Transparency
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Family, we have to be this way… As Gandhi said, “The moment there is suspicion about a person’s motives, everything he/she does becomes tainted!”
I love this church too much; and I love this religion too much to want, in any way, damage the trust we have and the powerful ministry we are growing. If we damage that—the trust—WE LOSE OUR VITALITY! We are growing and expanding today, almost EFFORTLESSLY—very smoothly because of good leadership and a strong commitment from all of you. The more open, affirming, and transparent we can become, the greater our success will be!

More and more everyday I come to see this little ministry, at 7400 Temple Hill Road, has something that will impact the world! More and more, I see that this is not some mere practice in ministry, but a life-changing ministry that will change Unitarian Universalism in the years to come.

Now on to why I have my robe on... This is Stewardship Sunday which signals the beginning of our annual pledge campaign. We are using the theme: “Living the Legacy…Onward and Upward.” And I am so proud of Isis Johnson who has volunteered to be this year’s Pledge Chair. Let me tell you, she is a very impressive. She’s only 23 years-old but knows what she’s doing. She has things running efficiently. We had a meeting yesterday with the Canvassers and after she spoke we were amazed at her maturity, commitment and love of this church she has been a member now for only 2 years, but she cares deeply for this church, as we all do… Expect a call soon from one of her canvassers soon. While you visit over coffee or tea or whatever you have, let the person know if you of any concerns. This was part of the training. They are supposed to ask you that question.

For those of you who are new here, most UU churches ask for an annual pledge once a year to meet their upcoming budget and this is that time of year for us so don’t be alarmed at all of this money talk.

Stewardship and transparency are about love. When you love your church and those in it, you give of your time, talents and (if you have the means) your finances; you also do things that will build up folk not tear them down. I say that a transparent ministry; a ministry with no secrets, will not only improve our relationships but our entire lives. It will free us spiritually, keep us healthy and vibrant, and give us a peace within this community and within ourselves that will surely surpass all understanding.

And what a church we could be if we follow Gandhi’s example; what nation we could be if we follow this Indian Sage’s example… Yes, what “If every woman and every man where transparent and honest had their mind set on freedom (freedom of mind and body), if every woman and man had their mind set on the sweet dream of peace. If every woman and man of every nation, young and old, each generation, held their hands out in the name of love.” What a world this would be!------“If every leader in the world shared a transparent, democratic vision of freedom, if every leader in the world shared a sweet dream of peace; if every leader of every nation, worked for justice and liberation, holding hands out in the name of love” what a world this would be.

If every church in the world set a true course for freedom, if every church got beyond their gossip, were more transparent and raised its children in culture of peace; if all our sons and all our daughters reached in friendship across the waters, refusing to be enemies” and study war no more--what a world this would be!

Heed the words of Gandhi again as I close: “The moment there is suspicion about a person’s motives, everything he/she does becomes tainted.” Transparency must become our way of life.

Amen.

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Copyright by Rev. John T. Crestwell. All rights reserved. Please contact him for permission to use.