The Unitarian Fellowship of Peterborough

During this year, we have explored ‘where do we come from?’ and ‘where we are going?’ But in the song we often sing, these two questions bookend a third: ‘what are we?’ This middle question is one of identity, a question of substance, a question that grounds us solidly in the present moment.

What are we? C. S. Lewis said that “we are what we believe we are.” During the coming program year, we will begin working together to create an engaging, compelling, and honest mission and vision statement for UFP. This new statement must, first and foremost, be one that we believe, as well as one that we can easily speak with surety, pride, and conviction.

At this moment in time, fifty years since our inception, what are we? Are we a vital liberal religious community? Are we a gathering of like minds? Are we diverse theologically? Are we people in covenant with one another? Exactly what are we?

What is our work in the world? In what ways do we aspire to relate to one another and to our community? Do we live our principles? Who do we say we are, and what do we hope others see that we are?

I believe that if we can answer these questions, we will be better equipped to make decisions, plan programming, and most importantly, grow in spirit and in love.

Have a wonderful summer. Find time to relax and reflect. Gather with friends often. Ask for support when you need it. Make a point to reach out to others in our Fellowship, maybe most particularly those you don’t know well. “Go and find your greatness.”1 Know who you are.

No matter where I travel, I hold you in my heart.
Julie

1 Rev. Kay Northcutt, who preached at the UUMA’s Institute for Excellence in Ministry in February, told us that her mother would send her off to school each day with these words.