A Celebration of Life for long-time congregation member Merrill Ito will be held
Saturday, January 6th, at 11 a.m.  It will be followed by a reception. All of Merrill’s and Holly’s family, MPUUC members and friends, and others among their friends in the larger community will be welcome.

These aren’t my words. They are the words of a hymn written for an African American Trinitarian Christian context, written by David Fraser. I hear this song, I read these words, with a doubly cross-cultural lens since I am neither African American nor Trinitarian Christian.

            I value the experience as an opportunity-not to inhabit-but to attend something of value to others. But it’s not just that. While some of the language is hard for me (e.g. referring to God as “Him”), I think of the “I” in several ways. First, it’s how we need one another on a fundamental human level. Second, it’s how our community, Mission Peak Unitarian Universalist Congregation, needs us to be fully engaged-as fully as we each are able-
in its present and
for its future. Consider the essential meaning you might find in these words, for you. Carry that discernment into your New Year with open hearts, open minds, great hope, courage and optimism. A New Year’s resolution about how you will be as a member of MPUUC, in relationship with other members, friends, newcomers and staff and minister too-might be something to consider, if you’re the kind of person who makes resolutions.

If not, then maybe it’s just something to contemplate. Principles before personalities, for the good of the whole, how do I want, need to be? And, good people, be safe and joyful as you cross over into 2018 and beyond!

 

“I need you, you need me. 

We’re all a part of God’s body. 

Stand with me, agree with me. 

We’re all a part of God’s body. 

It is His will, that every need be supplied. 

You are important to me, I need you to survive. 

 

I pray for you, You pray for me. 

I love you, I need you to survive. 

I won’t harm you with words from my mouth. 

I love you, I need you to survive. 

It is His will, that every need be supplied. 

You are important to me, I need you to survive.”

                                                                     

-Rev Benson

• We Have 5 Love Hero Nominees for 2018!

  *One Child: provides clothing and school supplies to children in need.
  OneChild began in Fremont, California and now serves families throughout the Bay Area. Their goal is to promote self-esteem in underprivileged children, so they may appreciate their individual worth.

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  *RISE Fremont Coalition (
  Residents Insisting on Social Equity).

  Members of RISE come from a diverse group of cultural, religious, and ethnic backgrounds. They are united and resolved to make sure all residents are valued, especially those most in need. Their platform includes equitable development, greater affordable housing, improved local jobs and job training, and dignity for all people. (READ MORE HERE)

    

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