Hello, and welcome to fall! I know most of us are grateful that the heat of summer has finally slipped away, in favor of crisp mornings, and the first tinges of autumn color. I’m the Rev. George Grimm-Howell, your settled minister here at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Hendersonville.

Our theme for the month of October is courage. And throughout the month, we’ll be exploring the many dimensions of courage. Indeed, as we march headlong into election season, we will be called on in many ways to speak out and step up for love and democracy. 

Author Jeff Brown writes that “there are two forms of courage in this world. One demands that we jump into action with our armor on. The other demands that we strip ourselves bare-naked and surrender.” 

Our twin missions of spiritual growth and social justice require both kinds of courage. And nothing captures this dance of bravery and vulnerability like our new sanctuary niches. 

Judith H. has created another delightful set of niches. She writes that October’s theme of Courage invites us to consider how we face fear, uncertainty, and difficult times with authenticity and purpose. She explores courage through stories and symbols, including Hansel and Gretel, whose courage and love help them navigate danger and uncertainty. 

Judith reminds us that courage can be found not only in heroic acts but in everyday choices to speak up, set boundaries, admit mistakes, and become who we truly are. Through symbols ranging from the Cowardly Lion and eagle to Buddha, wildflowers, and crystals, Judith invites us to consider this ultimate question: Where do you find your courage?

Judith has written about the niches in much more detail, and I encourage you to engage her thoughtful words in the News section of our website, U-U-F-H-N-C-dot-org.

One of the ways we will exhibit courage at UUFH this month is through our work for democracy. As I’ve shared with you in the past, so much is at stake in our country right now. We will all be working together to engage in bold action and vulnerability as we work together to get out the vote — and to manifest our Unitarian Universalist values in the world. UUFH cannot tell you whom to vote for this Nov. 3, but we can advocate for issues that support our values of Justice and Equity. For example, our social justice team urges you to vote NO on the three North Carolina constitutional amendments, all of which run counter to democracy. If passed, these amendments on voter ID and tax limits would make it harder to vote and harder for local governments to fund essential services. The impact of these proposals, if passed, will fall hardest on the most vulnerable among us. 

You also have the opportunity to vote YES for the Farmland Preservation Bond Referendum that supports our UU Green Sanctuary values, including preservation of family farms and other green spaces in Henderson County. And please plan to vote, including double-checking your voter registration to make sure nothing has changed. And a heartfelt thank-you to all who are working so hard to get out the vote.

At UUFH, we are also making new commitments to supporting and partnering with Hendersonville’s Black community to register voters and promote good health. Please join us at the Get out the Vote Block Party this Saturday, Oct. 3 from 3-8 p.m. at Sullivan Park in Green Meadows. Then be sure to join our partners at St. Paul’s Tabernacle for a community health fair on Saturday, Oct. 17 from 10 to 1. From the fair we’ll head over to the early voting polling place to vote together.

But don’t worry — October is not all serious work. We’re planning lots of opportunities for fellowship and fun! To name just a few:

• Bring your beloved animal companions or a picture of them to our Pet Blessing service this Sunday, Oct. 4. 
• Then after the service, bring a dish to share at our All Ages Potluck Picnic at East Flat Rock Park. 
• You can also join forces for fun AND democracy by attending our open mic coffee house event on Saturday, Oct 10 at 3 pm. Bring your talent and a snack to share.
• And you can end the month by relaxing and renewing your spirit at our UUFH retreat at The Mountain in Highlands, North Carolina, on Oct. 23rd through the 25th.

Please see the events section of our new website for the details on these fun events and so many more. 

Let me leave you with a few words about courage from my colleague Wayne B. Arnason:

Take courage friends.

The way is often hard, the path is never clear,

And the stakes are very high.

Take courage.

For deep down, there is another truth:

You are not alone.

This month, may you find many blessings on your path.

— Rev. George Grimm-Howell