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Now is Our Time! Excerpts from a sermon by the Rev. David M. Horst, Interim Minister Second Congregational Society, Unitarian Universalist Covenant Sunday, October 9, 2011 …. In the past two months, I’ve spoken and written about the need for compassion, the need for your gifts, the need for right relationship, the need for listening. Now I’m asking about a feeling that can come only from the heart: The feeling of affection—mutual affection. You might consider that question as you determine if you’re ready and willing to to commit your money to your church—not to the church as an institution, but to church as you and me. If you come only to marvel at this restored Meeting House, if you come only to take a hard look at the balance sheet, if you come only to receive an edifying sermon, you may get the idea that the church is but a religious vehicle you choose to take a ride on from time to time as it suits you. No, church cannot be this. The church is each of you and all of us. The people arethe church. You know this, of course; but buildings, assets and liabilities, and preaching are tangible things that can been seen and grasped. When people get involved, things get more complicated; but that’s what church is all about—the people…. There is much here to grow on:
So here’s what you have: History, ministry, a beautiful building, a financial foundation, generous givers, leadership, membership, good staffing, music, worship, and education, social justice, and community service—all nurtured and sustained by a living tradition of faith. In all these things are people. Generations of people before and you, here and now. People of all walks of life. People with gifts and talents to share. People with their eccentricities to love. People of wealth and people of modest means. People of passionate beliefs. People of big ideas and hard labor. People of faith and doubt. People walking together seeking lives of meaning and purpose. People speaking out for a world of justice and hope. There is much to grow on…. I want to say a word to the disenchanted members and friends, some of whom who are still weary of heart and others who are only now cautiously returning following a period of conflict: Welcome home. The healing time has begun. It’s time to re-connect with each other, repair the relationships that need repair, and renew your commitment to this community. Let the much-needed restoration of this Meeting House be a sign of confidence and symbol of hope for the restoration of this congregation—each of you and all of us. Welcome home to your home, the home you make. If you are a new arrival to this congregation or our Unitarian Universalist faith, you now know the Second Congregational Society and its people are not perfect. There have been some troubles here, but the work of reconciliation is well underway. As your Interim Minister, I am committed to walking with this congregation through this time of healing and renewal. May this be a house of healing and hope…. Now I must ask you to give and give generously. Now is your time. I say this because I feel the renewed optimism for the future, rising out of your many strengths and also out of your brokenness. Every congregation must face its history, but congregations cannot dwell there. Congregations live in the present while dreaming of the future; but know that the ways you attend to the present will make all the difference in the future. The Board of Trustees has set an ambitious but achievable pledge goal to fund next’s year ministry, programs, staff, administrative costs, and related expenses. You will achieve this goal by doing three essential things: First, look to your Board of Trustees, major givers, and minister to set the pace for giving, and they are doing just that. Second, if you are currently an active pledger in the $250 to $1,000 range consider doubling your pledge. If your current pledge is above $1,000 consider doubling it, too, or at least a 50-percent increase. Third, if you are an active member or friend and have not pledged at all in the past, now is your time to make a difference. Make a pledge. One-hundred percent giving, one-hundred percent commitment, is the goal. A good starting pledge is two-percent of gross income or a simple budget $10, $20, or $50 a month or whatever is within your means…. I want to return to the idea of “covenant” I introduced last month, because generous giving is one of the covenants we keep. Members of Unitarian Universalist congregations are united gathered not by creed but by covenant. The test of belonging is not “right belief” but “right relationship.” What you and I and each of us believe is of less importance than how we support, respect, and love one another. One way this support, respect, and love is expressed is through the financial gifts everyone brings. Everyone, whatever are your means. Beloved community grows and strengthens when our gathering of separate bodies and spirits transforms into a gathering of one body and spirit. When me becomes us. When I am becomes we are. In that spirit, please come to the luncheon following today’s service. We’ll enjoy good food and conversation. Here are some questions you might discuss with each other:
The people are the church. When you give you give to each other and you give to yourself and your family. It’s all right to be a little self interested when you give. Do you want lively worship programs, great music, good leaning opportunities, and opportunities to promote peace and justice? I’m pretty sure the person sitting near you wants a lot of these same things in their religious community, too. What’s important to you is probably important to him and her and many others, because we share common religious values in an uncommon community of faith….
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