Many Unitarian Universalist congregations have a covenant that includes the line “service is it’s prayer,” claiming service to others as a central form of spiritual practice.
How can service to others be a prayer?
Service and Joy
One morning, helping in the office at my local congregation, we discovered a man sleeping behind the church. We offered him something to drink and eat and the use of our bathroom for a shower and shave. He used our phone to connect with some resources, but most importantly I simply listened. I heard about his recent struggles, helped him talk through some possible future plans, and empathized with the frustrations of navigating the systems of assistance in our area. I couldn’t fill his wallet, but we were lucky to have the resources to fill his belly. I couldn’t clear his path forward, but I helped him head toward it feeling functional. There were a few things around the office that didn’t get done that day, but the most important thing was centered. I ended that day with a big smile on my face – so happy to have been of service. I often consider the quote from Rabindranath Tagore – “I slept and dreamt that life was joy. I awoke and saw that life was service. I acted and behold, service was joy.” -Darbi Lockridge (CLF Board Member)
When has service brought joy into your life?
Leadership
Leadership fundamentally asks of us to work with others so that we’re pointed in the same direction. When it is healthy, it is collaborative, engaged, and consent-based.
How have you experienced healthy leadership?
Worship/Service
When we gather in worship for a “service,” it is so often an inwardly-focused act that many congregations end their worship with phrases like “our worship ends, may our service begins.” Why do those things need to be different? In worship, we pay attention to what is of worth to us–perhaps the needs of our community and our planet should be more present.
How can the act of worship be a service?
Service
As a child, I was taught the value of service to others, to one’s community, and to one’s planet. Throughout my life, I have been called to service. My service has always begun with understanding what my community needs and where my skills and gifts can be used in accountable ways.-Michael Tino (CLF)
How have you participated in service to others?