Celebrating Community, Service, and New Perspectives

Devotional

Day 1: Honoring the Legacy of Service

The act of honoring those who have served faithfully, whether in ministry or in other forms of leadership, reminds us of the importance of gratitude and remembrance within a community. Taking time to recognize the contributions of those who have gone before us, as well as those who are newly stepping into service, strengthens the bonds between generations and inspires others to continue the work. This practice not only celebrates individual achievements but also affirms the shared values and mission that unite a congregation. [33:44]

Hebrews 13:7 (ESV)
"Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith."

Reflection: Who is someone in your faith community whose service has impacted you? How can you express your gratitude to them or honor their legacy this week?

Day 2: The Joy of Welcoming New Leaders

Welcoming new leaders into fellowship is a moment of pure joy and hope for the future, as it marks the continuation of a living tradition and the infusion of fresh energy and vision into the community. Celebrating these milestones together not only affirms the calling of new leaders but also encourages everyone to support and uplift those who are stepping into new roles. This spirit of welcome and affirmation helps to create a nurturing environment where all can grow and serve. [33:44]

1 Thessalonians 5:11 (ESV)
"Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing."

Reflection: Is there a new leader or volunteer in your community you can encourage today? What specific words or actions could help them feel welcomed and supported?

Day 3: The Power of Shared Experience

Participating in large gatherings, such as assemblies or conferences, can feel overwhelming yet deeply enriching, as they offer opportunities to learn, connect, and share in the collective mission. These experiences remind us that we are part of something much larger than ourselves, and that our individual contributions matter within the broader tapestry of community life. Embracing the intensity and diversity of such events can lead to personal growth and a renewed sense of purpose. [53:10]

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (ESV)
"Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!"

Reflection: Think of a time when you felt supported by a group or community. How can you offer that same sense of belonging to someone else this week?

Day 4: The Value of Volunteering and Service

Serving as a volunteer, whether in visible or behind-the-scenes roles, is a vital way to contribute to the life and mission of a community. Each act of service, no matter how small, helps to create a welcoming and supportive environment for all. Volunteering not only benefits others but also brings joy and fulfillment to the one who serves, fostering connections and a sense of belonging. [54:21]

Galatians 5:13 (ESV)
"For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another."

Reflection: What is one practical way you can volunteer your time or skills this week to serve your community or someone in need?

Day 5: Celebrating Community Achievements

Recognizing and celebrating the achievements of a congregation, such as reaching leadership milestones or being honored for consistent generosity, strengthens communal pride and unity. These moments of acknowledgment are not just about accolades, but about affirming shared values and the collective effort that makes such accomplishments possible. Taking time to celebrate together encourages continued commitment and inspires others to join in the work. [01:03:35]

Psalm 133:1 (ESV)
"Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!"

Reflection: What is one recent achievement or milestone in your community that you can celebrate or share with others today? How can you help foster a spirit of unity and gratitude?

Sermon Summary

This morning’s gathering was a celebration of community, service, and the enduring spirit of our congregation as reflected in our participation at the recent General Assembly in Baltimore. We began by acknowledging the full team of delegates, including those who could not be present, and honored the legacy of Carol Teal, who was away receiving a well-deserved award for her decades of service. Lavender and Larry, attending their first General Assembly, shared their fresh perspectives, reminding us of the vitality that new voices bring to our shared work. Their reflections highlighted the diversity and breadth of the Assembly, with over 3,000 attendees from hundreds of congregations and several countries, underscoring the global reach and unity of our faith tradition.

A significant portion of our time was devoted to honoring Stance to Fancic and participating in the Service of the Living Tradition. This moving ceremony not only remembers those ministers who have passed but also welcomes new ministers and celebrates those reaching milestones in their service. It is a powerful reminder of the continuity and evolution of our ministry, and the importance of both memory and hope in our spiritual journey.

We also explored the practical aspects of being a delegate, from the process of selection based on congregational size and budget, to the responsibilities and privileges that come with representing our community. The experience of volunteering at the Assembly was likened to “drinking from a fire hose”—a whirlwind of workshops, connections, and learning opportunities. The joy of serving at the local information desk, greeting friends old and new, and being part of the vibrant flow of Assembly life was palpable.

