Board Reflections – Exploring The UU-niverse.

I’m away on vacation on Cape Cod, returning to my Massachusetts roots.
Cindy and I checked out the options locally for visiting a UU church on Sunday for
services. Both Brewster and Provincetown have congregations and services but
we chose the latter. Interestingly, the Brewster congregation is being served
temporarily by the Rev. Kenn Hurto who some might remember as one of our
interim ministers some years back. We really were not drawn to renew that
acquaintance. Instead we attended worship at the historic Provincetown (P-town
to those in the know) which was made more magical by it being P-town Pride
weekend. Provincetown has long been a mecca for those challenging society’s
norms, especially those pertaining to gender and sexuality. Hence, Pride is
something that really transcends a weekend or even a month here. But being in P-
town for a Sunday during Pride weekend was something special.
Getting back to the UU Meeting House of Provincetown, the minister was
the Rev. Kate Wilkinson who preached a sermon entitled, “What doesn’t kill you”
which was about the physical and emotional scars we all carry and how healing
from these wounds can make us stronger and better people. The service was
fairly traditional, same affirmation of faith as ours, just in English, but they sing
“Spirit of Life” in both English and Spanish. It ended with a glitter blessing by Rev.
Kate in keeping with the Pride theme and preparing us all to re-enter the streets
crowded with a rainbow of colorful and amazing people.
Their building, dating from mid-1800s, was right in the center of town, set
back a 100 feet from bustling Commercial St. Their large sanctuary, upstairs, was
lovely – two main aisles divided the three seating sections with one side reserved
for those masked and wanting social distance; we were not alone in the section!
Realistic, three-dimensional alcoves, pilasters and panels were painted (trompe
l'oeil style) onto all four walls and the ceiling was painted as a copy of the dome
of the Temple of Jupiter in Athens, Greece. Maybe 80 people attended in person
and the service was streamed as well. Tech and acoustics were an upgrade from
our setup. The congregation seemed vitally tied to the surrounding community,
hosting a variety of World Fest, Racial Justice, and Juneteenth events.
In closing, I encourage everyone to find new UU spaces to explore and
celebrate. For me, they provide a diversity of experiences and perspectives,
making me appreciate both my UU heritage/faith and what I have in my own
community at UUCL.

Submitted by Fred Foster Clark