LOVING THE DIFFERENCE by Rev. Brian Kiely, Past President ICUU, Current Member-At-Large on Executive Committee

After seven years, my time on the ICUU Executive is coming to a close.  Whatever I might have been able to do to help the international Unitarian movement, I have received much more in return.  Getting to know Unitarians and Universalists from around the world has been a constant education.  It has opened my eyes in ways I never would have imagined.

Every national group approaches our liberal tradition in a different way, a way that is rooted in their culture and history, not mine.  Many years ago some Canadian ministers launched a program called “Listening to the Language of the Land”.  They demonstrated that our religious views and values are affected by the very geography of the places where we live.  So to does place affect culture and everything we do, often in ways we do not understand.

Every time I have had the chance to cross a cultural border I have had to ask about what Unitarianism means in their land.  How do they express their faith?  What do they believe?  How do they understand liberalism? And after listening, I had to ask myself what I had discovered about my Unitarianism.

I have learned that my expression of faith is mostly humanistic.  My expression of faith is less centred around belief in God than in many places.  I have also learned that because we live in such a privileged place (Canada) we have the luxury of enjoying our faith without really having to risk or sacrifice for it. Church might be part of our lives here, but it is not the centre of our lives.  We benefit from church, but I am not sure many of us are saved by it. 

In some places the church is the centre, a community not just for worship but a place where wealth is redistributed where social programs are based and in some places where it’s even risky to be a Unitarian.

I have grown to love the lessons of our diversity even though I have mostly discovered those lessons by making mistakes and accidentally stepping on cultural boundaries.  Our international connections offer us so many opportunities for building community across borders to be sure.  But it also offers each one of us the chance to understand and deepen our own expression of faith as well.

Global Chalice Lighting Words May 2013

 

 

The International Council of Unitarians and Universalists announces
the 117^th in its monthly series of global chalice lighting readings.
Congregations worldwide are invited to participate.
We invite each congregation to use the reading
for at least one worship service
in the designated month, identifying it as
the “Global Chalice Lighting” for that month and
naming the group which submitted it.
This Global Chalice Lighting is submitted
by the Canadian Unitarian Council for May 2013.

ENGLISH:        The World
May the world that is one in its life, a rich blue top spinning in the endless night of space, a world that is one in its interdependence and fragility, be one in our hearts and minds and deeds also.   – Charles Eddis

FRENCH:          Le Monde

Que le monde qui est unique, qui évolve dans l'immensité profonde et bleue de l'univers, le monde qui se complète, interdépendant et fragile, soit entier dans nos coeurs, nos esprits et nos actes.

GERMAN:         Die Welt

Möge die Welt, all deren Leben miteinander verbunden, ja eines ist, die ein vielfältiges, blaues Wunder ist, das sich in der endlosen Nacht des Weltraumes dreht, eine Welt, die in all ihrer Zerbrechlichkeit und ihren wechselseitigen Abhängigkeiten letztlich doch eine Ganzheit ist,
auch spürbar eine Einheit sein in unseren Herzen, unserem Sinn und unserem Tun.

ITALIAN:          il Mondo

Possa il mondo, che è uno nella sua vita, una ricca trottola blu nella notte infinita dello spazio, un mondo che è uno nella sua interdipendenza e fragilità, possa essere uno solo nei nostri cuori, nelle nostre menti e nelle nostre azioni.

SPANISH:         El mundo

Que el mundo que es uno en su vida, una rica cubierta azul que da vueltas sin fin en la noche del espacio, un mundo que es uno con su interdependencia y fragilidad, sea también uno en nuestros corazones y nuestras acciones.

 (With many thanks to our volunteer translators: Gianluca Alfieri (Italian), Jean-Claude Barbier (French), Freya Bednarski-Stelling (German), Francisco Javier Lagunes Gaitán(Spanish) )                               

GLOBAL CHALICE LIGHTING APRIL 2013

 

 

Dear friends,

Here is the 116th in ICUU’s  monthly series of global chalice lighting readings. Congregations worldwide are invited to participate. We invite each congregation to use the reading for at least one worship service in the designated month, identifying it as the “Global Chalice Lighting” for that month and naming the group which submitted it. Readings will be circulated in English, French, German, Italian, Spanish and, where different, in their original language. This Global Chalice Lighting is submitted by the Indian Council of Unitarian Churches for April 2013.

