A People of Expectation

It is September. Many Unitarian Universalist Congregations are exploring the theme Expectation.  It makes sense, since it is a time when the rhythm of the year begins to change. School is back in session. Historically in Unitarian Universalist congregations ministers return to the pulpit and a new church year begins. Rosh Hashanah, the head of the Jewish year, typically falls in September.  At this time, one author explains, “G-d reinvents Himself in creation.”

You get what you expect, is a common expression, and one often heard among UUs. As we approach this month of Expectation, what are your expectations for the coming week, month, year, or years?  Do you believe you will get what you expect? When we are talking about our expectations of other people,  I believe it’s frequently true that if we expect people to be kind, and we treat them with trust, our expectations are reinforced. And the same is true when we expect the worst and treat people with mistrust.

Life sometimes throws a curve ball, however. In the last few months I have seen members of our own UU community in unexpected circumstances.  Sometimes, even though we know that life is fragile, we are still caught off guard by the suddenness of unanticipated change and loss. Once again, our national news is filled with stories of people facing unimaginable circumstances. Hurricane force winds and water are beating down on communities with unfathomable force.

What do we say about expectations, when what happens is so unexpected? Perhaps our expectation becomes that there are those around us who will support and comfort us in our times of greatest need. And perhaps as a church community we can set our expectations on being able to respond to the needs of our loved ones and our communities in ways that soften some of the harshness. I’ve seen that within this community, as well.

As UUCP continues its journey of growing and becoming, your leadership is focusing on how we face the future with expectations of serving the overarching mission of the church to celebrate diversity, strive for justice, and inspire love. Perhaps in some ways we will recreate ourselves and our expectations.

In Love and Hope, 
Rev. Alice