| Dear Beloved Community, I want to offer gratitude for the light each of you brings into our shared journey. I think about the different types of love we spread in our community. Our faith calls us not only to affirm the inherent worth and dignity of every person but also to actively engage in the pursuit of justice, equity, and compassion in human relations. In these times, as we confront the challenges of injustice, oppression, and division, we bring a tenacity that is foundational to East Shore. We respond to the call to create brave space for solidarity through love. It resonates more deeply than ever. Our Unitarian Universalist principles compel us to foster communities where all are welcomed, affirmed, and supported in their journeys toward wholeness and liberation. But what does it mean to build brave space? It means creating environments where we can courageously engage in difficult conversations, where we can confront our biases and privileges, and where we can stand in solidarity with those who are marginalized and oppressed. It means acknowledging our imperfections and committing ourselves to the lifelong work of growth and transformation. Solidarity, rooted in love, is the cornerstone of our faith. It is about recognizing the interconnectedness of our struggles and standing together in the pursuit of justice and liberation for all. It is about amplifying the voices of those who have been silenced and marginalized, and working tirelessly to dismantle systems of oppression wherever they may be found. Engaging in reciprocity as a spiritual practice involves approaching relationships with humility, compassion, and a willingness to both give and receive with an open heart. Through acts of kindness, generosity, and mutual support, we embody the principles of reciprocity in our daily lives, recognizing that our well-being is intertwined with the well-being of others. As we navigate the complexities of the world around us, let us remember that love is our guiding force. Love compels us to speak out against injustice, to challenge systems of oppression, and to work towards a world where all are free to live authentically and fully. Love calls us to extend compassion and empathy to all beings, recognizing the inherent worth and dignity of each person we encounter. In the spirit of love and solidarity, let us commit ourselves to building brave space within our congregation and beyond. Let us engage in the sacred work of listening deeply to one another, of bearing witness to each other’s joys and sorrows, and of standing together as allies and accomplices in the struggle for justice. May our hearts be open, our spirits be resilient, and our actions be guided by love as we journey forward together. . |
| With Peace, Love, and Understanding,Rev. Will |