Ingathering of the Community to begin a new church year. Gathering of the Waters as a blessing for the church as a community and for the grounds upon which we are housed. Children are encouraged to be in the chapel for the service. Please bring a small container of water for the Blessing Bowl.
Summary:
This sermon details a Unitarian Universalist water communion, a communal ritual where individuals combine water from significant places to symbolize interconnectedness and shared purpose. The speaker transitions from the physical necessity and soothing properties of water to the harsh realities of environmental injustice and water contamination in marginalized communities. By acknowledging both the beauty of nature and the social struggles related to resources, the sermon calls for a radical, inclusive love that fosters justice and reconciliation. Participants contribute samples from personal landmarks, such as family wells, distant oceans, and local taps, to represent their unique journeys returning to a collective spiritual home. Ultimately, the ceremony serves as a powerful metaphor for resilience and mutual empowerment, urging the congregation to remain committed to one another despite life’s turbulent challenges.