Answering the Big Questions Together
I believe that one of the core values that any religious community engages in is an exploration of the Big Questions… “Where do we come from?” “Where are we going?” “What else is there?”. And that the best way to do that is in community. Sure there are times for individual study (check out our Library Resources) or quiet contemplation (like our Meditation Retreats). But once the information is ingested and reflected upon, it becomes relevant once it is interrogated with others. A discussion with peers can bring about deep insight, release shared frustrations, and build collective answers.
Two Sundays a month, our children and youth engage in this exercise with their peer groups. Whether it is our new Pre-K Class using paper towel rolls to explore their imaginations or our 5th and 6th graders discussing and exploring our UU Values, Principles and Heroes in our Beginnings Class, they have engaged with the big questions together.
For the past year, we have convened an Adult Discussion Group on RE Sundays. Jason Salisbury (with the help of others) has dutifully shepherded that group. They explored our Soul Matters Themes last year and this year, they have explored our Woven Faith Themes. For the rest of our program year, Jason will continue to lead that group once a month. They will meet in Room B
The UUA’s Woven Faith curriculum has given us more opportunities for peer discussion groups. Last month a Parent Discussion Group started. Parents and caregivers with 0-18 year-olds get together once a month in the Family Room to discuss the impact our UU Values can have on their modern parenting journeys. Caroline Blanchard is leading this group.
Lastly, but certainly not least, is our newest group, our Wisdom Discussion Group. This group is for our elders (65+) to come together and create connection, counter isolation, and share in the joys and struggles of this stage of life, all through the lens of our UU Values. They will do that under the guidance of Steve Parker and will meet in the Library.
This is all part of our Whole Church model of worship and religious exploration through our monthly congregation wide themes.
Again, these groups meet once a month. You can drop in to them at any time. We ask that, if you know you are coming to let us know by RSVPing to each Sunday. You are certainly welcome to join us if you haven’t RSVPed, but it helps know what to expect.
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Nick at nwallwork@muuf.org or to the Discussion Leaders at Adult-Discussion@muuf.org (Please put the Group you are asking about in the subject line).
PS We are in the process of adding more Discussion Groups around themes of Justice in general and LGBTQ+ issues in particular. So stay tuned.
Comments