Things to Ponder

"Community is a condition where one is accepted and accepts, where one is needed and supported, where one loves and is loved, where one sorrows and hopes, where beyond all confusions we see the star."
- the Rev. Dr. Harry Meserve

Affirmations
"To live content with small means; to seek elegance rather than luxury, and refinement rather than fashion; to be worthy, not respectable, and wealthy, not rich; to study hard, think quietly, talk gently, act frankly; to listen to stars and birds, to babes and sages, with open heart; to bear all cheerfully, do all bravely, await occasions, hurry never; to let the spiritual, unbidden and unconscious, grow up through the common; this is to be my symphony.
- William Henry Channing (1810-1884)

"At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us."
- Albert Schweitzer

"From the events of our lives come the songs of our hearts;
From the struggle to survive comes the melody of hope;
From the broken places of the spirit come our anthems of praise;
From the deep silence of the soul comes the solace of peace;
From the offerings of love come new shapes of the divine;
From the community we share comes the promise of tomorrow."
- from Leading Congregations in Worship, UUA 1983

"We avow our faith in God as eternal and all-conquering love;
the spiritual leadership of Jesus;
the supreme worth of every human personality;
the authority of truth, known or to be known;
and the power of persons of good will and sacrificial spirit to overcome
evil and progressively establish the kingdom of God.
Neither this nor any other statement shall be imposed as a creedal test."
- Universalist Church in America, 1935

"Here, among the pots and pans,
Now, kneaded and rolled into apple pie, fragrant and warm and spicy,
Here, around the kitchen table,
Now, present to all the hurts and injustices.
Here, in the dance, weaving patterns of conviviality and resistance.
Now, open house, open hearts.
Here, listening, respect, encouragement.
Now, right relationship is not postponed. Here and now. Only this. It is
enough."
- Kathy Galloway, This is the Day: readings and Meditations from the Iona Community