Heartwood
As another summer recedes into memory, we pack away our beachwear and outdoor furniture, our tee-shirts and sandals. As we move towards the quiet, contemplative season of winter, we review the busy seasons of spring and summer, just concluded. And we make plans for the future.
At Unity Center DC, we recently made a significant, bold move. Like anyone in a safe but limiting situation, we yearned for more: more space, more freedom, more potential. Under the leadership of our Board of Trustees, and with the blessing of the congregation, we took a leap of faith once again. We moved from our safe perch at First Congregational United Church of Christ, downtown, to St. Luke’s Mission Center in the Glover Park and Georgetown area. Welcomed by the Methodist church to utilize this large unused space, we elected to rent the space every day of the week, 24 hours a day. We can meet for worship on Sunday morning again. A significant expenditure for us, we have faith that we will grow into this new place and “spread our wings,” as our former Board President Andy Carlson stated so beautifully. (Imagine the dove, a Unity symbol.)
Like the trees, who drop their leaves and rest, then burst into bloom again in spring, we will be switching to preparation mode. As well as preparing for the coming autumn and winter holidays, we willl take stock of our new physical location and of its great potential. We can think Big again: classes, concerts, parties, dinners, events of all kinds. We have any talents and gifts among us, and we have much to offer to our new neighbors.
Our current Board President, Caywod Black, has established several committees that report to the Board and that will explore the many possibilities for our new space: decorating and beautifying the sanctuary; reaching out to local groups, associations, and charities; finding new and wonderful ways to be of service; and stimulating and enhancing our prosperity and stewardship. Join us! Sign up to be on one of the committees. Can you envision our new space with drapery, artwork, lights, and new furnishings? Can you imagine the seats filled with happy, energized people eager seeking Truth alongside us? Can you hear the music as we celebrate births, weddings, and anniversaries?
No matter what change this move brings to us as a congregation, Spirit guides our transformation. Remember the trees of autumn. They shed their leaves, grow still, and appear lifeless. But we know that they simply rest, gathering their resources for another spring. We, like they, wear many colorful coats from time to time and have periods of activity and rest. But at our core, our eternal, spiritual center, is heartwood, the place where we commune with God. This is our immutable essence, not affected by the outer world, just as the heartwood of the trees is unmoved by the temperature or the season. In our heartwood we record and remember our history, our relationships, our mission. Although our “church” may evolve and grow over time into something we cannot yet know, we affirm that the change will be wondrous! We will be Unity Center DC always, in our heartwood. Let us plunge into the coming changes with faith and gratitude. Let us welcome the inevitable glorious transformation of spring. Leaves may fall away from the trees in October, yes. But the heartwood remains, always. Spring and life renewed await us all.
Love,
John Bell
Secretary, Board of Trustees
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