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Happy New Year and welcome to the Salina Unitarian Universalist Fellowship.
I was looking through a book on the universe with my children some time ago, and it is amazing what the Hubble Telescope is finding. This is an instrument the size of a school bus in space and it is revealing just how diverse and eclectic our universe is. We now see that our galaxy is one little speck among trillions of specks in the universe, each galaxy different and amazing. Like the lines on the zebra's back or the human fingerprint; no two galaxies appear to be exactly alike. Then there are the varying solar systems and planets, the many stars in these galaxies, each with differing dimensions. We can see from a macrocosmic perspective that we live in an expansive and diverse universe. But you don't have to go to space to learn the lesson. When you look back here on earth at the millions of species, seen and unseen, you find a great multiplicity of things. You see the varying types of animals, insects, trees, plants, and sea creatures; there's fresh water and salt water, blue water, green water; there are tropical and arctic climates. Then look at the people of our planet—all types with varying languages and customs. There is much to celebrate. Life is a beautiful assortment. We rob ourselves of the richness of life when we don't see the beauty in our differences and we are not in harmony with the universe or nature. It's true, we don't tend to openly reach out to those who are different, whether we are referring to another's religion, race, or sexual orientation—we don't tend to do well in dealing with those who walk and talk differently. But when we choose homogenous segregation, the full complex ecology of who we can be does not thrive. I believe we are called to a higher purpose as human beings and as Unitarian Universalists than to simply clump with those we see as being “like us.” If we could just somehow see life from amongst the stars we would see a panoramic view of the universe that is essentially pluralistic and eclectic. It is imperative that we grasp the universal lesson so we can grow to appreciate and respect each other even more. Then, perhaps, we can begin to build a world where justice for all is the order of the day. We can build a world where people use their intelligence, not their unharnessed tribal instincts to solve problems. We can build a world where we treat people as we wish to be treated; a world where the words from Rumi we so often quote: “Come, come, whoever you are,” really mean what they say. We can build a world where people will not live distant and in fear of each other, but rather in community where every human is treated as a sister or a brother. We can build a world without the “us against them” mentality, but rather a world that embraces the “we are together” reality. We can build a world of mutual respect and love when humans “listen more, read more, and think more,” as Maya Angelou suggests. We must find a way to love one another not despite our differences but because of our differences. As the late Rev. David Eaton said: “May we have faith to accept this mystery and build upon its everlasting truth.” Join us in celebrating life together in a caring community, honoring the diverse religious backgrounds of an interfaith constituency committed to personal spiritual growth, and supporting others in their own search. We meet each Sunday in the Fellowship Building at 901 Beatrice, Salina, Kansas. This is one block west of Ohio on Martin. Open Forum -- an adult discusstion group -- takes place from 9:15-10:00 a.m. Discussion topics are listed in the newsletter each month. Services begin at 10:15 a.m. Topics are diverse and always allow the opportunity for discussion and participation by all who attend. Children's religious education classes begin at the conclusion of "children's time" during the regular service. Dress is casual. Our facilities are accessible, we have equipment to help the hearing-impaired, and we are glad to arrange rides to/from our activities. To reach us by telephone, call Kent at 785-827-8879. Please plan to stay for coffee and conversation after the service.
See the video clip, Voices of a Liberal Faith
Click to view video: 901 Beatrice Ave. | Salina, Kansas 67401 | 785-825-6275 | info@uusalina.org |
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Below are thoughts from John T. Crestwell, Jr. 
This twelve-minute video shares important background information and inspirational messages about our religion including our history, theology, worship experience, religious education, social justice, and inclusiveness.