      

KHASI:

U Blei u dei u tynrai jong ki jingtip baroh. Ai ba ka jingnang jingstad kan weng noh ia ka jingdum bad ai ba ngin sngewthuh ba ka jingnang jingstad ka dei ka spah ba hapoh u briew, kaba lah ban pynioh ia u ia ki jingjop bashabar jong u.Da kaba thang ia ka sharak ai ba ngin pyndem ialade ha ka jingnang jingstad kum ka spah bakhraw tam. Ka jingnang jingstad ka kyrshan ia ki kam jongngi, la ki babha lane ki basniew. Namarkata, ngi thang ia kane ka sharak kum ka jingsakhi ia ki jingmut jingpyrkhat bad ki kam ki jongngi. Ka ding ha ka sharak ka meh shalor; ha kajuh ka rukom, ngi dei ban pdiang ia ka jaid jingstad ka ban kyntiew ia ki jingthrang jingangnud jongngi shajrong. Haba kynthah da ka jingstad ba kynja mynsiem,baroh ki jingling basniew jongngi ki briew ki ing noh suki suki, bad ka malade ruh ka jah noh. Ka jingnang jingstad kam duna haba ngi iasam ia ka bad kiwei pat; ha ka jingshisha, ka pynmyntoi ia baroh ar—ia u nongsam bad ia u nongiohpdiang.

 

ENGLISH:

God is the Knowledge Principle. May knowledge remove ignorance and may we realize that knowledge is a lasting inner wealth by which all outer achievements can be accomplished. By lighting the chalice may we bow down to knowledge as the greatest of all forms of wealth.

 

Knowledge backs our actions, whether good or bad. We therefore light this chalice as a witness to our thoughts and actions. The flame of the chalice burns upwards; similarly, we should acquire such knowledge as to take us towards higher ideals. When lit by spiritual knowledge, the negative tendencies in a human being get slowly exhausted, and the ego too finally perishes.

 

Knowledge does not lessen when shared; on the contrary, it benefits both the giver and the receiver.

 

FRENCH:

Dieu est le principe suprême de la connaissance. Que celle-ci ôte l’ignorance et puissions-nous comprendre qu’elle est une richesse intérieure durable grâce à laquelle nous pouvons mieux accomplir nos projets. En allumant notre calice, puissions nous voir en elle cette connaissance comme la plus grande de toutes les richesses. Elle inspire nos actions, que celles-ci s’avèrent bonnes ou mauvaises.

 

C’est pourquoi nous avons allumé ce calice comme témoin de nos pensées et de nos actions. Voyez comment sa flamme brûle vers le haut comme pour nous inspirer à acquérir des connaissances qui nous poussent vers des idéaux plus élevés. Eclairées par une connaissance spirituelle, nos tendances négatives sont peu à peu évacuées et, finalement, notre Ego s’estompe.

 

Cette connaissance ne diminue aucunement lorsqu’on la partage ; bien au contraire, donneurs et receveurs en profitent mutuellement.

 

GERMAN:

Gott ist das Prinzip der Erkenntnis. Möge Erkenntnis Unwissenheit ablösen und mögen wir verstehen,dass Erkenntnis ein dauerhafter innerer Reichtum ist, durch den alle äußeren Ziele erreicht werden können. Durch das Entzünden des Flammenkelchs verneigen wir uns vor der Erkenntnis als der bedeutendsten Form von Reichtum.

 

Erkenntnis unterstützt unser Tun, ob gut oder schlecht. Daher entzünden wir diesen Flammenkelch als Zeugen unserer Gedanken und Handlungen. Die Flamme brennt in die Höhe; in ähnlicher Weise sollten wir Erkenntnis erwerben, um uns zu höheren Idealen zu führen. Durch spirituelle Erkenntnis erleuchtet erschöpfen sich ungünstige Neigungen eines Menschen allmählich und schließlich schwindet auch das Ich.

 

Erkenntnis vermindert sich nicht,wenn man sie teilt,im Gegenteil,sie kommt dem Gebenden wie dem Nehmenden zugute.

 

ITALIAN:

Dio è il principio della conoscenza. Possa la conoscenza rimuovere l'ignoranza e possiammo noi renderci conto che la conoscenza è una ricchezza duratura interiore, attraverso la quale tutti i successi esterni possono essere realizzati. Accendendo il calice possiamo inchinarci alla conoscenza come la più grande di tutte le forme di ricchezza.

 

La conoscenza sostiene le nostre azioni, buone o cattive. Accendiamo quindi questo calice come testimone dei nostri pensieri e azioni. La fiamma del calice brucia verso l'alto, allo stesso modo, dobbiamo acquisire conoscenza tale da portarci verso i più alti ideali. Quando sono illuminate dalla conoscenza spirituale, le tendenze negative in un essere umano si esauriscono lentamente, e anche l'ego finalmente muore.

