Aaron Jones had this great idea: if we want to increase our visibility and outreach on the university campus, the perfect way to do it is through chalking a message on the sidewalks during the first week of classes. Furthermore, Aaron conceived of a mysterious message that would hopefully intrigue people. Once curious, students would find the same message on flyers posted on campus bulletin boards; and a QR code on that flyer would lead them to a website.
The message:
RUUU?
The website: https://jones3aj9.wixsite.com/mysite
The website contains videos about Unitarian Universalism and an invitation to our Fellowship specifically. It was fun to chalk this message on the campus sidewalks, with other enthusiastic UU’s from age 3 to 70. It was fun to film a welcome video that Aaron included in the website.
As UU’s, I think that we are sometimes reluctant to advertise and “sell” our religion to the public, but we shouldn’t be. We have a life-changing, life-saving message in this faith tradition. We are offering hope, love, and acceptance. We have a joyful, supportive community that is ready to welcome others into it. Aren’t there a lot of people out there—CMU students and others—who could use some of what we are offering? I’m glad to be an evangelist for Unitarian Universalism, and I think we should all think of ourselves that way.
Prayer:
Spirit of Life and Love, may all those who are seeking find what they need. May those who are hurting and alone find a place where they are welcomed and healed. May those who have been shunned and excluded find a place where they are accepted just as they are. May those are called to work for peace and justice find partners in that work.
And may we, who have community and love and welcome to offer, be generous in offering it and unapologetic in spreading the word about this gift to the world.
May it be so.
Rev. Andrew Frantz