Dear Ones,

When diverse groups of people get together, unfortunately, we sometimes find that people within some of those groups are intentionally mistreated. Words and phrases like discriminated against, marginalized, disempowered, and excluded may come to mind. The conduct that might constitute evidence of this type of behavior should not be allowed to exist. But it should not be left to the people who are oppressed in this way to try to overcome existing inequities on their own. Witnesses to injustice must be more than just witnesses. They must do what they can to bring an end to the harm caused by others, especially if they are in a position of power. Communities that embrace pluralism must be prepared to engage in decisive action to end oppression. Unitarian Universalists are part of a community that professes to embrace pluralism, but we also acknowledge our place in a world that is much larger than the community defined by our faith tradition. This means that if we truly value pluralism, but also interdependence, justice, transformation, generosity, equity, and most of all, love, WE are called to engage in decisive action to address the inequities WE witness. What are you called to do? This week’s sermon title is “Allies, Accomplices and Collaborators.” These are words used to describe people engaged in doing the work to overcome the various oppressions that exist. But do those words all have the same meaning?

The Unitarian Universalist Association’s General Assembly (GA) will take place from June 20th to June 23rd; this year, it is 100% virtual! GA is where the business of the UUA takes place, and this year, the most important business will be the vote on the proposed revisions to Article II of the bylaws of the UUA. As a member congregation of the UUA, CVUU is entitled to have delegates present to participate in this significant decision. If you would like to represent CVUU and be one of our delegates, please send an email to me at minister@c-vuu.org.

We are having a LIVE baked goods auction after the service on June 2nd. Funds will benefit CVUU’s music program and help to defray any costs related to the Joe Jencks concert the following week. If you want to register to bake something to be auctioned off, you can sign up at this link: https://coastalvirginiauu.breezechms.com/form/bd8586

The Joe Jencks concert is on Saturday, June 8th, at 7:30 p.m. It should be a wonderful evening. Mark your calendars and invite your family and friends. I hope to see many of you there.

This month, we are giving away 50% of what we receive in our Sunday offering plate to Divine Inspiration Outreach (DIO). DIO is an organization in Chesapeake serving single women in crisis, ages 18 to 65. These women are past the emergency shelter phase and getting ready for supportive housing. The women’s Divine Inspiration houses are given help to overcome trauma and supported with life skills and boundaries training, budgeting and saving skills, and employment help. The goal is to enable these women to reach their highest level of self-sufficiency in the community. To learn more about DIO, visit their website at https://divineio.org/.

As a hat tip to the sermon topic this coming Sunday, I close this week with the song “Allies” by the group Heart.

In peace and love,

Rev. Viola

Rev. Viola Abbitt  (She/They)
Minister
Coastal Virginia Unitarian Universalists
809 South Military Highway
Virginia Beach, VA 23464

Office: 1-757-627-5371x3Mobile: 1-757-354-4541
My Sabbath is on Fridays.
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