 

La conoscenza non diminuisce quando è condivisa, al contrario, beneficia sia il donatore sia il ricevente

 

 

SPANISH:

Dios es el Principio del Conocimiento. Que el conocimiento elimine la ignorancia y que nos demos cuenta de que el conocimiento es una riqueza interna perdurable por la cual son posibles todos los logros externos.  Que al encender el cáliz nos inclinemos ante el conocimiento como la forma superior de la riqueza.

 

El conocimiento respalda nuestras acciones, sean éstas buenas o malas. Por ello encendemos este cáliz como un testimonio de nuestros pensamientos y acciones. La flama del cáliz arde hacia arriba; de manera similar, hemos de adquirir un conocimiento tal que nos eleve hacia ideales excelsos. Al encenderse por el conocimiento espiritual, se agotan lentamente las tendencias negativas de un ser humano y el ego también finalmente perece.

 

El conocimiento no sufre menoscabo al ser compartido; al contrario, beneficia a quien lo da y a quien lo recibe.

 

(With many thanks to our volunteer translators: Gianluca Alfieri (Italian), Jean-Claude Barbier (French), Freya Bednarski-Stelling (German), Francisco Javier Lagunes Gaitán (Spanish))

 

Invitation to UU Weekend in Cologne

Dear ICUU Members and Friends,

We pass on the following invitation from European Unitarian Universalists (EUU) to their Autumn Retreat. I declare a personal interest as having been a little involved in the founding of EUU, but we recommend it highly as a wonderful opportunity to be part of what becomes a unique physical UU congregation twice  a year. It is open to everyone from members f other ICUU groups to folks living I places where I has not yet been possible to organize a UU group.

Kind Regards,
Steve Dick

“European Unitarian Universalists’ (EUU) Belgium Fellowship and friends invite you to the EUU Autumn Retreat 2012.

The retreat theme speaker is the Reverend Abhi Janamanchi. Born in India, the Rev. Janamanchi is a long-time activist in interfaith and international organizations and is currently serving as Senior Minister of Unitarian Universalists of Clearwater in Clearwater, Florida USA. The Rev. Janamachi will speak to us on the theme “Nurture Your Spirit, Help Heal Our World: Exploring UU Spirituality” – surely a timely and deeply needed theme today.

The retreat will take place at the Cologne-Riehl Youth Hostel in Cologne, Germany. This site is a new location for the EUU and the hostel’s facilities as well as the city of Cologne’s many attractions are promising.

As always the weekend will be a full and fulfilling experience of fellowship, nurturing, spirituality and fun for all ages. Please join us October 26-28, 2012 in Cologne, Germany. For more information, go to: http://www.europeanuu.org “

___________________
Rev Steve Dick
Executive Secretary,
International Council of Unitarians and Universalists (ICUU)
Email: execsec@icuu.net
Phone: (USA) 617 939 9959  (UK) +44 20 8407 2866
Skype: stephenwd
Website: www.icuu.net
Twitter: ICUUinfo

Support ICUU and its work by sending contributions to
ICUU Finance Department
attn: Susan Greenberg
PO Box 300
Hastings on Hudson, NY 10706 USA
or donate online via PayPal to treasurer@icuu.net

International Worship Service Live Streaming

The ICUU staff is participating in a special international worship service  that will take place at the Social Justice UUA GA on Saturday morning June 23. It should be available via live-streaming on UUA.org.

The service will begin at 7:45am MST (not MDT, this is AZ) on June 23, 2012.   Up to date live-stream access information will be on the front page of www.uua.org.

The full line-up of live-streaming events at GA is available here:  http://www.uua.org/ga/2012/index.shtml and some technical notes about live-streaming from GA: http://www.uua.org/ga/30754.shtml

The order of service follows for those who are able to view the service online. A recording should be available later from the same site.

We hope that a number of ICUU folk will be able to join us online reminding us of the truly international nature of our community.

