Minister’s Musings

Minister’s Musings September

by Rev. Julie Lombard

In an outdoor travel blog called Atlas and Boots, in an article they claim that there are six

characteristics that define human nature. The six are being playful, scientific, legislative, epicurean,

clandestine about sex, and gossipy. Human nature and these six characteristics give us something to

consider since Human Nature is our worship theme for the month of September.

You may wonder whether there are more or less than six characteristics to consider. You are probably

correct, but that gets us back to the concept we are exploring. Isn’t it human nature to question and

wonder? It is the general psychological characteristics, feeling, and behavioral traits of humankind, as

regarded as shared by all human beings. We will use many lenses to help us focus on it and texts that

help us better understand this thematic exploration.

On September 11th, we’ll commemorate our annual Water Communion. This is a beloved service in

our church year because it’s full of deep and reverent ritual which is a religious or solemn ceremony

consisting of a series of actions performed according to a prescribed order. In it, we arrive with water

and blend it together. This act is to signify our coming together. We’ll bless it and then use it in many

ways throughout the year. It was used in a Child Dedication, Baptisms, and in a blessing of a new

home. How might we use it in the year ahead? That’s up to us because it is our task to bless the

world.

It is less important where your water comes from because the distance it has traveled does not make

it any holier than the water that is local. What does make it special is that is comes with you. That is

what our faith calls us to do- to come and share ourselves and all we have to better the world we live

in, not only for ourselves, but for all of humankind. Maybe your water will come from a sacred place

you have visited, or it will come from a reusable bottle you have dedicated yourself to using as your

promise to avoid using single use plastic, or your water comes from a new home. Perhaps the water

you bring represents the tears you have shed over the loss or worry of a loved one and or the

heartbreaking events that have happened around our world- unending gun violence and war.

Whatever water you bring, we will bless it and by doing so make it holy.

To me, our doing and living out our faith is human nature in action. It reflects our values and how it

inspires us to live more fully. Commemorating a Water Communion, singing the National Anthem at a

local gathering, breaking bread, painting our church, and even playfully dancing together like the

locals in the village of Chucuito, Lake Titicaca, Peru in the picture above are some examples of human

nature in action. Let it be the dance we do. Join us this month as we explore the rich, the poor, the

good, and evil of human nature. Let us celebrate the true joy of being together as one.

Faith Formation Update: You may have noticed that the Deacons hosted a couple

events this summer to wet the whistles for those ready to come to church and learn.

We recognize that you may have changed your routines during the pandemic, stopped

doing the usual and retreated to a safer existence. As the pandemic wanes and morphs

the church opens our doors so you have a place to make meaning of these lives we

live. We believe that you cannot exist on belief alone and that continuing to deepen

our faith deepens so much more. We long to come together to learn and have new

experiences while we participate in an ancient tradition. We hope you stay tuned into

the programs we would like to offer to support you on your life’s journey. At the

bottom of each week’s sermon blurb, please check out the readings for the week and a

link to a lesson for families for any who want to teach your children more about a Love

so all encompassing. The church will be conducting a survey and we would like to hear

from you- what you need to help your spirit grow.