The Rev. Dr. Craig Rubano

This month, I begin with definitions of the word, “Invitation,” our theme for September, because I am struck (provoked, actually) by the third definition—invitation as provocation—even though, of course, something that provokes a response is, in a sense, issuing an invitation. Perhaps the word “invitation” seems a bit more passive: when an invitation gets issued, we may not know if it elicits a response, whereas we stick around to find out what happens when staging a provocation? In any event, a congregation should surely be aligned with the word, “invitation”—where acts of hospitality, of welcome, of enticement into a community that provides a transformational platform for ourselves and our worlds, are a given. And “provocation”—well, I seem to be provoked into an exploration of “invitation,” and perhaps you are too. And so, let September be Invite a Friend Month—let’s see what kind of response we can provoke!

First up in September is the third in a first-Sunday-of-the-month speaker series organized by Karen Geer. Sept. 1st, Dr. Kathryn Lynch will speak on the importance of social services organizations, like the YMCA for which she works, in providing safety, awareness, and resources to those impacted by domestic violence. And, for a third time this summer, UUCMC will be charmed by the musicality of seven-stringed guitarist Ron Jackson. Congratulations to Karen and the rest of a hard-working Worship Committee (and if you missed the service the committee itself offered on July 21st, or any of the high-quality worship services offered these summer months, do yourself a favor and check out the video broadcasts in our virtual YouTube library).

The three quotations above delve into what is more difficult about “invitation”—dealing with the aftermath of having issued one. What happens when invitation tests the limits of inclusion (williams), when things begin to change (Rich), when our buttons are pushed by what we perceive as a negative outcome (O’Donohue)? Being inviting is the hard work that must follow an invitation, and that means we must adapt to something new.

Sept. 8th brings us to our annual Ingathering Service, where we gather ourselves in, back into community, back into service to one another and our worlds, for a new congregational year with a theme of “Seeds of Love.” Young people (or folks of any age, really) are encouraged to bring their school backpacks with them for a blessing and a charm to attach to the bag as a reminder of this community’s love as a new academic year begins. The excitement and joy of Ingathering will be mixed with the poignancy of bidding one of our own farewell: Dr. Louise Chernosky, our Music Director of 18 years, is moving on to a great new full time position and we wish her well even as we grieve. There will be some tributes and a festive send-off in the Community Room following the service. Louise’s leaving will set off a series of new things that we will have to adapt to as a community. We will have to be patient and extra kind as the next weeks unfold, while a dedicated Search Committee steers us into a new musical future. For now, let’s celebrate Louise, look back on her triumphs, and let her know how much she has meant to us all!

On Sept 15th, we examine the difficulties in following up an invitation with sufficiently inviting acts of welcome and inclusion. We will use the philosophical stance pioneered by UU educator CB Beal, Preemptive Radical Inclusion, to examine practices and perspectives that will enable us to grow into greater collective justice and liberation. And, those times of year that invite us to pause are perfect occasions for the kind of contemplation that true invitation requires. On Sept 22, we celebrate the pagan holiday of Mabon, occurring at (in the northern hemisphere) the autumnal equinox. Themes of harvest, of gratitude, and of preparation will bolster our sense of renewal as this new congregational year, this Seeds of Love year, gets underway. The month ends with a fifth Sunday treat: we welcome UU minister, the Rev. Cindy Terlazzo, to our pulpit for a morning of contemplating the Mystery at the heart of things: why are we here, where did we come from, and where are we going?

So, I invite you to join us, to be a part of us, to stretch us into a congregation that welcomes change, that celebrates diversity, and that invites renewal—centered in a Love that holds us all in its arms. We know that All Things Grow with Love. Welcome to congregational fiscal year 2024–25!

Rev. Craig