One of the many blessings of serving our MidAmerica congregations is the gift of inspiration. As a Congregational Life Consultant, I often am asked to companion and coach congregations as they endeavor to find that which inspires them to a greater sense of hope, joy, love, courage and justice seeking. At times, I foolishly think that I will be bringing that good news to reignite the expressions of those important UU values. Here is the gift I receive in return…by listening, taking part in worship, spending time in conversation and fellowship, I turn out to be the one who is inspired. My faith is renewed, over and over again, in the transformative loving power of Unitarian Universalism.

This very experience just happened when I went to meet with the dear leaders at the UU Fellowship of Lima, Ohio. Their stories of a deep and abiding commitment to being a Welcoming Congregation, and their avowed connection to the environment, and our 7th Principle, filled me with deep awe. I am so very appreciative of the courageous souls, throughout MidAmerica, who, akin to their sister congregation in Lima, Ohio, continue to make a difference in the lives of so many.

Nancy Combs-Morgan