My theology and thus my concept of ministry is about connection. Congregational life is about the spiritual quest discovering the links between oneself and that which is beyond oneself. This interdependence of being is present in all situations. My ministry seeks to increase awareness of the holy relationships that give life meaning. Ministry is the responsibility of the entire Unitarian Universalist congregation. It is how we serve each other and our community. Each person is a minister called to action by their own best understanding. Clergy, as professional ministers, are to facilitate the ministry of the congregation. A clergy person is a weaver of the interdependent web, helping people make connections to themselves, to others, to community, and to the transcendent wonder of life.

Sunday morning services are the primary ministry of the church. The word “worship” comes from old English and means to shape worth. During the Sunday services we form understanding. We shape and are shaped by things of worth. The services need to contain a wide variety of sources. Some of my sermons will use God language, others will not. Whichever of the world’s spiritual languages we understand, our Unitarian Universalist faith compels us to be humble enough to listen for truth in different languages. I do not see my sermons as answers but as questions, pebbles thrown into the pond creating ripples. Both the rock and the water are changed by the process. This is why I often include discussion as part of the worship service. My words are not the only ones heard. Further connections are made in the committees of the church. They are a continuation of the worship experience.

Our caring is put into action. The Social Action committee is not the only committee that puts faith into action. The Youth Services committee shares wisdom with our children. Finance committees express our values of sharing. The Building committee helps create a special place for fellowship. Preparing coffee hour is the holy nurturing of community. All of this is the ministry of the church. The committees are democracy in action. They act out the vision created by the board and the minister which in turn are guided by the voices of the members. Together we form an inclusive supportive community.