Owning the Good News

There has been an on again off again discussion on the use of published sermons and writings in a congregational service. It is obvious to me that permission to use and appropriate credit is required. My few requests have been met with kindness. The discussions on intellectual property show that not everyone agrees that such use is appropriate or in some case perhaps even honorable. . Someone suggested that we want the quality of work without paying for it? That we somehow owe the congregation who is supporting the minister whose work we are using – We want something for nothing

I spent fifteen years listening to great ministers - at my old congregation, at other churches, at GA and at district meetings. My life was blessed because I happened to live in Annapolis. I could afford to go to GA. I had friends who encouraged me to visit other churches and hear other ministers. My life was transformed because of this opportunity. Why should others be denied something close to that opportunity because of where they live - and because no one told them it could be different.

My small congregation of 35 has very limited exposure to the broader world of Unitarian Universalism. Most are new to church and to Unitarian Universalism. Should geography exclude them from strong voices of a liberal religion? Russell Saunders said there are no backwaters, wave your arms and the ripples will reach me. I'm asking strong swimmers to send some ripples this way.

While I am writing, I’m listening to a CD I just received ‘Music from All Souls’. I listen to ‘Spirit of Life’. I’ve heard that magnificent choir filling the halls of that beautiful building. It makes me feel sad. I am seeking joy and strength in serving in a small corner of the world. It is much more difficult than living in a place where I will be spiritually fed by just showing up on Sunday. I'm struggling with 'you only get what you pay for'. It seems very contrary to a theology of abundance and gratitude. I don't know how to reconcile the 'good news' of Unitarian Universalism with the 'ownership of words' by ministers and now what seems like 'co-ownership' by their congregations.