[printprofilepic]This short phrase so aptly describes a community intent on spiritual growth, one in which all ages engage in creating and telling a unique narrative of themselves. While listening to lectures, speeches and yes, even sermons, don’t we all perk up and listen even more attentively when we hear, “let me tell you a story about…”?
During these two years with you I hope you’ll tell me stories not just of your past experience with the church, but of your present thoughts and future dreams. Children also need to hear your stories; they need to know how this church’s narrative links with the greater stories in life of peace, compassion, service and love.
Walter Brueggermann, a religious scholar says that children need ways to link stories from their lives and the church’s life to the meta-narrative of life, or big picture.
- They need to receive the spiritual story of love and possibilities through the care of parents and their spiritual community.
- They need to hear on a regular basis the story of their church’s traditions and how those stories connect to their personal lives.
- They need to celebrate their stories of faith through special holidays and through recognition of acts of service.
- They need opportunities for telling spiritual stories in their own words.
- They needs ways of becoming ‘history makers’—people whose words and actions contribute to a more just and compassionate world and encourage others to do the same (sounds like a UU Principle!).
Participating regularly in the worship life of this community provides all of us, but especially children and youth, with a religious language. It’s not just a language of words but one of symbols. When we meet together on Sundays we learn that the gong indicates a time for reflection and quiet. When its time to light candles we know people are remembering joys or sorrows. When it’s time for all ages there are expectations of stories that help us understand or appreciate our lives. When we turn to our neighbors in welcome and recognition this indicates caring and hospitality. When the chalice is aflame we know that it represents our heritage and hope for the future.
This religious language, whether of words or symbols and actions, enables all ages to communicate what Unitarian Universalism involves. Church truly is a Time for All Ages, caring, loving, giving, receiving, learning, and becoming.
See you in church,
Benette Sherman
