Ami Bera, Congressman for California’s 7th District and a self-identified Unitarian Universalist: “Congratulations, and thank you for your service, for standing on the side of democracy, which is core to our faith tradition.”
Ben Haggerty, hip hop artist Macklemore who debuted hip hop’s first popular song about gay rights, Same Love: “Thank you for courageously and creatively standing on the side of love, which is core to our faith tradition.”
Stephen Colbert, political satirist, writer, comedian, television host, and actor. He is the host of Comedy Central’s The Colbert Report: “Thanks for the great publicity!”
Tandi Rogers is the UUA’s Growth Strategist. She once sent thank you notes to all the featured writers for YES magazine. Five of them wrote back to let her know they were Unitarian Universalist, too!
And you probably will get a reply from MH-P, as she is UU herself.
UU Christian, no less
AND, all but ordained. She has done all the coursework for the MDiv.
Not that she plans to go there.
I am a great Melissa fan. Check out her keynote at he 2010 Facing Race conference.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=49ocDVphfRA
Enjoy
This fall we’ve introduced a “Gratitude Monday” practice at Starr King School. Each Monday at 8:45 we gather in person on campus (and via Twitter @GratitudeSKSM) and make Thank You Cards (using mostly recycled art supplies!). We talk about what we are thankful for and strive to embody some of what we’ve been studying about the principle of Gracias: gratitude, hope and forgiveness in communities (as described in “Salsa, Soul and Spirit: Leadership for a Multicultural Age” – our Text by Juana Bordas this semester). It’s been a simple, profound practice – with some profound implications for transforming individuals and the collective! What learning comes when we simply extend thanks!
We’ll gladly welcome more UU’s to join in from around the globe when our new semester begins in February! #GratitudeSKSM Monday at 8:45 am, Berkeley time!