Sustenance: Community Connections

This weekend was the annual Unitarian Universalist Association General Assembly gathering.  Although I did not make the trek to Providence, RI where it was held, I have been participating virtually by watching the major events as they have been live streamed over the internet, and via the UUAGA app.  (Yes, there’s an app for that!)  I had heard wonderful things about GA in the past, and I was looking forward to seeing what all the hype was about, from a safe distance.  It has been marvelous to feel a part of the larger UU community, even in this remote way.

From the opening words of the Welcoming Celebration, the enthusiasm and joy of the people in attendance was palpable, even over the net (I can only imagine how it felt in person).  This was a space filled with people who truly wanted to be there; doing the work of the Association, but also learning, communicating, making connections, and bridging gaps, sharing insights, thoughts, impressions, and ideas.  Making plans.

I spent several hours over four days watching through the window of the web, and interacting in a very limited way with many of those in attendance.  This extraordinary community of people with varied beliefs, but shared values.  People who are passionate about living those values in their daily lives and offering them to the world at large through their words and actions.  People who speak and act with peace and justice foremost in mind.  People who, though many had never before met, were and are acutely aware that they share a sacred connection.  My people.

I am proud to be a part of a faith community that Loves so profoundly and is dedicated to personifying that Love in everything they do.  A community which considers “walking the walk” a high priority, along with continual inquiry.  A community that respects each individual’s right and responsibility to follow their own path and find their own truth.  And I’m thinking that my path might just lead to Portland next year…

~ Christiana