Church 'Sings Out' for peaceful tomorrow

Author: Nicole Lam

If standing on the corner of Main Street every Saturday was not enough to get the message out, they were going to sing. And the Champlain Valley Unitarian Universalist Society (CVUUS) did just that on the afternoon of March 16. The group met at the Unitarian Universalist Church on Cross Street in Middlebury to "Sing Out for Peace" as part of the the Addison County Peace Coalition project. For all the participants who gathered in the small room, the point of their singing was to spread to others their hope and faith that peace will one day exist not only in Middlebury, but everywhere. Members of the group wanted others to know that efforts can be made by every individual everyday to reach that ultimate goal of universal peace. A process that, according to the first song sung by the group, starts with peace in oneself.

Though they follow no specific doctrine or practice, the Unitarian Universalist Society emphasizes providing an inclusive, open environment for different opinions and viewpoints. The ministry also promotes the basic responsibilities of life, such as supporting justice, compassion, environmental issues and social action. One of the many outreaches the community is passionately part of is the Peace Coalition. Every Saturday morning between 10:30 a.m. and11:00 a.m., a group of its members stand at the corner of Merchants Row and Main Street holding signs urging for peace.

The idea itself for the transition to a "sing out" initially came from a lone woman, rather than a group, standing out in the streets holding a sign.

"It started with one of my friends in Burlington who was participating in a coalition that advocated for the end of the Iraq war," said Ann Ross, one of the organizers of the "sing out." "While she was standing out in the streets holding a sign, a car drove by and the driver yelled out to her, 'Do you have anything better to do?' After that incident, she wrote a song entitled, 'I've got nothing better to do than making peace.' I was so moved by her determination to commit her life to promoting peace that we decided to organize this 'sing out' to support her and her dream."

The "sing out" strived to encompass peace, warmth, joy and love. All of the women leading the songs enthusiastically encouraged every attendee to sing, smile and hold hands. The songs were all quite simple to sing - catchy lullabies with short easy lyrics - but they all seemed to work, inducing tears, laughter and bonding among strangers. Although seemingly simple on the surface, the easy-to-learn lyrics in the songs all managed to convey a deeper, stronger message.

"Treat all the home places with respect and love," one song led by the congregation preached. "A song of peace for your land and mine. Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me. Let there be peace on earth, the peace that was meant to be."

Despite many of the songs being written in different languages such as Hebrew, Latin and Zulu, everyone felt comfortable singing along to songs like "Dona Nobis Pacem," a Latin song simply meaning "Grant Us Peace!" While singing a South African song, a little old woman with a blue sweater led the whole congregation by conducting with her hands. During the low notes, she leveled her hands below her waist and during the high notes, she leveled them high above her head. Accompanied by just a few instruments, the small, dimly lit sanctuary came alive as every human voice sang out beautifully and yearningly.

"We are a church interested in multiculturalism," explained Susan Borg, the CVUUS choir director, who also teaches music in her spare time. "Since our congregation has become very accustomed to singing songs in other languages, it helped those who were new to our congregation yesterday feel comfortable to jump right in."

The Unitarian Universalist Society itself grew from promoting freedom of ideas and in a multi-cultural community. In the very room that held the sing-along and the congregation's Sunday morning worships hung framed pictures of the symbols of six major religions in the world - Christianity, Buddhism, Shintoism, Islam, Judaism and Native American earthly spiritualism.

"This congregation follows the liberal tradition of accepting and respecting diverse beliefs," said Reverend Johanna Nichols. "We use literature written by Martin Luther King, Jr., Louisa May Alcott, Susan B. Anthony and Ralph Waldo Emerson."

Moreover, the organization strives to bestow a nurturing, positive community for all its members. This support and encouragement is demonstrated during the reflection periods that the church holds weekly.

"During our reflection period," said Nichols, "People come together to share their experiences and feelings."

For many at the church, the "sing out" was a time primarily for reflection. Music was merely the medium chosen to help all who attended to put life in another perspective.

"Music touches feelings directly and very deeply," said Borg. "When you want to communicate with others about feelings that are as strong as the ones we were touching on, nothing communicates as directly and powerfully as music. I think the act of singing together unites people in a deeper meaning."