Central Pennsylvania Area Revival Service
Association Sunday is a celebration of our connections in faith and of the common bonds and purposes that bring us together. In 2008, nearly 580 congregations demonstrated their commitment to growing Unitarian Universalism in creative and inspiring ways; one cluster of congregations in central Pennsylvania went above and beyond and joined in one of the most exciting celebrations of Association Sunday yet.
On October 12, 2008, a beautiful fall Sunday, the members and friends of the Unitarian Universalists (UUs) of the Cumberland Valley, the UUs of Gettysburg, the Unitarian Church of Harrisburg, the UU Church of Lancaster, the UU Congregation of Susquehanna Valley, and the UU Congregation of York, filled the Sunoco Theatre at the Whitaker Center in Harrisburg, PA, for a raucous revival service—reaffirming a vision of our shared faith and our common need to Grow Our Spirit at a time both of transition and opportunity in our nation.
Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) Moderator Gini Courter led the worship service during which nearly 600 people from the six participating congregations joined together in song and celebration. The Rev. Peter Newport, co-minister of the UU Church of Lancaster says, “In addition to affirming the UUA's theme for Association Sunday—We Are Better Together—we here in Central Pennsylvania [wanted] to celebrate the strength and vitality of our Unitarian Universalist churches in this region.” Rev. Robert Renjilian, parish minister of the UU Congregation of York, adds, “The opportunity to worship among hundreds of other Unitarian Universalists was a joy.”
Gini preached eloquently alongside the ten UU ministers participating, and a wonderful choir, orchestra, and a rock band led the group with rousing music! Members of the UU Church of Lancaster presented a dramatic interpretation of a story for all ages—which even featured a mime. The Sunoco Theatre, the state capital's premiere concert venue, was lauded by all as a most beautiful sanctuary to hold such a celebration, and the power of the whole experience left deep impressions on all involved. "For many of the members of our young congregation, this was their first opportunity to worship with a large number of fellow UU's, and the effect was thrilling,” says Rev. Judy Wells, co-minister of the UUs of the Cumberland Valley. “They are still talking about it!”
After the spectacular service, many in attendance returned to the grounds of the Unitarian Church of Harrisburg to enjoy a barbecue lunch and the beautiful weather. All gathered on the lawn to eat and talk while kids played on the playground, amused by the afternoon’s featured entertainer: Jimbo the Clown.
But the celebration didn’t end there! The best part was that all of the left over food went to the Sunday evening dinner program at the Cathedral Parish of St. Patrick in downtown Harrisburg. Because of the generosity of those involved in this Association Sunday celebration, as many as 400 poor or homeless men, women, and children ate a nourishing meal that Sunday night. It was an inspiring act of love and communion with the local community—an act which has put Unitarian Universalism on the map in central Pennsylvania.
In the view of Rev. Howard Dana, senior minister of the Unitarian Church of Harrisburg, this is “what is possible when a spirit of abundance prevails.”
Many of those who attended have expressed their desire to hold another revival next fall. Indeed, the groundwork is already being laid for a similar shared service for Association Sunday 2009 at the new convention center in Lancaster, PA, with all of the area churches participating. We are deeply grateful to the Central Pennsylvania UU congregations who have established a model for UUs across the Association—to come together to demonstrate and celebrate graciousness, generosity, and vital spiritual community.
Last updated on Wednesday, April 8, 2009.
