By Ann Kuffner
As winter wanes into spring San Miguel welcomes the Feria de Candelaria. During this time the town comes alive with vibrantly colored flowers and plants. Parque Juarez transitions into a stunning arboretum where exhibitors display an abundance of flowers, plants, trees, and herbs, as the Candelaria becomes a joyous prelude to the approaching season.
On Sunday, February 5, the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship will also celebrate with flowers. We invite everyone to join us in a uniquely Unitarian ritual known as «Flower Communion.» It is a celebration of diversity represented by the endless varieties and colors of flowers people bring to the service. The first Unitarian Flower Communion was celebrated in Prague 100 years ago. For our service flowers will be arranged in a beautiful display and will be blessed with the same words Reverend Norbet Capek, the service’s creator, used during the first Flower Communion.
During the service each attendee will choose a flower as a gift. The selected flower must differ from the one donated. Not knowing who brought the “gift” flower reminds us of the beauty that every individual contributes to this community. We must then treat every person as if they were the giver. As a community this celebration reminds us of the beauty of diversity. It reinforces our commitment to welcome everyone to be part of Unitarian Universalism regardless of race, ethnicity, nationality, gender identification, sexual orientation, age, theological beliefs, or economic status.
The service will be led by Reverend Tom Rosiello. Pianist Mauro Ledesma, joined by his student Asher Roberge, age 12, will provide the music. Musical selections will include a movement from Mozart’s “Piano Sonata for Four Hands,” Tchaikovsky’s “Waltz of the Flowers,” and other theme-related selections. A Spanish translation of the Flower Communion words will be available. Please join us in celebrating a very special 100th anniversary Flower Communion service, learning the story of this special service and experiencing its rich and universal meaning.
Unitarian Universalism is a liberal faith inviting its community to gather around a set of harmonizing values and principles for living. Our UU Fellowship welcomes people of all ages, races, religions, sexual orientation, and gender identity. Belief in a divinity is not the central issue around which we gather for worship and generous action. Rather, we come together with a belief in community, love, compassion, social justice, reverence for nature, and the spirituality of music, all within the interconnected web of existence.
UUFSMA donates generously to support nonprofit organizations that provide health, educational, and environmental services for underserved communities in the San Miguel region. Please support this work by clicking on the website home page Donate button.
To participate in our online Sunday service, visit www.uufsma.org and click on the Zoom Service button on the home page. If requested, enter password 294513. Sign in from anywhere Sunday mornings between 10:15-10:25am CST. Enjoy previous services at https://www.youtube.com/UUFSMA. In addition to continuing live Zoom services, UUFSMA has returned to in-person Sunday services upstairs at the Hotel Posada de la Aldea, Ancha de San Antonio 15, Centro. Reservations not necessary.
* Ann Kuffner is an UUFSMA Member
Unitarian Universalist Fellowship Sunday Service
“A Celebration of Flowers at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship”
With Reverend Tom Rosiello
Sun., Feb. 5, 10:30am
Zoom link: https://zoom.us/j/414604040
Password: 294513
