All lifted hearts are free

My favorite part so far was singing these phrases with the hundreds gathered for the Plenary 1 and Opening Worship:
Many windows, one light
Many waters, one sea
All lifted hearts are free

Fort Lauderdale is way, far down Florida, almost to Miami! If Mary Ann Muller and I had consulted a map before this trip; we might have been intimidated by this drive! Fortunately Jimmy Murphy riding (and driving) with us for his mini-break in Ft. L., brought an atlas. The drive passed surprisingly quickly with much good conversation. Mary Ann and I settled in at the hotel (on the A1A, there is a bridge to the beach!) But as good UUs and delegates, hit the convention hall by 5: 30 or so, beach tomorrow!

We recognized the UUs as soon as the shuttle approached the convention center! Once registered, our delegate voting cards in hand and the meeting agenda (a printed book!) under our arms, Mary Ann and I headed to the annual fund table to get ribbons celebrating our Congregation's fair share contributions to the annual fund of the UUA. To my surprise, we got not one ribbon but two (blue and pink!) Your generous contributions festooned our badges, thanks!

Time for exhibits before the first session--there are booths for every group: UU camps, identity groups, the UUService Committee had a nice set up (giving away lovely, fair trade chocolate and coffee samples, um), the Beacon Press, UUA bookstore, Uni-Uniques (our Congregation's mugs and license plates caught my eye, well-displayed; I'm proud of us again, my ribbons wave!) Chalices are everywhere: beautifully handcrafted and on silk and artfully crafted into jewelry (our favorite booth!) The first day is for browsing!

Then, our first gathering, plenary session 1 and opening worship. A skillful combination of worship service, business meeting and rock concert, initiated by the parade of banners, each representing a Congregation and beautifully crafted. Impressive to see the long parade (and 6 new Congregations joined the UUA this year!) The Sources cantata was lovely, especially when we all sang together and the storytelling. It was wonderful worshiping with so many other UUs!

New words/UUisms: before a hymn: "Rise in body or spirit"