Sunny Notes: 10.29.25 - Inventive, Flexible, and Collaborative

During the Sunday service this past weekend on October 26, I shared a few fun facts about fungi from Dr. Merlin Sheldrake's book, Entangled Life: How Fungi Make Our Worlds, Change Our Minds & Shape Our Futures. Of all the various fungi Sheldrake explores in the book, I am most fascinated by "radiotrophic fungi" that are “able to harvest the energy emitted by radioactive particles.” These remarkable fungi are thriving in the ruins of Chernobyl. As Sheldrake explains: 

"Fungi are veteran survivors of ecological disruption. Their ability to cling on—and often flourish—through periods of catastrophic change is one of their defining characteristics. They are inventive, flexible, and collaborative." 

Inventive, flexible, and collaborative. I cannot help but think these three fungal characteristics will serve us humans well in these chaotic and challenging times we are living in—times of great disruption and change. I also am heartened by the fact that we are part of a tradition that embodies these characteristics. Historically, Unitarian Universalism has shown itself to be inventive and flexible, growing and changing over time in its theology, its purposes and principles, and its values. And we Unitarian Universalists, united not by creed but by covenant, are collaborative in our efforts. As we navigate what lies before us, may we be like the radiotrophic fungi who are able to survive, even thrive, in the harshest of conditions. May we continue to be inventive, flexible, and collaborative. 

Speaking of collaboration, I would like to mention two specific items of note:

● As I shared in my Opening Words at the October 26 service, the organizer/leader of Wednesday Community Night Dinners needs our help. Jennifer Villalva-Cheap (aka Jen) has put out the call for 2-3 folks from the BUF community to step up and share in the leadership efforts so that this important BUF event is able to continue. Please contact Jen (jennifermvillalva@hotmail.com) for more details—the time commitment would involve leading approximately 1 dinner per month, if we get just a few folks signed up. 

● I have announced several dates in November for more "Getting to Know You" Meetings with me. If you have not yet signed up, I would love to meet you. Please feel free to use the scheduling link to grab a spot. And if you are unable to find a day/time that works well for your schedule, you are always welcome to contact me directly (minister@buf.org) to schedule something. 

— Sunny Joy McMillan, J.D., M.Div.