Unitarian Universalist Church at Washington Crossing

As we enter the year 2010, I am drawn to ponder the future. What changes will take place in the next decade? Much has changed and is changing all around us. Just this past year, the world’s economy underwent cataclysmic changes that few expected. In the next 10 years, what will happen economically, socially, and environmentally? How will liberal religious communities like ours respond to these changes?

One of the growing needs of our world is the provision of a sustaining community. Much that is happening around us threatens the breakdown of community. I see our congregation responding to this in a powerful way, and people who visit our congregation tell me they find a vibrant sense of belonging at UUCWC. We need one another, and we know we can find strength within our diverse community. The essence of being human is being in community.

With all of the economic and environmental changes taking place around us, it is easy to become pessimistic. And yet, one sign of optimism comes from a 2006 report that indicates that the number of babies born in the United States is the largest since the Baby Boom. Interesting… have you noticed that an increasing number of young couples in our congregation are part of this new baby boom, with young children and more on the way? We need to be ready to welcome this new generation of young parents and their growing families.

Our country is facing dramatic changes in ethnic, racial, and cultural pluralism. This is a fact of life that we not only need to be open to, but be willing to accept and celebrate the riches it can bring to our liberal religious community. What better religious approach to such changes than one that affirms and promotes the acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth?

Whatever changes we encounter in the next decade, I am increasingly confident in our future if we are truly able to join together in a free and responsible search for truth and meaning.