Open discussion group based on UU Values, Clarification of Thought: Wednesdays, 7-8:30 PM Details on the online calendar and at the News & Events tab above.

Thanksgiving Food Drive, now through Friday, November 8: Help provide holiday meals for our neighbors who seek help from the Chautauqua County Rural Ministry. Details at the News & Events tab above.

Monday, November 4, 7 PM: Vigil for Democracy with Rev. Ron Skowronski, an opportunity for meditation and prayers, not a venue for political discourse of any kind. Details on the online calendar and at the News & Events tab above.

Cup of Kindness Cafe: Fridays, November 8 & 15, 7-10 PM All are welcome for FREE coffee, snacks, and great conversation. Details on the online calendar and at the News & Events tab above.

Cooking for Sustainability: Sunday, November 10, 1-2:30 PM Registration required by Friday, November 8. Explore delicious, simple meal preparation from farm to table, with sustainability in mind! Details on the online calendar and at the News & Events tab above.

Religious Exploration experiences for all ages, K-adult, offered on Sundays, November 3 & 17 at 10 AM. Details of Chalice Circles are on the online calendar and at the News & Events tab above.

Learn about upcoming events on the online calendar.

The times are urgent; let us slow down. — Bayo Akomolafe

To look at desperation

Famed Transcendentalist Henry David Thoreau encouraged his readers to live simply, independently, and wisely.  He did note that “The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation.”

This “desperation” is characterized by fear, anxiety, doubt, low self-esteem, and resentment.  It would appear that not much has changed since his day and age. As we move forward in our history, we appear to make the same errors time and time again, yet continue to expect a different outcome.  Rampant materialism continues to drive us forward to eat, drink, and make money.  We have never been more industrious and simultaneously have never felt so unfulfilled.  Thoreau states, “It is not enough to be industrious; so are the ants.  What are you industrious about?”  He also makes a powerful point: “The Question is not what you look at, but what you see.”  It is my contention that all too many of us have allowed others to manipulate our perceptions, which many have mistaken for absolute Truth. Much of our national politics have been undeniably influenced by the mind-set of “Desperation.”

I postulate that it is about time for a change in attitude and perception.  What if we took responsibility to do it as Thoreau suggests: “I learned this, at least by my experiment:  That if one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours.”

Can we turn away from fear based politics and materialism?  Thoreau seemed confident that it was doable.  He states, “Rather than Love, than Money, than Fame, give me Truth.”

When we remain committed to the Truth of our Principles & Values, when we do so with confidence and commitment…We will (my opinion) see a New Reality that we responsibly helped usher in.  That would really be something to be grateful for this Thanksgiving.

Thankfully Yours,
Rev. Ron