A matter of balance

As leader of this congregation, I’m constantly learning about the need for balance. I believe part of my duty is to help manage the tensions that arise between strong convictions that are not always exerting pressure in the same direction.

That tension can be lots of things at different times—creative and frustrating, conserving what’s valuable and blocking needed change, stimulating new ideas and provoking resistance. The fallout can result in hurt feelings, anger and divisiveness. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Or to put it another way, tension isn’t necessarily a bad thing at all.

During my tenure so far, I have encountered tension between dedicated and thoughtful members of the congregation who cherish May Memorial as a beacon of liberal religion—a source of spiritual comfort, fellowship and inspiration in their busy lives. Others want May Memorial’s light to burn ever brighter in the quest for peace and social justice.

Some stand as guardians of May Memorial’s sacred spaces and heritage, embodied in the splendid building at 3800 East Genesee St. that is such an eloquent architectural and aesthetic expression of UU faith. Meanwhile, others are developing exciting programs and activities that infuse the church with new energy—and sometimes, a little aesthetic confusion.

Some come to church mainly to hear the Rev. Jean Wahlstrom’s sermons. Others savor the majestic chords Music Director Glenn Kime coaxes from May Memorial’s magnificent organ and the choir’s soulful harmonies. Still others are inspired and challenged by eclectic musical offerings and instruments.

The Religious Education program under Jennifer Hamlin-Navias is growing by leaps and bounds, more evidence of good things happening at May. The dedication of the volunteer guides who devote their Sunday mornings to the budding spirituality of the young ones is worth celebrating. The value of an intergenerational experience at the start of every service is easy to understand. Yet the exuberance of youth is a cup that easily runneth over, intruding all too easily on those who seek time for spiritual reflection.

Accommodating everyone all the time probably isn’t possible. Keeping the diverse strands of congregational convictions from getting tangled isn’t easy. But that’s where the MMUUS minister and board can help. Indeed, I celebrate the tension, because it means I am part of a congregation where people’s deeply felt ideas and honest energies are invested. And the congregation has created a powerful new balancing tool—the Covenant of Right Relations to remind us all to “behave.”

I see May Memorial as a kitchen stove where lots of pots are simmering. My job is to help keep them all simmering, while seeing to it that none of them boils over. Mmm. It sure smells good. What a feast you all are preparing!

~ Fred Fiske