Recognition was given to our congregation’s status as a “leadership congregation,” a distinction earned by consistent generosity and engagement. The breakfast with the president, organized by region, revealed the remarkable presence of Boulder County congregations in the Pacific Western Region, a testament to our collective commitment and influence.

Looking ahead, we anticipate next year’s virtual Assembly and the opportunities it will bring for broader participation. The invitation is open for more to serve as delegates or volunteers, ensuring that our congregation remains at the heart of our wider faith community’s life and work.

Key Takeaways

1. Honoring Legacy and Welcoming New Leadership The Service of the Living Tradition is a sacred moment to honor those who have gone before us, to welcome new ministers, and to celebrate milestones in ministry. This ritual connects us across generations, reminding us that our faith is both a living memory and a living hope. It is in these moments that we see the tapestry of our tradition woven anew each year. [28:46]
2. The Power of Fresh Perspectives First-time attendees like Lavender and Larry bring invaluable energy and insight to our communal experiences. Their observations remind us that renewal often comes from those who are seeing with new eyes, and that the vitality of our congregation depends on making space for emerging voices. Welcoming and listening to newcomers is essential for our ongoing growth. [14:41]
3. Service as a Pathway to Connection Volunteering at the Assembly, whether at the information desk or in other roles, is more than a duty—it is a way to build relationships, foster belonging, and experience the fullness of our wider community. Service opens doors to unexpected encounters and deepens our sense of shared purpose. The joy found in these connections is a gift that sustains us. [53:10]
4. The Significance of Generosity and Recognition Achieving “leadership congregation” status is not just about meeting financial goals; it reflects a sustained commitment to the values and mission of our faith. Being recognized among peers at the leadership breakfast affirms the impact of our collective generosity and encourages us to continue striving for excellence in stewardship and engagement. [61:50]
5. Embracing Change and Future Opportunities With the next General Assembly being virtual, new possibilities arise for participation and inclusion. This shift challenges us to adapt, to invite broader involvement, and to reimagine how we gather and serve. Embracing these changes ensures that our community remains vibrant and responsive to the evolving needs of our faith and the world. [64:15]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:30] - Introduction of Delegates
[02:15] - Honoring Absent Members
[04:10] - Lavender and Larry: First GA Reflections
[14:41] - Lighting the Chalice
[16:00] - General Assembly Attendance and Diversity
[28:46] - Service of the Living Tradition
[33:44] - Reserved Seating and Ministerial Milestones
[36:00] - Reflections on the Living Tradition Service
[38:30] - Delegate Selection Process
[52:12] - Volunteer Experience at GA
[53:10] - The Joy of Serving and Connecting
[54:21] - Ribbons, Honors, and Recognition
[61:50] - Leadership Congregation and Regional Impact
[64:15] - Looking Ahead: Virtual Assembly and Participation
[65:00] - Closing and Community Feedback

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Hebrews 13:7 (ESV) — > Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith.

1 Peter 4:10 (ESV) — > As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace.

Observation Questions

According to the sermon, what is the purpose of the Service of the Living Tradition at the General Assembly? ([28:46])
What did first-time attendees Lavender and Larry notice about the diversity and energy at the Assembly? ([14:41])
How is the process of selecting delegates for the General Assembly determined in the congregation? ([38:30])
What does it mean for a congregation to be recognized as a “leadership congregation”? ([01:01:50])

Interpretation Questions

Why might it be important for a faith community to honor both past leaders and new ministers, as described in the Service of the Living Tradition? How does this connect to Hebrews 13:7? ([28:46])
What value do fresh perspectives from new participants bring to a community, and how can this help the congregation grow? ([14:41])
In what ways does volunteering or serving at events like the General Assembly deepen relationships and a sense of belonging, as described in the sermon? ([53:10])
How does the recognition of generosity and leadership within a congregation encourage ongoing commitment and engagement? ([01:01:50])

