From left, The Rev. Natalie M. Fenimore, Ashleigh Harrison and The Rev. Omotayo Cole Cineus Credit: Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Shelter Rock; Christina Grant; Linda Rosier
Published by Newsday, February 4, 2024. Jim Merritt, Journalist
African Americans and the Arts” is the theme of this February’s celebration of Black History Month. This week’s clergy discuss the role played by music, dance, the spoken word and other art forms in their services and faith communities.
The Rev. Natalie M. Fenimore Lead minister and minister of Lifespan Religious Education, Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Shelter Rock, Manhasset
Our congregation is blessed with a beautiful physical location: a large, wooded campus. We enhance this beauty by bringing art into the worship space. Each Sunday there are spectacular flower arrangements provided by one of our members. The flowers bring the outside in and connect our worship to the larger creation of which we are a part. There is an art gallery filled with the works of artists from the community. The walls of the building are filled with art created by our members, which they share with others to uplift us all. Art is a way to communicate and focus spiritual insights. Art can reinforce human connections and commonality. It also challenges us to see a variety of perspectives. This openness to diverse views is important to our faith tradition. Music is central to our worship. We know that music can provide emotional expression and release — and stir the soul. As with the songs of the civil rights movement, the hymns we sing empower us to envision freedom, peace and justice. The gifts of the arts bring beauty and joy into our faith.