Kind Regards,
Steve Dick

50 Ways to Cross a Border June 23, 2012 Order of Service

Prelude Székely Áldás (Székely Blessing) Words: Traditional Transylvanian Music: Elizabeth H. Norton

Welcome Rev. Eric Cherry, Director Unitarian Universalist Association International Office

Chalice Lighting Rev. Zoltan Koppandi Transylvania Unitarian Church Balazs Scholar, Starr King School for the Ministry

Song Let Freedom Span both East and West Words: Jacob Trapp Music: African American spiritual

Homily Francisco Javier Lagunes Gaitán, Leader Libre Congregación Unitaria de México

Music Praise Song by UU Musician, Hal Walker

Homily Olga Flores, Leader UU Community of Bolivia

Prayer and Meditation               Rev. Steve Dick, Executive Secretary Rev. Jill McAllister, Program Coordinator International Council of Unitarians and Universalists

Song From you I receive Words & Music: Joseph and Nathan Segal

Closing Words                     Rev. Gary Smith, Trustee UU Partner Church Council

Benediction Rev. Carol Huston, Treasurer International Convocation of UU Women

Postlude David Burrows, Flute

The Coalition of UU International Organizations – www.uuinternational.org - is honored to bring you this morning’s service in collaboration with two of our international partners: Francisco Javier Lagunes Gaitán, leader of Libre Congregación Unitaria de México and Olga Flores, leader of the UU Community of Bolivia

___________________
Rev Steve Dick
Executive Secretary,
International Council of Unitarians and Universalists (ICUU)
Email: execsec@icuu.net
Phone: (USA) 617 939 9959  (UK) +44 20 8407 2866
Skype: stephenwd
Website: www.icuu.net
Twitter: ICUUinfo

Support ICUU and its work by sending contributions to
ICUU Finance Department
attn: Susan Greenberg
PO Box 300
Hastings on Hudson, NY 10706 USA
or donate online via PayPal to treasurer@icuu.net

HUGE Project

ICUU is pleased to announce the ICUU European Groups Conference planned for late August of this year, from 31 August to 4 September.

The focus will be on the health and sustainability of Unitarian and Unitarian Universalist groups in Europe so this effort is now being known as Health & Unitarian Growth in Europe Project or the HUGE Project.

The ICUU Member Groups in Austria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Spain, Transylvania, UK and the EUU will each be invited to send two delegates to this important gathering to be held in the headquarters building of the Transylvania Unitarian Church in Kolozsvár, Romania.

Grant funding has been applied for to hopefully make it possible for a partial subsidy to be offered to delegates from groups that need assistance with travel and accommodation costs.

It is expected that participants will arrive on Friday August 31 during the day and the program will begin with a reception and dinner followed by evening program. The conference will continue on Saturday, Sunday and Monday (1,2, 3 September), concluding on evening of Monday 3 September. Departures will be on morning of Tuesday September 4 following breakfast.

Facilitating the conference will be the Rev Jill McAllister and the Rev Steve Dick from the ICUU Staff as well as the Rev David Gyero and the Rev Celia Midgley from the ICUU Executive Committee.

Further details will be shared soon when available, but ICUU European Member Groups are asked to think now about who they wish to send as delegates and ask those persons to keep the program dates available.

___________________

Rev Steve Dick

Executive Secretary,

International Council of Unitarians and Universalists (ICUU)

Email: execsec@icuu.net

Phone: (USA) 617 939 9959 (UK) +44 20 8407 2866

Skype: stephenwd

Website: www.icuu.net

Twitter: ICUUinfo

Support ICUU and its work by sending contributions to
ICUU Finance Department
attn: Susan Greenberg
PO Box 300
Hastings on Hudson, NY 10706 USA

or donate online via PayPal to treasurer@icuu.net

April Global Chalice Lighting Words

Dear friends,

Below is the 104th in the monthly series of Global Chalice Lightings from the International Council of Unitarians and Universalists, for use during April 2012. It is submitted by the Unitarian Church of South Africa. Please see that this Global Chalice Lighting is translated, if necessary, and distributed as widely as possible within your group.

In faith,

-Lorella

Lorella Thomas Hess

editor, The Global Chalice

ICUU newsletter

www.icuu.net

We kindle this light in the centre of our circle.

May it symbolise the light and life and warmth

In the centre of our beings.

May it mirror the light of fellow Unitarians here

And around the world.

-Patricia Oliver

submitted by the Unitarian Church of South Africa

___________________

Rev Steve Dick

Executive Secretary,

International Council of Unitarians and Universalists (ICUU)

Email: execsec@icuu.net

Phone: (USA) 617 939 9959 (UK) +44 20 8407 2866

Skype: stephenwd

Website: www.icuu.net

Twitter: ICUUinfo

Support ICUU and its work by sending contributions to
ICUU Finance Department
attn: Susan Greenberg
PO Box 300
Hastings on Hudson, NY 10706 USA

or donate online via PayPal to treasurer@icuu.net