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March 2006 Newsletter |
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Our Living Tradition The proof that Unitarian Universalism is a living tradition is that it grows and changes over the course of time in response to its environment and increased understanding. In 1995 the UUA added a sixth source to its list of sources from which it draws sustenance: the spiritual teaching of earth-centered traditions which celebrate the sacred circle of life and instruct us to live in harmony with the rhythms of nature. Pagans are one group that practice and live by these values. As you have probably noticed, there is an air of excitement and new vitality in our Fellowship with the recent participation of Holly Carlson, Ruth Castillo and others who practice pagan traditions. They are studying with Jessica to learn more about Unitarian Universalism and our particular Fellowship with the intention of becoming full-fledged members. When I asked Holly for information about the youngsters who did the February 12th presentation about "Historical UU’s" she also shared some of her impressions and experiences with the UFL. I asked her if I could use her observations in the newsletter and she said , "Sure!" I think, as you read, you will find that we continue most faithfully along our path as a Welcoming Congregation. From Holly: We have felt very welcomed by the UU here and would like very much to spread the feeling of having a safe spiritual home to other practitioners of earth-centered religions that live in this area. I think that the Fellowship here in Longview is comprised of some of the most intelligent and open-minded people I have ever had the pleasure of worshiping with. I can't even begin to say how much comfort and joy being part of the UU here has brought to myself, my daughter and my dear friend, Ruth. I've already seen an influx of new people showing up on Sunday mornings to see what our fellowship is all about. Ruth and I are currently studying with Jessica in order to become regular members of the church. In the last few chapters of the book we are using I have learned that a number of people who were associated with the history of UU were burned at the stake for heresy! In fact, I had been bothered by the use of a flame in the chalice for quite awhile, mostly because we usually use a chalice on our altars as a symbol of the water element and it seemed inappropriate to me to have a flame burning in it. This past week we learned that the flame that burns in the UU chalice is actually a representation of the flame that was used to burn Jan Hus at the stake. It says in A Chosen Faith, "In the 1400's, a preacher in that city (Prauge), Jan Hus, anticipated later reforms by conducting worship, not in Latin, but in language the people could comprehend. He also gave them not only the bread at
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communion, but the wine - even
though the chalice was reserved for the clergy only. In 1415, at the
Council of Constance, Hus met his predictable fate: condemned for heresy,
he was burned at the stake. But the flame of his death was linked by his
followers to the chalice of salvation which he offered to all people." The
book goes on to describe how this became a symbol for UU and that the
"flame also represents the eternal flame in the ancient temple at
Jerusalem, as well as the lamp of reason and the flames on many altars of
faith." I have heard the local pagans referred to as "the walking wounded" because many of them have come from rather harsh backgrounds when it comes to religion. I think there is a real need in this area for people to have a safe place to gather together and worship in love and peace. We would like to develop a chapter of CUUPS
The following is a link to the official website which explains in detail the history and purpose of CUUPS. http://www.cuups.org/content2/index.php
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Heartfelt Thanks To all of the people at the Longview Unitarian Fellowship, thank you so much for helping me to purchase my lab book and to pay my lab fees. The course and lab is about computer repairs and is very hard. I could not have begun to do the work without my lab workbook. Thank you again. Corey V. XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Ouch! Slap!! Something bit me!!! It would be hard to design a more efficient vector for an infectious germ than the mosquito. The usual life span of a mosquito is one to two months, but this can easily double during periods of drought. The mosquito holds on longer during dry spells, because its larvae can only live in water. If there is no water available, a mosquito may lay its eggs on ground that was previously flooded; these eggs can remain viable for up to five years and hatch when reflooding occurs. Mosquitos also need relatively warm weather, but if a frost and sustained cold arrive before they have laid their eggs, they can go into a state of hibernation and last out the winter, so long as it is not too severe. As a result, mosquitoes have been able to shadow human settlements and establish themselves in all but the most extreme habitats. In the process they have carried viruses and other infectious germs from one corner of the globe to another. Although authorities were right to implement an aggressive continued on Page 5 ... see Mosquito
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(Covenant
of Unitarian Universalist Pagans) here in Longview that will create a
place where the local pagans will be able to network as well as gather for
workshops, discussion and ceremony. You are, of course, always welcome to
join us!