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Welcome to the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Oxford. We are a liberal religious community based on LOVE. ALL that share our values of Love, Justice, Equity, Transformation, Pluralism, Interdependence, and Generosity are welcome here.
Services at UUCO are held each Sunday at 10:30am
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Minister's Musings
By Rev. Sarah Osborne
“We are not saints, we are not heroes. Our lives are lived in the quiet corners of the ordinary. We build tiny hearth fires, sometimes barely strong enough to give off warmth. But to the person lost in the darkness, our tiny flame may be the road to safety, the path to salvation.” ~Kent Nerburn
It is no wonder that so many holidays centered on light are celebrated in the darkest part of the year. It’s easy to get lost in the longest nights as the world spins on its axis. Those who manage to find holiday cheer or hold onto hope in a season fraught with loneliness, despair, or suffering are the true marvels. And perhaps all of us, even those experiencing the night a little too tenderly, hold a sputtering sparkle inside us. It is possible to be keepers of both sorrow and joy. The miracle of life is that we contain multitudes. We are social creatures in nature, and though we may be made of stardust and magic, we need each other to make it through our days-especially during the winter. It’s ok to need a little help, even better to ask for it when you need it. Sometimes simply showing up to receive joy and hope are enough. And for those who are overflowing with love and mirth, maybe you can shine your light a little brighter for others to see. This is what is asked of us when we strive to be beloved community.
You know the Grinch Who Stole Christmas was so grinchy because he was lonely. His light and his heart were too small because he felt different, unseen. And like many folks, if he wasn’t happy, he didn’t want anyone else to be. But a little one, Cindy Lou Who, shined her light toward the Grinch and the beloved community of Whoville joined their lights together, aimed their compassionate hearts at the Grinch and a miracle occurred! His heart and his light grew! Love begets love, ya’ll.
So if you have a little light to spare, if joy is stirring in your heart, shine it bright for all to see. And if you’re struggling, don’t despair, look for the tiny flames showing you the way. In this season of hope, remember that we all need each other. Happy Holidays and blessed be!
With love at the center,
Rev. Sarah
By Rev. Sarah Osborne
“We are not saints, we are not heroes. Our lives are lived in the quiet corners of the ordinary. We build tiny hearth fires, sometimes barely strong enough to give off warmth. But to the person lost in the darkness, our tiny flame may be the road to safety, the path to salvation.” ~Kent Nerburn
It is no wonder that so many holidays centered on light are celebrated in the darkest part of the year. It’s easy to get lost in the longest nights as the world spins on its axis. Those who manage to find holiday cheer or hold onto hope in a season fraught with loneliness, despair, or suffering are the true marvels. And perhaps all of us, even those experiencing the night a little too tenderly, hold a sputtering sparkle inside us. It is possible to be keepers of both sorrow and joy. The miracle of life is that we contain multitudes. We are social creatures in nature, and though we may be made of stardust and magic, we need each other to make it through our days-especially during the winter. It’s ok to need a little help, even better to ask for it when you need it. Sometimes simply showing up to receive joy and hope are enough. And for those who are overflowing with love and mirth, maybe you can shine your light a little brighter for others to see. This is what is asked of us when we strive to be beloved community.
You know the Grinch Who Stole Christmas was so grinchy because he was lonely. His light and his heart were too small because he felt different, unseen. And like many folks, if he wasn’t happy, he didn’t want anyone else to be. But a little one, Cindy Lou Who, shined her light toward the Grinch and the beloved community of Whoville joined their lights together, aimed their compassionate hearts at the Grinch and a miracle occurred! His heart and his light grew! Love begets love, ya’ll.
So if you have a little light to spare, if joy is stirring in your heart, shine it bright for all to see. And if you’re struggling, don’t despair, look for the tiny flames showing you the way. In this season of hope, remember that we all need each other. Happy Holidays and blessed be!
With love at the center,
Rev. Sarah