Behind the Scenes
As it often is around Unity Temple in the summer, it’s been quiet. Or rather, quieter than it sometimes is, maybe. We still have full and wonderful worship services going on and plenty of opportunities for learning and connection. We’ve had lots of visitors come through our doors on Sundays. But the weekdays at 1019 South Boulevard where the offices are, have definitely been quieter. Staff have been taking vacations or study leave, and we’ve each been taking the time we can in the summer to plan for the transition to two services, and for the full program year. Summer is a great time for ‘behind the scenes’ kind of work.
Much of what I’ve been doing the past few weeks has been following up with thoughts people shared in the Engagement survey, discussing potential opportunities for programming. There are lots of great things in the works, adding to what we already have. (More about this in the coming weeks.) It’s also become clear that people aren’t always aware of the ways they can join groups or workshops, so some of what the staff has been discussing are expanded and varied means of communicating information.
Mostly, though, my multiple conversations have reminded me of how deeply our congregation is shaped by those who are part of it. Our congregation does have paid ministers and staff AND, so much of what we can do as a congregation is because of the gifts and talents and time and dedication of our volunteers. So many do all kinds of behind the scenes work—running sound, making coffee, passing out orders of worship, copying music, making meals, providing materials for letter writing, making a financial pledge, creating agendas for meetings, prepping for small groups, composing opening words for worship, to name just a few things—and all this helps shape who we are as a congregation. For that matter, all this helps make our congregation possible.
We are just weeks away from transitioning to two worship services on a Sunday, and any change, however it is perceived, can create anxiety. Any anxiety I have heard expressed around this change has to do with the potential for feeling disconnected from the whole. Which makes it the perfect time to lean in to congregational life in a new way, so that you can pave the way to deeper connection. It is absolutely true that the more you invest in a community with your time and presence, the more connected and rewarding you are likely to find being part of that community.
In the summer, as in every season, we have behind the scenes ministry going on—the kind where those going through some kind of challenge or transition reach out for support or a listening presence, or sometimes concrete help. This Sunday, we’ll be honoring a transition on our Spiritual Care Team—thanking outgoing members and welcoming new ones. Any of them are available year round for a listening ear. (Reach out to spiritualcare@unitytemple.org). Also, as a reminder, the Caring Committee also can provide meals and practical assistance for members if those would be helpful too. (Reach out to caring@unitytemple.org).
Whoever you are, wherever you are in your life journey, whatever is going on behind the scenes in your life, you are welcome at Unity Temple Unitarian Universalist Congregation. You belong here. We welcome your gifts and time and talent and presence and know that each of these are part of what makes our congregation the wonderful community it is.