“Stories have to be told or they die, and when they die, we can’t remember who we are or why we’re here.” — Sue Monk Kidd, author
Yesterday, May 5, was the two-year anniversary of this congregation’s vote to call me as your settled minister. It was an exciting and joyous day that changed my life and changed the congregation as well. While our stories were touching each other during the ministerial search process, that was the day our stories merged.
The spiritual theme for this month is “Story.” We all have a story about who we are and why we are here. This is true for people and for organizations. It’s true for OUUC and it is true for me. Sometimes we are told a story and sometimes we tell the story.
Part of OUUC’s story is that you have said goodbye to a few ministers these past years. As I mark the anniversary of my call to OUUC, I realize that in a few months, I will become the longest serving minister you’ve had for some time. That is now part of the story, too. We have learned a bit of each other’s story these past two years and I hope we will continue to do so for a good long while as we write the next chapters of our story together.
Stories are important. I know you believe this because of the way you appreciate the beautiful storytelling Sara Lewis does most Sundays. Stories can make us view the world in a different way. They can teach us something new. They can make us feel seen and heard. They can inspire us.
If you missed last Sunday’s inspirational service, you could watch the entire service here. In it, Sara tells a beautiful teaching story called “One” by Kathryn Otoshi, which begins at 11 minutes, 30 seconds into the service recording. And, if you want to hear just the story as told by teachers in Tolar, Texas, you can find it here.
This month, I invite you to notice your story and our story. What stories do you hear about who you are and why you are here? What stories do you hear about who OUUC is and why OUUC is here? What stories are you creating and what stories are you telling?
Blessings on your week.
Rev. Mary