This week’s message introduces our May theme of Pluralism. Rev. Lisa offers gratitude for one of our Unitarian ancestors, Hannah Adams, who helped open the path to deeper understanding and respect among the religions of the world.
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Have you completed our 2024 UUCM congregational survey yet? It only takes about 20 minutes and helps give our UUCM Board of Trustees valuable information to help determine church priorities and goals. Make sure your voice is heard! You don’t have to be a member to participate—we want to hear from anyone who is part of our community. Click here to fill it out now.
Each month, a member of the board shares a reflection on the Soul Matters monthly theme. The theme for May is Pluralism. This month’s post is offered by Jeff Adrian.
Throughout most of my life, until the ripe age of 74, I had not found myself attracted to religion or any faith system. It wasn’t for lack of any exposure. For short periods of time in my journey I explored a Presbyterian church as a youth, and later, in the 1980s, celebrated my marriage in an Episcopal church. In the early 2010s at the invitation of a friend, I attended the Wooddale Church (evangelical Baptist) in Eden Prairie. Try as I might, none of these traditional, organized versions of religion had a connection with me.
I came to the conclusion that I just was not a religious person, or at least not a candidate desiring participation in a traditional church focused on all the stuff I had encountered in church as a youth.
That was until a Saturday in June of 2018. That day at UUCM, I attended a celebration of life service for a fellow Miata Club member. My curiosity was triggered. What was this place about? I decided to come back the next day, Sunday, and find out.
Right away, this turned out to be a great experience. It felt friendly, open, and welcoming. One member I conversed with said, “This is a thinking person’s church.” This, I wanted to hear more about! The rest for me is history, and so I have been attending as friend, member and trustee ever since.
As I learned more about the Unitarian Universalist community, through reading and attending membership classes, I came away with the sense that I had found my spiritual home. UUCM was unlike any previous church, not so much focused on biblical times, rather on the present and how we live in our community, and treat our neighbors with respect, compassion and willingness to listen to those who may have a different life experience.
A key part of that ethic is embedded in the fact that UUCM embraces pluralism. Our pluralism accepts all others, no matter their religious and cultural identities, and does so without judgment. Whenever I share my spiritual belief with others, not familiar with Unitarian Universalism, I always highlight this concept with them.
Mick Cooper, an author, trainer, and consultant in the field of humanistic, existential, and pluralistic therapies says this so well.
“Pluralism isn’t easy. It’s a constant willingness to self-challenge and to look at where we might be wrong, or limited; even with regard to pluralism itself. It requires a capacity to detach ourselves from our agendas, our beliefs, our commitments, and to recognize that there may be other ways. And it also requires us to recognize that we can never wholly achieve that: that we will always have things that we want and that there’s always the possibility of taking a step further back.:”
— Jeff Adrian, UUCM Board of Trustees
Our stewardship campaign “Living Generously,” ends this Sunday. And we only need 25 more pledges to reach our goal! Your participation is important, and gifts of all sizes are welcome. We do not prescribe a certain amount, nor is there a minimum pledge. We leave it up to each person to decide, and only ask that give what feels right. I hope you will join the campaign and show your support for the great things that are happening at UUCM!
Members of our congregation are sharing the reasons why they give to support UUCM throughout our stewardship campaign. Please click here to see the stewardship testimonial Bev Montgomery shared last Sunday.
The UUCM Annual Meeting is coming up May 19 after the service. More details on what to expect, how to participate and a full agenda will be posted soon. For now, please get to know our new nominees for the UUCM Board of Trustees & Nominating Committee!
UUCM Board Nominees
Adam is an unwavering advocate for advancing liberal religion, particularly within the Unitarian Universalist tradition. He is dedicated to fostering inclusive spaces where individuals can explore their beliefs and actively work towards social justice.
In 1992, Adam and his partner Roger became members of the UU Fellowship of Northfield. His involvement there, both as the chair of the board and a board member, spanned a transformative period, in which the congregation transitioned from informal Sunday discussions to structured services. In that time, the fellowship experienced growth, hired a part-time minister and religious education leader, and set the fellowship on a path to eventually acquire a permanent building.
Adam’s commitment to service extends to his leadership on numerous boards, including the Northfield Environmental Quality Commission, the Northfield Chamber of Commerce Retail board, and the Northfield Enterprise Center. Currently, Adam contributes his expertise as a board member on the Wayzata Planning Commission.
Adam envisions the UUCM as a beacon of inclusivity and activism. Adam and Roger have found not only a spiritual home in UUCM, but also a community dedicated to fighting against injustice in all its forms.
Bill and Marion Rodgers have felt very welcome at UUCM and believe they have found a community that “gets them.” Bill actively participates on Sundays, attends events sponsored by the Climate Justice Group, and engages in many regular activities such as game night, the Role Playing Game group, and the holiday play.
Bill served as a Board Member and President for the Performing Institute of Minnesota (PIM) from 2014 to 2016. During his term as board president, they completed a search for new executive leadership and began fundraising for a new building. In Missouri, he held leadership positions in library associations and consortia, including chairing legislative committees. Additionally, he actively contributed to service groups like the Jefferson City Rotary Club and Lions Club.
Bill and Marion sought a welcoming community which was inclusive and open to people of all races, socio-economic backgrounds, sexual orientation, and gender identities. They found it in UUCM, where they felt seen and included. This experience motivated Bill to give back. He believes that UUCM is actively engaged in “doing” what it should for its members, community, and the larger world by engaging in service, supporting its community, and advocating for social justice causes like climate action and racial justice.
Laurie has been deeply involved in various aspects of UUCM, offering her many diverse talents and experiences. From stepping in to lead worship following a previous minister’s departure to leading the Worship Arts committee and teaching OWL, Laurie has demonstrated her dedication to serving the congregation. Her commitment extends beyond the church walls, having served on multiple non-profit boards. Currently working as a therapist in private practice, Laurie values the importance of supporting others in their journey. Her involvement with UUCM has always been driven by a genuine desire to contribute to the community’s growth and wellbeing. Laurie believes strongly in the power of collective efforts to create a nurturing environment where individuals can thrive. She is eager to continue her journey with UUCM, helping to shape its future as a welcoming and supportive community that can make the world a better place.
UUCM Nominating Committee Nominees
Annie Wiborg has been involved in various UUCM committees and causes, including heading up the Coffee Service Team and participating in the Racial Justice group advocating for affordable housing projects via the Beacon Initiative. Over the years, Annie has worked in the CYRE program, served on the Worship Arts committee, and contributed to the Caring Team. Annie’s blend of experience and dedication have brought continuity to the Nominating Committee these past two years.
Mitzi Oratle is committed to fulfilling the role of Nominating Committee membership. In addition to this position, she currently serves on the Care Team and welcomes attendees as a greeter. In 2023, she was a member of the Women’s Retreat Committee.
Jan Geigle has been a member of the Care Team for eight years, has served as an usher and a greeter for Sunday services, and has participated on the Coffee Service Team. A position on the Nominating Committee will offer Jan another opportunity to engage with members of the congregation and provide a valuable service to the church community.
UUCM Happenings 