Reaching out to others requires a set of skills that we can learn and practice just like any other life skill. It also takes courage. In this time of ever-increasing division in our country, what are some of the practical ways we are reaching out to make meaningful connections that foster community?
Courageous authenticity is more than a concept or philosophy. It is the practice of being honest about who you are, what you feel, and what you need – even when it feels uncomfortable, risky or vulnerable. Through this practice, we learn to live with greater integrity, compassion, and self-trust.
Throughout life, we often turn to words to help us keep going–especially in the darkest of times. Poems, especially, can serve as meditations for staying grounded, celebrating moments of joy, or honoring deep grief, calls to action for continued pushing, and connectors for bridging gaps and building solidarity. As usual, we will be inviting folks to share a poem (more information to come) and we’ll write a group poem as well.
Artist and ecologist, Gretchen Alexander, will talk with us about how she stepped away from a career in the natural sciences to pursue a calling as an artist, how reframing hardship through the lens of opportunity facilitated personal growth and positive change for her, and some of her thoughts on the intersection of science, art, and revelation.
Unitarian Universalists practice Freedom of the Pulpit, meaning that anyone who provides a Sunday message may speak from their personal perspective and belief; the message is not dictated or constrained by denominational beliefs or doctrine. And on the other side, there is Freedom of the Pew meaning that those who are listening may agree or disagree with the message. So how do we create a Beloved Community with this challenge of finding common ground amid our differing beliefs?
Dorothy Latta has been an active and involved member of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Plattsburgh for over 30 years. She enjoys doing worship services and is a Commissioned Lay Minister of the Plattsburgh congregation.
