I have been so impressed of late with how we find the families we need even if they are not the families we are born into. This is especially true for those who identify outside our gender binary categories. Some among us have been largely ostracized for being LGBTQ and have had to create family where they could find the love. We make family from those who love and support us. Sometimes with friends, older and younger, who take on the roles of parents, grandparents, siblings and children.
Part of our mission as a congregation is to welcome all kinds of families to join us. And join us they have been doing. We have many new families who have joined us this fall. With Heather Hamilton and Nate Pawelek at the door, all are welcomed as they are. Your family is welcome to be part of our congregational family.
Like all families, we have disagreements. We have learned that while disagreements are inevitable, they are often a chance to deepen our love in understanding and reconciliation. Our congregation is the place where families can come to be accepted for who they are. We welcome children and youth to come to our congregation and be accepted. Living and learning in Fairfield County is competitive enough, especially if you are kid. We come together as we are and we are accepted as we are. From our preschoolers to our youth group, we invite your family to grow with us in this inclusive faith.
This Saturday (2:00-5:00 PM) we will have our Fall Fun Day. ALL are welcome! We will have games and food and Eric from the band “DizzyFish” to sing us along. This is not to be missed. Please join us.
I close with this from Emma Merchant, a UU Youth Group Member from Ohio:
“The thought that we are each making a choice to be here in this family, in this community, is powerful. We have actively chosen to come and be here. I’m not stuck with you because you’re my cousin and I’m not allowed to be rude. I could leave if I wanted to, but I don’t because of the way that we have each nurtured this community. I choose to be stuck with you, for better or for worse.”
For better or for worse, we are all family.
See you in church,
Rev. John