REFLECTIONS FROM THE MINISTER:

What do Unitarian Universalists Worship?

Rev. Amy A. Freedman
Channing Memorial Church
December 3, 2000

In the summer of 1996, I served as a chaplain at Massachusetts General Hospital. There were twelve chaplains in that summer unit of CPE or Clinical Pastoral Education. We were from many faith perspectives: Jewish, Catholic, Presbyterian, Lutheran, United Church of Christ, Episcopalian, and Unitarian Universalist. At noon each day, there was a prayer service conducted in the chapel. We took turns leading these services that were broadcast over the hospital TV network. Although our supervisor was a Roman Catholic nun, she insisted that these services be interfaith. She gave us specific guidelines about language and providing an inclusive spiritual message. For myself and the other Unitarian Universalist chaplains, we found that these services easily fit our usual approach to worship. The Lutheran chaplain had a more difficult time. At lunch Lars would ask, "What are we worshiping?!" while shaking his head in frustration. For him, a service had no meaning unless it was addressed to Jesus Christ.

This was a new question for me. I began wondering, what are we as Unitarian Universalists worshiping? I grew-up in this liberal religious tradition attending First Parish in Waltham, Massachusetts. Within the memory of the older members of the congregation, the Lord's Prayer had been recited and communion received. So, at one time the answer to Lars' question would have been that we worship Jesus Christ not as a part of the Trinity but as a moral exemplar of human conduct. However, by the time that I arrived on the scene in the 1970's, although we followed the Christian calendar in the celebration of holidays, the worship services were Humanist in style. God-language was rarely used, if ever. In many ways, Unitarian Universalist worship is different from mainline Protestant services. The sacraments of communion and baptism are central in only our more Christian congregations. We are generally more comfortable with a poem by Mary Oliver or a Buddhist story than a lesson from the Bible. However, if you look at the structure of our services we have not wandered very far from Protestant worship with a unison reading, singing of hymns, and the emphasis on the word.

I find that it is often in my encounters with people of differing faith perspectives that I learn a great deal about my own. So, I'd like to share another story with you. As many of you know, I am a graduate of Starr King School for the Ministry. It was a joy to study in a Unitarian Universalist seminary while at the same time being surrounded by the nine other schools that make up the Graduate Theological Union. During my first year I lived in the dormitory of the Episcopal seminary, Church Divinity School of the Pacific, where I became acquainted with Tim Rogers who happens to be a native of Waltham, Massachusetts. We would have a great time reminiscing together over a cup of tea about Grover Cronin's Department Store, the Christmas lights on the Common, and other things Waltham. He knew of First Parish, my home church, with its rosy windows and white columns. Tim also remembered as a child being taken to Mass one summer morning and noticing that our building was quiet. "Why don't they have to go to church in the summertime?" His mother replied: "Their God goes on vacation!"

And so it has been! Unitarian Universalist congregations have been known to happily take summer recess and return in the fall. This bespeaks of another time and the fact that our members have been primarily of the privileged class that goes away on holiday for all or most of the summer. The fact that the church year is patterned on the academic schedule also indicates the rational nature of our movement. When worship services are based primarily on the use of Reason (with a capital "R") and the search for Truth (with a capital "T"), it's kind of a relief to go on vacation.

So, what is changing? Many Unitarian Universalist churches are currently holding summer worship. If the minister goes on vacation, groups of lay people coordinate services, have an intern serve as the minister or hire guest speakers as was done here last summer. Although it is amusing to think as some UU's used to say that "God trusts us enough to go on vacation", I find it reassuring that people are moved to gather year around.

On time when I visited my home church a newer member said that it simply made no sense to her that the doors would be closed during June, July, and August. She had come to value her church community and worship brought spiritual sustenance to her life. Her questioning led her to organize several services. There has been a similar movement here at this church with Fred Caswell, Mac MacAleer, Nancy and Bill Peresta coordinating summer services.

So, returning to my original question. . .what do we as Unitarian Universalists worship? I believe along with Samuel Johnson that "God is not an object but an experience". The reason that I struggled to answer Lars' question is that there is no what in Unitarian Universalist worship! Even if I replied, that we worship "the spirit of life" or "unity in diversity" or "mystery", I would be leaving out something essential. Worship is not an object but an experience. Although our personal theologies may be diverse, Unitarian Universalists gather for worship with a common purpose.

We gather to be reminded of our common humanity. The rites of passage of birth, death, and union serve as symbols for the stations of life. A hand outstretched in greeting. A single voice joining others in song. A story shared during fellowship hour. These simple acts woven together form the fabric of a religious community.

We gather to become fully ourselves. It is within the support of community that we can discover our gifts. Our lives have become increasingly busy. Answering machines, computers, pagers, this age of instant information has somehow made our lives more frantic instead of simpler. In worship, we are able to sit in silence and hear that still small voice within. We are called back to our center.

We gather to grapple with questions of ultimate meaning. One of the gifts of our liberal religious movement is that we do not have a fixed book of revelation. Our sacred sources come from many religious traditions and many cultures. Often in the sharing of personal experience, the greatest wisdom is revealed. In speaking from life experience, the universal is touched- we all understand hope and fear.

We gather to promote justice, equity, and compassion. As an individual, it is easy to become complacent about the state of the world. Together we are reminded of our highest ideals. We remember that when any one of us is oppressed, we are not free. We may not know the exact path, but we have the courage to take the first step toward a more just world; to join with others on a Journey Toward Wholeness.

Leading up to each Sunday morning is a creative process that is a rewarding experience in and of itself. Janet Grant, our Music Director, selects and plays the music that sets the tone and rhythm of our service. Janet not only shares with us her own musical talents on the piano and organ, she skillfully works with the Channing Choir and Youth Chorus. I have been privileged to listen to the rehearsals that are held in the Sanctuary each Sunday morning before the service. I can tell you that Janet offers guidance and encouragement and the group seems to have a happy healthy glow before each service. If you would like to blend your voice with others in song, the choir is open to you, simply speak with Janet.

One of the gifts of ministry is collaborating with others on worship services. The Sundays that hold the greatest depth are not the ones that I prepared for alone. I have been so pleased with the number of people this year who have told stories to our children, who have done readings and participated as lay leaders. More rich still are the times when I have had the opportunity to discuss and bounce around ideas with someone or a group of people. There is a wisdom that arises in such conversations. One thought leads to another, which sparks an idea in someone else, that reminds me of a poem that brings in another resource. Then these elements are woven together into an order of service. I would like to share this creative process with you. You have ideas and hopes and dreams to contribute. Let us continue to grow in our understanding of shared ministry through working together. As Bill mentioned, you are invited to attend the Worship Committee Meeting on Tuesday, December 12 at 7 p.m.. You are also welcome to share with me or Bill your worship needs and gifts at anytime.

Echoing the words of Kenneth Patton with which this service began: "Let us worship, and let us learn to love."