The Rev. Dr. Craig Rubano

Rather a lot has happened since last I wrote, midway through January for the February newsletter. Now, midway through February, the upcoming March congregational theme of “trust” feels challenging in a nation where many citizens are losing trust in their leaders to continue the American experiment in democracy in good faith. Since, in this political climate, it feels like we can easily talk past one another, I chose the first two quotations above because, on their face, they seem to contradict one another. On the one hand, “trust in what you love and it will take you where you need to go (Goldberg),” and on the other hand, “trusting won’t always take you where you want to go, but not trusting never will (Lent).” But then, as is surely the case when we take the time to listen to one another, more nuanced meaning emerges. I’m struck that each author is saying something rather distinct: it’s the difference between “need” and “want”…and the old Rolling Stones tune plays in my head…“you can’t always get what you want, but if you try sometimes, you just might find you get what you need.” Of course, the present set of circumstances in the country leads me to speculate that there are times when you get neither what you want nor need! And yet…and yet…as Lent goes on to say, “not trusting never will” take you where you want to go. We must try to stay in conversation across our differences, searching for elusive common ground.

March is Women’s History month (or at least it still is as I write!). We get the month off on the 2nd to a good start, then, by honoring the intention, and using the bequest of, former congregant Dr. Myra Zinke to present the 2025 Myra Zinke Lecture, this year given by congregant Beth O’Connell. Beth is very involved in the International Convocation of Unitarian Universalist Women, a nonprofit organization in special consultative status with the United Nations’ Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), focusing on global women’s rights and empowerment. On the 9th we’re paid a visit by the Rev. Charles Loflin, Executive Director of Unitarian Universalist FaithAction NJ, a UU voice for equity, justice, and compassion in our state. Many are unaware of UUFANJ’s advocacy work, and of UUCMC’s liaisons with this vital organization. Many are also wondering how they can get involved: wonder no more.

Then, on the 16th, we get to the essential business of financially supporting this beloved UUCMC of ours, with a Stewardship Campaign for the fiscal year beginning July 1st entitled, “Centered in Love: Living Our Values.” That morning and on subsequent Sundays, we will hear testimony from fellow congregants on what UUCMC has meant to them and how it inspires them in these tumultuous days. The service on the 16th is capped with one of the most eagerly-awaited events of the year—a pancake breakfast in the Community Room!

On the 23rd, we’ll take wisdom from the Jewish celebration of Purim and its moving biblical story of a Persian Queen who must make a decision that will change the fate of the Jewish people under her reign. Like Queen Esther, it may be that each of us was born for “such a time as this.” Following the service on the 23rd, we will have our second Interim Congregational Meeting where, among other things to discuss, we will answer your questions regarding the Board’s decision to grant me sabbatical time. A lot of planning has already gone into how the congregation will thrive during my absence. And thrive it will, for a sabbatical time is not only a chance for new perspectives for the minister, but also for the congregation. Everyone will rise to the occasion, with a lot of help from ministers from around the state.

And we end the five-Sunday month on the 30th with a celebration of the International Transgender Day of Visibility. We all have heard from the most powerful voices in our land: the vicious, ignorant, and cruel attacks on this already-marginalized community. As Cole Arthur Riley says above, “When you don’t know who to trust, listen first to the one who’s still bleeding.” Our transgender and nonbinary siblings in spirit have much to teach us about resilience, building community, and transformation. To quote Andrea Gibson above, “in a world of butterflies and caterpillars. let’s be the caterpillars—the ones who know they aren’t done yet!”

Throughout the month, as we do every time we gather with intention, may we be affirmed in our knowledge that, together, we are strong. And, citing our new Stewardship campaign, may we be Centered in Love: Living Our Values.

Rev. Craig