Torch Column: In the Life

13 February 2017

In the Life - Rev. Matthew Cockrum

I had no intentions of going to seminary when I first walked through the doors of a Unitarian Universalist church, back in Lexington, Kentucky in 1995. Sure, I’d had inklings of interest in ministry in years prior - first in an Assemblies of God church in high school, then again as a Catholic in college. But when I first attended the UU Church of Lexington, I was just looking for an inclusive religious community where my first husband and I could worship together as an openly gay couple.

As I became further involved in the life of the congregation - singing with the choir, assisting in worship services - I also received invitations to grow and stretch. The congregation’s anti-racism committee challenged us to attend local public meetings (school board, city council and the like) with an eye towards racial dynamics. I was introduced to the notion of financial stewardship and eventually served on the pledge committee. (Ask me sometime about my first phone call with someone from the pledge committee. It wasn’t foretelling of someone who’d eventually be leading congregations and just goes to show how much we can grow in unexpected ways.)

The long and short of it is that in church - as in much of life - we are called to learn and grow in unexpected ways. Sometimes we resist. Sometimes we accept the invitation willingly. Sometimes we even seek it out. Always the invitation is before us (or within us). The pertinent question is how we will respond.

Last week I had the privilege of welcoming fifteen folks to membership at First Unitarian Church. Among them were folks who are returning to First Church after absences, folks who have been here for months or even years. All of them were people who were saying “yes” to the invitation to deepen their commitment - not only to themselves and their own spiritual and intellectual growth, but also to this congregation and its mission and ministries.

Along with those newcomers, veteran members were also asked, “What parts of the congregation’s mission speaks most to you? How might you deepen your commitment to that at this time? What would it look like in your life?”

So now I ask you: How might you deepen your commitments at this time? What would your spiritual and intellectual growth look like if you did? How might actively engaging in building a progressive and just world become a more integral and intentional part of your life?

Whatever brought you through the doors of this congregation...whenever you came and however long you’ve been here...the mission and ministries of First Church need you in these challenging times now more than ever. And the world needs engaged congregants like you now more than ever.

The invitation is at your in-box.

How will you reply?

Here’s to The Work, Friends!
Peace, Faith & Passion,
Matthew


More from Matthew

Adult Religious Education Offerings

  • Owning Your Religious Past - Tuesdays, March 14, 21, 28 and April 4. 6:45-8:45 p.m. - Join Revs. Matthew Cockrum & Tom Goldsmith in this powerful 4-session series designed to assist participants in examining and exploring their religious past while also articulating their present and future. These sessions are open to all and will contain elements specifically geared towards those with LDS background. Register with Rev. Matthew Cockrum via e-mail () or phone (801.582.8687 ext. 205) or at the Congregational Life table.
  • Seeking the Sources - Mondays, February 27, March 27, April 24 & May 22, 6:45-8:45 p.m. Room 201 - Join Rev. Matthew Cockrum in movement, meditation and inquiry of how we might benefit from accessing the six sources of our living tradition. No registration required, drop-ins encouraged. Come as you are. Bring your favorite yoga and meditation gear if you have any.

Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser - Sunday, February 26 after each service. Have a tasty breakfast at church and support our high school youth in their June service trip to New Orleans. Want details or to help? Contact Nancy Moos at or Lori Shields at

Info & Orientation Sessions - The monthly informal Info Sessions following Sunday services will not take place in March due to scheduling conflicts and Celebration Sunday. Next Info Sessions will be April 2 and May 7 (following each Sunday service) and Tuesday, May 9 (7-9 p.m. - registration required to Rev. Matthew Cockrum at or 801.582.8687 ext. 205).

CORC - Coalition Of Religious Communities - Want to engage the state legislature with other Unitarian Universalists? The Coalition of Religious Communities builds on a broad base to engage shared values for compassionate change in social issues. This year’s focus is on ending youth homelessness. Join other Unitarian Universalists along with our Jewish neighbors at the State Capitol on Tuesday, February 28, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Check out the event on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/events/218512665256777/. “Come tour the Capitol, meet legislators and help reduce the number of children who become homeless in Utah. We will meet in the Aspen Room, which is near the cafeteria in the Senate Building (located to the northeast immediately behind the Utah Capitol Building).
Parking at the Capitol is scarce. We recommend carpooling or finding a public transportation route at:
http://www.rideuta.com/Rider-Tools/Trip-Planner. For more information contact Bill Tibbitts at Crossroads Urban Center, or 801-364-7765 ex 107.”