Reflections form the Minister
January, 2012
Rev. Amy Kindred
Community is not something we can “make” happen. Community emerges as we participate in life with those around us. – Anne Wilson Schaef
This quotationresonates with truth as I reflect on the the many happenings that have occurred during the past five months at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Savannah. From the jovial coffee hours after Sunday services to the crowded fund-raising event in early December, the gatherings have been significant.
Week after week, people have actually set aside concerns for a time in order to listen, to converse with one another and to share a hearty giggle or two. When the occasional mournful word arose, hugs poured forth like a queen-size comforter on a twin-size bed. People know how to care for one another in this community.
Although a church should provide a haven of comfort, it should also provoke comfortable people to develop a desire to DO something, to make change in the world. I’ve witnessed individuals bringing meals to feed others who don’t come through our doors, shoes for a foundation that provides for people who don’t have access to clean water, and toiletry items for a local women’s shelter.
With open hearts, the community has welcomed creativity in the worship space. Saint Lucia marched down the aisle with a gaggle of star children, pomegranate seeds and figs appeared on a table near the altar at Thanksgiving and individuals raised their hands and sang praises heartily when asked to participate. Who wouldn’t want to be part of a group that has so much fun and finds so much joy at church?
As the New Year begins, let’s remember that countless people are longing for a community filled with human connection and meaning-filled moments. Talking with others, including friends and family members outside our community of faith, about what goes on at UU Savannah is one way to open the door a little wider so they might “Enter, rejoice, and come in.” I wish for you Happy New Experiences in the coming days!
November, 2011
Ben Harper released “With My Own Two Hands” in March of 2003. The intoxicating song is filled with rhythm and determination. Part of the beauty and relevance of the piece resides in the simplicity of the lyrics. They include, “I can change the world, with my own two hands. Make it a better place, with my own two hands…a kinder place…I’m gonna help the human race with my own two hands…” The message is almost as revolutionary as “love you neighbor,” is it not? It’s about using our hands and our hearts in order to make a difference.
UU Savannah has embarked on an endeavor to locate a settled minister in 2012. As interim minister, I am proud to become part of your history by working with you in this exciting year of transition. It is my joy to witness the many hands at work in this congregation. As much as I love this church and this town, I signed on not to become your settled minister but to walk with you as we both continue our commitment to making Unitarian Universalism the loving, welcoming, vibrant faith of our dreams.
As your interim minister, it thrills me to see the ministerial search committee moving ahead swiftly in order to complete the congregational record. This document will be viewed by potential candidates for settled ministry. Completing this part of the search process is extremely important work. It’s taken countless weekly meetings and many hands to move forward. I applaud the due diligence of the committee. I also congratulate you, members of UU Savannah, who took time away from your busy scheduleS to give this team your feedback.
The work is not complete, however. It’s one step on the path toward finding just the right person to be called your minister. Therefore, in the weeks ahead when someone from the committee asks for help, please raise your hand. Come to think of it, raise both hands: one, for completing the task of finding a new minister and the other, to take the hand of a friend who has never been to a Sunday service at UU Savannah. Say to that friend, “Where ya been? We’ve been waitin for ya.” We’re going to change the world for the better with our hands, hearts, and minds.
See you at church!
Rev. Amy Kindred
Interim Minister |
AMY KINDRED JOINS US
AS INTERIM MINISTER
Rev. Amy Kindred has served the First Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Terre Haute, Indiana for the past three years. She earned an M-DIV degree from Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis and a Masters of Theological Studies degree, with research in religion and the arts, from the same school. Having completed courses from Star King School of Ministry in California and Meadville Lombard Theological School in Chicago, she is now a fellowshipped minister with the UUA.
While Rev. Kindred's dominant theology rests in Buddhism, she was raised to respect the compassion and teachings of Jesus. And yet, she is " forever drawn toward the humanist focus on relationship, the wealth of research in science (especially neuro-science), and the rich sensory aspects of existence elicited from world traditions that honor nature."
Amy's family consists of a loving partner, Phil Brown, a grown son who resides in Cincinnatti and two grown stepchildren, one located in Indianapolis and the other lives in Boston.
Amy Kindred, Artist
"Some people say prayer soothes the aching heart. My prayers have most often emerged from the tip of a paintbrush. I am a painter. When I was little, people would look at my art and say, 'God has given you a gift.' While affirmed, I was never satisfied with the idea that I had a gift and others didn't. The notion persisted and lead me to a life filled with a passion for both ministry and the arts."
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