A Word from Rev Gordon

November 2023

The fall season is upon us. Pumpkins, homecomings, apple pies, football, and all things Americana are on full display. We at Sepulveda Unitarian Universalist Society are bravely stepping forward into this new season with a new way of doing things and a new covenantal relationship never seen, heard of, or experienced before. Our community is small but I believe in you! I think we can do great things together. Let the work and spiritual exploration begin!

We Are the World
Songwriters: Lionel Richie / Michael Jackson

There comes a time when we heed a certain call
When the world must come together as one
There are people dying
Oh, when it’s time to lend a hand to life
The greatest gift of all

We can’t go on pretending day-by-day
That someone, somewhere will soon make a change
We’re all a part of God’s great big family
And the truth, you know,
Love is all we need

We are the world
We are the children
We are the ones who make a brighter day  
So let’s start giving
There’s a choice we’re making
We’re saving our own lives
It’s true we’ll make a better day 
Just you and me…

You remember this song; it was penned at a time when starvation was at a level many couldn’t take. Songwriters, singers, and other talented people came together to produce one of the best selling songs in the history of the music industry.

Where are we now? The truth of the Middle East, not only Israel and Palestine, but the entirety of the region, place all of us at risk. The events of recent days disturbs our senses. Many, if not all of us, are hurting for the countless victims of hate! The reasons are too many to be unpacked in this column. The history and social realities are filled with missteps and misdeeds by countless so-called leaders on all sides. My words today are seeking reconciliation. My heart is longing for compassion. My religion, my faith, requires me to hold all parties in an embrace of caring.  

So today I’m listening to music that affirms life. Today I’m hoping for the wisdom of our human family to step up. Today, I am praying for peace! Let’s cultivate peace within ourselves and let us share it with the world that needs desperately to come to terms with the fact that we are, all of us, the world.

BridgesUU

A new covenantal relationship has begun for SepulvedaUU. Let us all welcome the BridgesUU team (AJ, Geneys, Paul, Lisa, and others) into our congregational life. Expect to see Pastor AJ, and the folks at BridgesUU at services some times, in meetings some times, in deep covenantal relationships with us.

Stay tuned for more…