MINISTER'S MUUSINGS

The changes of this season have been slow but dramatic—in true Florida fashion we’ve gone from hot days to frigid nights—making it feel just a little like winter, and also a new year. 2008 is not just another year, however, but the year we will be celebrating the Fellowship’s 50^th Anniversary. The significance of this Anniversary is undeniable, given MUUF’s importance to Bradenton over the past 50 years, and hopefully MUUF’s importance to Manatee County in the years to come. In 50 years Manatee County has changed dramatically from a somewhat seasonal, laid-back resort town to a thriving, growing, full-time residence for people of all ages and backgrounds, spanning both sides of the mighty Manatee River. So many changes have occurred—so much to celebrate!

Last month I received a call from my college roommate Connie--we go back 35 years, and despite time and geography our friendship still seems as fresh and wonderful as ever. She once mailed me a tape and copy of Maya Angelou's Inaugural Poem "On the Pulse of Morning". I had spent some time with Maya Angelou and so her poem meant a great deal to me. She writes:

"Come to me,

Here beside the River

Plant yourself beside the River

Each of you, descendant of some passed-on

Traveler, has been paid for..."

This part of her poem reminds me that our Manatee Fellowship is here also because our past foremothers and forefathers believed in us, their "future" generation. I hope we too can believe strongly in our Fellowship and in our future generations, by ensuring strong stewardship, and investing in our children and youth, here by the banks of the Manatee River.

The poet Angelou also writes:

"Lift up your eyes

Upon this day breaking for you.

Give birth again

To the dream..."

To celebrate an anniversary is to take stock of the years past, to celebrate the important accomplishments made, and also to seek the dawn of our days to come. We are at a major turning point in the life of the Fellowship: We are being called upon to give birth to a new dream—a dream of being a stronger home to our members and friends; a dream of being a stronger home to all the spiritual seekers who have planted themselves ‘beside the River’; and to give birth to a new dream of being an even greater force for liberal faith within Manatee County.

Our special 50^th Anniversary year will kick-off with a special service on Sunday, February 17^th, and will run throughout this year. Mark your calendars and come celebrate a great accomplishment, and prepare for a new day which is breaking for us all, where we can give birth again to new dreams.

Peace and Blessings, Bonnie

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