Honoring Our Sacred Spaces

By Shawn Ultican, Vice President, Board of Trustees

I’ve come to the conclusion that my children are the most sacred part of my life. Now this may seem a bit strange, given how much consternation kids can cause. And yet, they also are a source of much wonder and joy. Being a good Dad brings a huge dose of meaningful purpose to my life. And that’s the key part to why my kids are so sacred to me.

How did I come to this conclusion? On February 7, 2010, Dr. David Owen-O’Quill and his wife Jennifer served as guest Ministers. Part of David’s sermon was about our Mission as Unitarian Universalists. His view is that each person has a deep need to find meaningful purpose in their lives, and to become part of a larger community.

Some people fill this need with pretty negative stuff. Our responsibility, he says, is to help people fill this with compassion and work that makes a positive difference in the world. He calls it a “Gospel of Inclusion.” That’s how we should help folks turn a “hole” into wholeness. So I‘ve been considering what brings meaningful purpose to my own life, and how I personally contribute to a larger community. Where do I find Sacred space in my life? That’s where my kids come in.

Other people may find sacred spaces in a treasured memory, or a cherished place. Somewhere that we feel closer to the divine. Perhaps this is a lush green forest, a garden patch, or a starry night. Each of us has private sacred spaces that we hold dear. We also have places we share in common, as a community of faith, like our sanctuary at the Fellowship.

But what really makes KUUF, or any church building, a sacred space? While some may contain religious artifacts, or beautiful stained glass windows, I don’t think that’s it. There are many beautiful buildings that most people would not consider sacred, so it’s got to be more than the boards, bricks and mortar.

I think Reverend Liz touched on the essential piece in her Musings article last month. While writing about the gifts we bring, she said “...the most important gift, however, is our presence.” Our singing, laughter, and the tears that we share together as a community are what create sacred space. It’s us. We bring the sacred. We kindle the divine spark at the heart of our community. Together.

As a new Board member, I’ve become much more aware of how much it takes to maintain our sacred space, both the buildings, and the vitality of our community.

Many members give generously to support our financial needs. Others share their time and talent through music, teaching religious education, pounding nails, or growing our garden. Each of us contributes to caring for our shared sacred space. And like our garden, its bounty increases as we nurture the community we create together.