The Pagosa Unitarian Universalist (UU) Fellowship continues to explore acceptance as a theme this month, and hospitality seems a likely next step, but approaching it can bring its own challenges.
A tenant of many religious traditions, radical hospitality is a buzz phrase that has our attention in this ever-divided culture. How do we receive strangers, people who appear different from us in any way? This Sunday, Aug. 2, the fellowship’s morning service, beginning at 10:30 a.m., will explore this topic.
“Radical Hospitality” is the title of UU Rev. Marilyn Sewell’s sermon, who notes: “Robert Putnam, the Harvard political scientist who wrote ‘Bowling Alone,’ wanted to find out what happens when diverse groups of people live in the same area, as opposed to a homogeneous group of people living in an area. He found that when people are near people unlike themselves, they tend to ‘hunker down.’ Not only do they not interact as much with people who are different from themselves, but they don’t interact with their own group as much: they watch more TV, they have fewer friends, they are less likely to work on community projects.”
So, what does this mean for us as a fellowship? We are committed to being a welcoming community. We say we believe in the “inherent worth and dignity of all.” Sewell writes, “And yet we are human beings, and we have the same challenges that all human beings have. We feel more comfortable when we’re with people we know.”
Come hear Sewell’s sermon, read by Joan Ward, service leader, and take part in the discussion as we deepen our understanding of living out the shared values centered in love.
We continue the month with the following:
• Aug 9: Going Deeper Sharing Circle, 10:30 a.m. This facilitated, small-group setting is where we invite sharing and deep listening practice.
• Aug 16: Sunday Service, 10:30 a.m. “The Beauty of Diversity, Martine Colombey and Friends.” This service will focus on acceptance from the perspective of diversity and the beauty of it with all our relations.
• Aug 23: Action Sunday, 10:30 a.m. We take time to tap into our motto of “Make Friends, Grow Spirit, Do Good” to engage in actions to learn and act for justice.
• Aug 30: Rest Sunday, a time for rest and renewal.
The PagosaUU.org website is a place you will find additional information about upcoming services and programs. We offer space for groups holding events at the UU Community Hub.
The Tara Pagosa Meditation Group is an ongoing group and continues to meet Sundays from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Zoom is available if you are unable to attend in person. Email Pagosa UU Fellowship to be added request to be added to the meditation email list. You will receive emails which include a short Dharma message, notifications about upcoming Dharma events or cancellations.
Qigong practice is held on Mondays at 1 p.m., and all are welcome for this gentle and grounding practice.
The Wise and Wakeful Circle meets the second and fourth Saturdays at 10 a.m.
The fellowship is located in the Greenbriar Plaza, Unit B-15, 301 N. Pagosa Blvd., on the north side facing Pagosa Peak. We welcome all who are looking for a warm community of open minds, loving hearts and helping hands.
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