Minister’s Reflections, May, 2010 Rev. Rod Debs, pastor
The Emerald Coast fellowship is a treasure trove; behind each person’s eyes is a lifetime of stories. When we engage one another, we become known as well. Others become a part of our lives. We grow. And others grow from knowing us.
What a privilege it has been to know John and Maureen Bacon, retired United States diplomats and members of UUFEC. John’s wry, dry humor and his wide experience of the world are gifts this congregation brought into my life. My heart goes out to Maureen and to the family on John’s passing.
Did you meet John and Maureen here? Some of those who became closest to John connected to him at UUFEC. I took our foreign exchange students to visit the Bacons. I would have never met them had I not become part of this Fellowship. Those who joined UUFEC before health challenges kept John and Maureen home-bound, had the good fortune of these rich connections.
My partner Jeannette says that one of the greatest benefits of being Unitarian Universalist is meeting the white-haired elders. Our own parents are so far away. Doris and Sy were active until recently. Many other seniors are present week after week. Each one has a lifetime of stories untold.
At UUFEC, our hearts connect through conversations, stories, laughter, food and even committee tasks. Enriching relationships spin off from WOW and Philosophy Group, from Second Hour discussions and from every Fellowship activity. Their (your!) stories and diverse life experiences are so important to me—and to the lives of others at the Fellowship whether you know it or not! For my part, I keep trying to imagine new small-group venues for life-connecting interactions.
Life is so much richer for knowing each person here. You might think you don’t have a significant role at the Fellowship. Quite the contrary. Your presence and unique experiences are important. When you are absent, there is emptiness where you would have brought greater perspective.
There will come a time when you and I will no longer be able to come out to this place of fellowship. In this short time between birth and death, may we not deny ourselves face-to-face fellowship and heart connections. We need one another, to get outside of ourselves, and others need us.
Will I see you Sunday? With whom will you connect in this precious week of your life?
Blessings! Rev. Rod Debs, pastor