For Such a Time as This

There are times when I’m about to click one of the news apps on my phone when I stop to think for a second about whether or not I really want to. The news is seldom good, and is often quite bad. We continue to degrade the environment that sustains us. New forms of racism and hatred replace older versions, and sometimes the older versions come back to life in alarming expressions. Democratic values are under attack in practices that seek to limit voting, disregard election results, and excuse political violence. The cultural climate seems hopelessly divisive, and it’s easy to feel anxious these days. 

And yet I know that while the news may be difficult, our shared ministries here at UU Princeton bring hope, love, justice, and joy to life. We make beauty together. We care for one another. And we spiritually equip ourselves to engage the world in alignment with our values. Every time we do that, we are answering the bad news with the good. Our shared ministries enliven our message near and far: one that assures that all are loved, all are worthy, and all are better together. 

We care for the earth; learning to be careful stewards of its resources not just for ourselves, but for those to come. We learn about all oppressions and their many faces so that we can counter messages of hatred with proclamations of love. We practice democracy, advocating for elections to be fair and honest, and working with many partners in doing so. And while we advocate passionately, we do so out of love, even for those we oppose. Our love is so large that it includes everyone.    

UU Princeton grounds us in the spirit of goodwill and guides us toward justice. It’s done this since our congregation was founded, but never more so than in days like these, when the stakes are so high and the decisions we make will have such lasting consequences. Days like these are when we shine with hope and love. They’re when our message provides comfort and inspiration. They’re when our community serves beyond itself with messages of peace and opportunities for connection.  

Together, we can build a better world, for us and for everyone. Together, we are a positive and affirming beacon of love and hope in a world that often lacks those messages. We make the world more caring and curious, and less harsh and judgmental. We connect and grow across the generations, and gather to worship in a spirit of freedom and gratitude. And we enliven our values, making good deeds our living creed, and in doing so, help to heal a wounded world.