Wise Choices

Part of Sermon of the Month Series Subscription Service

headshot of Elaine Strawn.

Sermon

As the proverb goes, we are surely blessed by living in interesting times! But a blessing? Joanna Macy writes of the Great Turning; Rutger Bregman’s research reminds us that humans are evolutionarily decent and friendly. What kind of world will you create, will we create? Together, as we calm our fears, we recognize the deep Wisdom within. Together we develop our awareness and flexibility. And together we become a force for transformation.

Rev. Dr. Elaine Strawn served as temporary UUA Congregational Life Staff, Central East Region.

Opening Words

  • The Great Turning, adapted — Christine Fry (see the PDF for the text)

Chalice Lighting

By V. Elaine Strawn
Drawing from the fire within us, we remember that we all are one. And it is this fire -collectively-which fuels our chalice. Together, we send light into the world.

Time for All Ages

  • Walking Together by Elder Albert D. Marshall & Louise Zimanyi

Meditation

  • Spirit of All Blessing by Maureen Killoran

Reading

  • from Learning to Fall: The Blessings of an Imperfect Life by Phillip Simmons, See PDF for text

Closing Words

And the People Looked Up, by V. Elaine Strawn

And the people looked up. In the sky east of the Mississippi the was a brilliant light and in that brilliant light were blue flames and red flames and yellow flames and white hot flames, lighting up the sky with a tremendous light. And holding up that flame were hands: old hands and young hands, black hands and white hands and red hands and yellow hands. And they took turns holding so none were burned by the flame. And that light rested over our community here. And the people saw it.

And on the next day, the people went to work and mowed their lawns and marched for justice and cared for the babies. And their schedules weren’t any different. But somehow that light gave them hope. And their days were a little lighter.

People of this Beloved Community, we have a task this week. We will hold up the flame together. And we will challenge and feed and care for each other so deeply that when this week is done, that flame will not disperse and go out. That flame will burn on and on in all the towns we bless with our courage and compassion.

Blessed Be and Amen

Suggested Hymns

  • #119 Once to Every One and Nation
  • #1051 We Are