Application Questions

Think about someone in your life who has served faithfully in the church or community. What is one way you could honor or thank them this week, following the example of the Service of the Living Tradition? ([28:46])
When was the last time you listened to a newcomer’s perspective in your church or group? How can you make more space for new voices, like Lavender and Larry, in your own circles? ([14:41])
The sermon described volunteering as “drinking from a fire hose” but also as a source of joy and connection. Is there a place in your church or community where you could serve, even if it feels overwhelming at first? What’s one step you could take to get involved? ([53:10])
The congregation was recognized for its generosity and leadership. What does generosity look like for you—not just financially, but in time, encouragement, or other resources? Is there an area where you feel called to be more generous? ([01:01:50])
With the next General Assembly being virtual, new opportunities for participation are opening up. Is there a way you could participate or invite someone else to join in, even if it’s outside your comfort zone? ([01:04:15])
Reflect on a time when you felt truly connected to a larger community or movement. What contributed to that feeling, and how can you help create that sense of belonging for others in your congregation? ([53:10])
The sermon emphasized both memory and hope—honoring the past while looking forward. What is one tradition or memory you want to carry forward, and what is one new thing you hope to see in your faith community’s future? ([28:46])

Sermon Clips

It is like taking a drink from a fire hose. You spend four days, the four days that you spend in general assembly is intense. You cannot do it all. So, uh, my personal experience with this is I think I've been to all the workshops because they're very, sometimes there's a similar theme through most of them. But I really dig being the volunteer. [00:53:33]

My particular area is the ask me, uh, the local information desk. And, uh, I get to sit out in front of, in the main entrance to the hall and talk to people. And, and greet all my friends, which is the best part. [00:54:01]

I very often get the comment. This is the local information desk and you're from Boulder, Colorado. And, uh, they say, well, how, how come? It's simple. One is I've been doing it since 2012. And the other is I've discovered over time that people who live in the city probably haven't been downtown. [00:54:22]

Once in a while we have the, the real pleasure of having a volunteer that comes in who is a, uh, or works with a chamber of commerce or something like that. But it's a great experience. And like I said, we get to see all 3000 people go by every day. [00:54:50]

The dynamic, dynamic, dynamic, dynamicism that exists in our leadership is wonderful. [01:00:29]

Now, my ribbons have a little different than what Lavender showed you, but each one has a meaning. And the first one is a volunteer. The second one is ask me. The third one is delegate. Those are the, those are the basics. We all have those. But we keep on going. Local area task force. More than 20 GAs. That's a new one this year. [01:00:42]

One of the honors that UUCB got this year was we were invited to breakfast with the president. This breakfast was for, there was four members of each congregation that they call a leadership congregation, was invited to breakfast with the president. I would say they're probably over 100 people there. [01:01:42]

There are two levels. There's an honor congregation, which means a congregation which has met its fair share donation to the UUA. It's considered an honor congregation. But if you've been an honor congregation for more than 10 years, they raise the classification to leadership. And it's the leadership congregations that are invited to this breakfast. [01:02:06]

We made the leadership level five years ago. The first one we were invited to was in Portland. So I'm very proud of that, of us. [01:02:41]

But the interesting thing about sitting at breakfast that morning was they did something different this year that they hadn't done in past years. They had the tables arranged by region. And you were asked to go sit in the western region or whatever region of the five regions of the UUA. [01:02:55]

Well, we were over at the very west end of the patio. That's figures just on the outside edge. And there were 15, I think there were 15 or 16 people that were sitting in the Pacific western region at those tables. Of those 15 or 16, eight of them were from Boulder County. [01:03:14]

Both the fellowship and we are considered leadership congregations. So that's the whole western region and eight of us. Half of the crowd was from two churches. I thought that was a pretty remarkable thing. [01:03:43]

So congratulations to all of you. Thank you for that. [01:04:01]

Next year, 2026 General Assembly will be virtual. And we probably will do what we did last year. We'll meet in the Sky Room and just participate via the Zoom, not Zoom, but YouTube, YouTube hookup. They've got their own special handler for all of this. [01:04:10]

Look, we will be looking for volunteers. I will be looking for delegates. So that's coming up. And then in 2027, the meeting will be in San Jose, California. And Barbara and I are hoping we can get in at least one more. [01:04:37]

So any other, any questions, anything we can, anything you want to talk about? Well, I guess that wraps it up. Thanks a few of you who came. Yes. Thank you. We do appreciate you, Kate. You're coming and we'd like feedback on this format as opposed to a formal service, which we've done in the past. So that you have it. We want you to be part of it, too. Thank you. Thank you for coming. [01:05:02]

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