Reflections on The Anomaly....

Recently, I found myself grappling with some poignant remarks shared during a meeting of Chapels in Merseyside and its district, as they pertained to Ullet Road Church. A representative of the Unitarian Movement pointed out that Ullet Road Church was an 'anomaly.' As I reflected upon this assertion, I felt a pang of disbelief.

The remark felt hastily thought-through, casual dismissal of the collective efforts that have been sown into the tapestry of our spiritual haven. Let me take this moment to assert that Ullet Road Church is not an anomaly. If I may paraphrase the wisdom of renowned Unitarian Minister L.P. Jacks, who once mused, "The truest greatness lies in being kind, the truest wisdom in a happy mind." It is the kindness, wisdom, and dedication of our congregation that contributes to the strength of Ullet Road Church.

We've stayed true to the core principles of our faith and gleaned inspiration from various sources. We've built our foundation upon the simple yet profound acts of growth, hospitality, listening, relevance, and professional delivery. Our church is not a manifestation of arrogance or ego, but rather an embodiment of these virtues that we believe constitute good church practice.

One might consider looking at success stories like the Unity Chapel in London, a beacon of Unitarianism, its thriving congregation an undeniable testament to their effective approach. Rather than labeling these flourishing chapels as anomalies, would we not be better served to explore their methods, to discern the 'secret ingredients that fuel their success? Let us not let dismissiveness shadow the bright possibilities of learning, growing, and succeeding together.

Indeed, focusing on struggles without seeking to understand the triumphs may only serve to intensify the problems. To deem the accomplishments of Ullet Road Church an 'anomaly' feels dismissive and undermines the hard work, the heartfelt dedication that has been poured into this sacred space. The achievements of this church are far from a freak occurrence – they are the results of a resilient commitment to our mission.

I would urge my colleagues in our community to refrain from casting any church that succeeds in its endeavors as an anomaly, particularly if they haven't had the opportunity to appreciate the efforts invested within its walls. Labeling success as an abnormality may only feed into a narrative of complacency or even disillusionment.

As we look to the future, let us remember Jacks's reflection that "We are the captains of our fate and the masters of our souls because we have the power to control our thoughts." We ought to control our thoughts towards constructive engagement, mutual learning, and unwavering resilience, rather than deeming successful endeavors as anomalies.

Could it be that the view of the 'anomaly' is more a reflection of subconscious acceptance of complacency than a commentary on Ullet Road Church? Let's aspire to foster a growth mindset that sees possibility in every church's success, rather than settling for the belief that thriving is anomalous. Or is it some people can not accept their error in their works which potential have failed. Knowing that it can be done they seek those who do succeed, were they do not, as a freak occurrence?