By Rev. Terry Davis
Delivered at Northwest Unitarian Universalist
Congregation on March 10, 2013
I read Judi’s reflection earlier this week, and I loved it. Except those times when they fall on houses after a storm or shed, hundreds of leaves need to be raked. I imagine we might all agree that it’s really hard to say anything bad about trees. They support our lives and nurture our spirits in so many ways, just as Judi mentioned.
And, I imagine that if you pause for a moment, you can picture in your mind this morning a favorite tree of yours – a tree you love now or a beloved tree from your past. Or, perhaps the image you might recall is an entire forest of trees . . . a lush wooded landscape that thrills or soothes you. Or maybe what comes to mind is the beautiful cathedral of tall pines, oaks and poplars right here at Northwest.
Whatever tree you think of, chances are you weren’t around when it first burst through the soil. You probably weren’t in the vicinity, or maybe even yet on the planet, when it ventured a supple shoot that eventually became a tender sapling. And, going back even further, it’s possible that your favorite tree’s first few days were also before your time . . . those days when your tree was a tiny seed, a lovely promise encapsulated within a cone, pod or shell.
Trees were chosen as the symbol for the Northwest community and this year’s stewardship campaign. “Caring for Today’s Trees and Tomorrow’s Shade” is the theme of the pledge drive that is kicking off today. This line was inspired by a Chinese proverb, which goes “One generation plants the trees, and another gets the shade.” This notion of making an effort today for another’s future benefit is an example of selfless love. I also believe it may be characteristic of this community whose members may be recognizing that they have something unique and significant to give to the world.
In keeping with our tree theme, I like to think of those persons who get the future forest started as planters . . . acorn planters. They are persons who believe in something much bigger than themselves and are willing to invest their energy, creativity, finances and other resources – their acorns – to get those ideas growing.
The founding of Northwest and the building of this Sanctuary more than 40 years ago are perfect examples of this. This community was started by acorn planters. They wanted to see a liberal faith community thrive in northwest Atlanta. One of those acorn planters is still with us, and some of you know who she is. She has been part of this congregation since 1968, and helped start it at an elementary school with a few other ambitious folks. Joyce, we’re all still living in the shade of those trees that grew from acorns you planted so long ago.
Likewise, the founding of Northwest’s monthly Hungry Ear Coffeehouse more than 30 years ago can be attributed to another acorn planter – someone who saw an opportunity to bring exceptional folk and jazz music to Atlanta and support a worthwhile nonprofit organization. Hungry Ear attracts a standing-room-only crowd now, something that, Clarence, you may not have ever imagined when you planted your seeds.
There have been other acorn planters at Northwest ever since – persons who have planted seeds that resulted in the construction of the Chalice House, in the installation of these beloved windows in the Sanctuary, in the founding of the Northwest Art Gallery, in the solar panels on the roof, in Northwest’s Green Sanctuary designation, in new carpet in the Sanctuary and Lobby, and improvements to the Kitchen.
And, there are other acorns being planted here right this minute. The new multigenerational library in the Chalice House has new carpet, paint, bookshelves and – soon – new lighting and a conference table. Our directors of music and religious education have moved into their new offices in the Chalice House, which means that work is about to begin on expanding and updating the Nursery, which is adjacent to their old office space.
The Community Ministry team will soon be training 12 new facilitators so that Northwest can expand its chalice groups and members who join can make deeper connections with one another. The new Northwest website is expected to go live in just a few weeks. The Second Hour programming is full and rich. The list goes on.
These are amazing accomplishments – all growing from acorns. All these improvements and activities are making Northwest an attractive, lively and potentially life-changing place. And, if this community continues to have that kind of energy, what do you imagine the outcome will be? I suspect it means that you’re probably going to grow.
You’re probably going to grow because you’re going to be extremely appealing to others who share your desire to be a part of a warm and welcoming community. You’re probably going to attract persons who will fall in love with this beautiful wooded refuge as you have. You’re probably going to draw parents who want their children raised in an open-minded religious community . . . one that helps them discover their unique sense of the sacred and encourages them to grow up to be moral, compassionate and courageous persons.
You’re probably going to connect with passionate persons who see that our planet is in critical condition due to climate change and, like you, actually want to do something about it. You’re probably going to appeal to others who love the arts as you do and who deeply value the way it moves their spirits.
The acorns you planted years ago and even just a few months ago have changed you. And, the ones you will plant tomorrow will change you further still. What will that change look like? What will tomorrow’s shade feel like for you and those who join this community in the future? What will it be like to be a member of Northwest two years from now . . . ten years from now?
What kind of teenager will young Anthony Kahn be? Or Michael Steffin? Or Lily Alford? What will this community’s part have been in helping them discover the very best of themselves? What will it be like to be a care receiver here? How do we show compassion and support now and how might that expand going forward?
This is an exciting time for Northwest and, it seems, an exciting time to be an acorn planter. The soil here is rich and ready. The forest is calling. May we answer the invitation and put our seeds in. May this community help us nurture our dreams and find the courage to grow and change. May it be so. Amen.