Message from UUMS Alumni Association President

I am proud to be the 106th minister from Unity Urban Ministerial School (UUMS). I was ordained by the Association of Unity Churches (Unity Worldwide Ministries) in 2010. Since then, I have been blessed to serve in many areas. While a student at UUMS, Rev. Ruth Mosley advised me and my classmates that “the message is first for the messenger.” Over the past ten years, this has held true for me as each experience has molded and shaped me for the position I now hold as Senior Minister of Unity Church of Flint, Michigan. Each time I walk into the church, I can hear Rev. Ruth saying, “Well done my good and faithful servant.”

Service is what ministry is all about! The Cambridge English Dictionary defines to serve as “to spend a period of time doing something: to perform a role or function.” I make it a point each day not to just do something, but to do something that will deepen my spiritual life and be an inspiration and example for others. We all know that in ministry we perform many roles—from delivering the Sunday lesson to the occasional janitorial duties. Ministry has also presented me with yet another role as President of the UUMS Alumni Association. While I am still new to this position, I am dedicating myself to serving all of our alumni in any way that I can. To do so, I need to know “HOW” I can serve or assist YOU.

I am reminded of the line from a movie I watched many years ago: “See a need, fill a need.” I have adopted this as the motto in my ministry.

In the words of the Master Teacher, “They that be whole need not a physician.” Over the years, I have found myself reaching out to others for assistance on many occasions. When I would call on Rev. Ruth, she offered support when I felt discouraged, lead me to the proper resources I needed, and provided a listening ear when I just needed to talk.

This is the purpose of UUMS and our Alumni Association. It’s what we are all about. We are here to serve, to support, to assist. We cannot fulfill our purpose if we do not know what is needed. My grandmother would often say to me, “A closed mouth won’t get fed; say something Brian!” So, I see that as our role—to make sure all of our alumni are fed. So, say something—tell us what you need and how we can be of assistance.

We are here for you. Together we grow!

If they obey and serve [God], they shall spend their days in prosperity, and their years in pleasure. ~ Job 36:11

Sincerely,
Rev. Brian K. Drafton-Griffin