In the pages of our new magazine, “The Whole Family,” we hope you’ll feel at home. In the readings, we hope you might hear the call of your heart echoed back to you. Maybe you’ll see what you’ve always felt deep within, but hadn’t yet found the words for. Or, shoot, maybe you’ll disagree with every word—if so, we’re glad to help you reaffirm where you stand!
The title, “The Whole Family,” reflects our faith’s orientation and its aspiration. “Unitarian Universalism” is a long name. Another way to say what it is in which we place our faith is, “one love, for all.” One Love (Unitarian) For All (Universalism).
Here’s how I see it: we’re all in this together. We share this community. We share this one life. We have so much in common. We belong to Creation. You and I are kin to each other. You may vote one way, while I vote another. You may pray one way, while I pray another. We may have different lifestyles, or different stories to tell, but down deep, we are brothers and sisters. So, this magazine is for “the whole family”—each of us, no matter where we come from, or who we might be.
But “the whole family” isn’t only how things are between us. It’s how things could be within us. Because, right now, a lot of the human family isn’t feeling especially healthy, let alone “whole.” In this hectic world, so many of us yearn for healthier lives, made of healthy choices. We want healthy relationships. We want a healthy, nourishing spiritual life. We want healthy families. Some of us came from backgrounds that didn’t steer us toward health—but we’re trying. We haven’t given up our dream of wholeness. Does that sound like you? Well, you’re not alone.
The various ministries of our church aim to help families be healthy. This magazine is part of our effort. As for us, we’re not perfect—we’re learning as we go. We’re healing, too. But our faith is strong. When there’s ever any question, we hope to be found standing on the side of love. That means that, whatever your struggle, we’re on your side, too. After all, you’re part of the family!
The theme of this issue is “gratitude.” I personally give thanks to all who helped produce it, especially Margaret Hoff. And if you’ve read my words this far, I’m grateful to you! Thank you.
With Spirit,
Jake
If on Sunday you did not receive your copy of the ORUUC’s new magazine, “The Whole World,” you will be getting yours in the mail this week. Please read, enjoy and then pass it on — share it with a friend or neighbor. This magazine is our way of spreading the word about the Oak Ridge Unitarian Universalist Church around our community. It is a way to help focus on life in a more spiritual and deeper way. It is a way to illustrate the wonderful things about our church and about Unitarian Universalism. It might bring new people to our church so that they can learn more about UUism right here with us.
We would also extend the invitation for your to stop by the office and pick up extra copies if you would like to help us spread the magazine around town — anywhere that someone might pick it up to read. Perhaps you will be sitting in a doctors office waiting room, or having your hair done, or know of a great place where locals gather that you could leave a couple of copies. We would greatly appreciate your help in spreading our new magazine, “The Whole Family,” around our community.
