Ethical eating, faith-based initiatives, early marriage, and more

Ethical eating

At the Unitarian Universalist Association's General Assembly last month, delegates selected ethical eating as the next Congregational Study/Action Issue. It's also a popular topic among Untiarian Universalist bloggers.

Generva at "One Joy, One Sorrow," frames eating in moral terms (although without reference to General Assembly):

To see food as an ethical, moral, or mindful choice seems to move it from an automatic activity to an intentional one . . . to carefully consider everything we put into our bodies requires attention, action, and patience. And if we really are to tackle some of the larger issues that seem to hold our country back from ever-greater achievement and efficiency within the scope of food consumption and production, it seems being aware of how, what, when, why, and where we eat is a necessary and beneficial first step. (July 6, 2008)

To help Unitarian Universalists learn more about ethical eating, Plaidshoes at "Everyday Unitarian" recommends several relevant books. At "UUA View from Berkeley," UUA Pacific Central District trustee Linda Laskowski applauds the choice of ethical eating as the next CSAI. But Bill Baar at "Pfrarrer Streccius" warns that due to eating disorders, "eating is far far from a delight for more people than one would think" (June 29, 2008).

Faith-based initiatives

At "Revolutionary Spirits," the Rev. Gary Kowalski outlines the pitfalls of government funding for faith-based initiatives:

[W]here money is concerned, there are always strings attached. When churches become dependent on government hand-outs, can they still serve their prophetic role? Criticize the king—like the Hebrew prophet Nathan criticized King David—and your funding might get cut.

Isn't there already enough religious tension between Protestants, Catholics, Muslims and Jews in this country? They already compete for converts, for visibility, for numbers. Inviting them to compete for tax dollars just inflames the sectarian turf wars. (July 8, 2008)

Worship planning

The Rev. Sean Parker Dennison at "ministrare" reveals the work that goes in to preparing Sunday morning worship, including the music:

I meet with the music director for 60-90 minutes each week to select music for the choir, hymns and songs that work with the upcoming services. I also communicate with any special musicians and the accompanist. If I have a good idea well in advance, I may try to inspire the musicians to learn a new song for a service. And whenever I hear a good local musician, I make a point to offer them an invitation to play in church. You'd be surprised how often this pays off and how much depth and diversity it's added to our musical offerings. (July 7, 2008)

Not to be missed

Inspired by Manish Mishra's UU World essay about his marriage and subsequent divorce, Elizabeth Barrett at "exUUberance" reflects on her own experience with early marriage. At "AncienTrails," the author wonders about the history of Unitarian Universalism in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area. Elaine of "Elaine's Blog" recounts a camping trip she took with her young daughter and members of their fellowship, the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of San Dieguito. And the Rev. Thom Belote at "RevThom" recommends three books for summer reading lists.