Minister's Musings February 2026

Soraya Chemaly writes, “No one is resilient alone, at all times, and in all situations. Resilience is a dynamic process and it is healthier and more accurate to say that we take turns being resilient for one another.” In other words, it takes a village, ya’ll, to make it through life. We each have our up and down moments, times of joy and sorrow. I believe we are meant to share this with others. Community is so essential to our thriving. Those who seek power over others do so through creating chaos, fear, and practices that result in isolation. If we are kept confused, alone and distrusting, it’s easier to manipulate our society for greedy purposes. And so, my friends, the antidote to the ills of the culture of domination is more love, more community, more trust. When we gather, when we put forth the efforts to build the beloved community, we become more resilient.

Have you heard of “third places?” Home is the first place; work is the second place. But third places are community hubs, spaces for relaxation, conversations, and social connections. They are often multigenerational, neutral, accessible and comfortable. Think of hang out spots, like the mall, a coffee shop, a community center, or a park. Our faith home-our congregation is a “third place.” These third places are especially important for our young people. They need places where they can gather, learn from one another and their elders, and practice their decision making and social skills. Third places help us get good at interacting and “peopling.”
Research has suggested that third spaces are in decline-due to such things as online communities, suburban sprawl and the lingering effects of the pandemic. Malls are closing, there are no late-night dance halls open for teens or those under 21. Community centers run on skeleton crews or have few offerings. There’s a real opportunity for us all in congregational life. Our spiritual home can be a place of renewal and connection for all ages. I don’t want us to see UUCO as simply a place we come to for an hour or two on Sundays. Imagine the possibilities of what we could do together in our third place of UUCO! UUCO has weathered the pandemic, we are tiny but mighty and poised for growth. We are resilient! And I have so much hope for us. Can we live into the possibilities of a love-centered spiritual hub for our community?
My door is always open (my phone is always on) and I’d love to hear what you need to help you thrive, and I’d love to hear what you can offer to help others discover their resilience? As my colleague Rev. Julián Jamaica Soto wisely said, “All of us need all of us to make it.”
With love and hope at the center,
Rev. Sarah