W.H. Auden in his poem, "Woods" says, "A culture is no better than its woods." Most of us would affirm this statement; a healthy human culture leaves space for the natural world, and integrates the living web of all things in its self understanding. The values and vision that we uphold in our woods we must also take out into our homes, in our workplaces and larger community gatherings. Thus on April 4 several of us will be involved with big events outside of our woods.
One is the Common Ground event celebrating diversity and exploring how to improve cross-cultural relationships in Muncie, featuring speakers such as Muncie natives such as Gregory Williams and Charles Payne. This will take place on the BSU campus all day at Pruis Hall. All events are free and open to the public. Look for flyers and more information at the church and online.
Meanwhile the Heartland District of the UUA will be holding its annual meeting at the Horizon Convention Center. Leaders of more than 50 congregations from Michigan to Kentucky will gather to talk, speak and decide the future of UU congregations in this region. If you would like to stop by to hear the keynote speech by Dr. Sharon Welch on the prevention of war, or celebrate in the opening celebration or participate in an afternoon workshop please let me know. If you would like to register as a full time participant in the meeting please do so right away online at HeartlandUU.org.
On the evening of the 4th the Heartland District will return to our woods. We will be serving a chili supper in our church building for all who want to hear members of the Indianapolis Women's Chorus fill our sanctuary with very beautiful music in a concert. Please plan to be there. The next morning, April 5th, Rev. Elizabeth Strong will be preaching in our church in the woods on "The Larger Message" of Universalist Religious Education from 1890-1930.
Perhaps, considering the art and message that is upheld in our church, our culture is no better than what happens in its woods.
Rev. Thomas M. Perchlik UU Church of Muncie, IN
