People often ask, “What do Unitarian Universalist’s believe?” Being fully aware that it is not a question easily answered, here is what the Unitarian Universalist Association website states:
“We are people of all ages, people of many backgrounds, and people of many beliefs. We are brave, curious and compassionate thinkers and doers. We create spirituality and community beyond boundaries, working for more justice and more love in our own lives and in the world.
“Unitarian Universalism (UU) draws from our heritages of freedom, reason, hope, and courage, building on the foundation of love. We covenant, congregation-to-congregation and through our Association, to support and assist one another in our ministries.”
This description may put words to answer the belief question, but it may also be an opening for curious minds and hearts to ask more questions. This week, our Sunday program is the Going Deeper Sharing Circle, where we gather to explore our own beliefs while listening deeply to one another in a safe environment.
On Oct. 12, from 10:30 a.m. to noon, we will continue to explore themes of hope, “a muscular hope,” as offered by Krista Tippet, host of the “On Being” podcast. This session highlights the work of Adrienne Maree Brown, who has been described as a “social creative, a scholar of belonging.”
In this circle we allow space for reflection and for whatever else is on our hearts. This is an open circle and all are welcome to practice the art of listening with others. Light refreshments are offered.
As part of our revised Action Sunday offering, we will move to a book group format on the fourth Sundays of the month. The first selection, “Social Change Now: A Guide for Reflection and Connection” by Deepa Iyer, can be found at your favorite book dealer or e-reader sites. More about the book is available at https://uuabookstore.org/products/social-change-now, and/or read the following comments by reader Pauline Benetti.
“I had just begun reading what appeared to be a very short book when I realized that much of its value lies in the self-interrogation … which, if taken seriously, can take a very long time. It is literally a workbook that offers a framework for individuals, collectives and organizations on a social change journey. It defines the stages of the journey from readiness to weariness to wisdom; it maps a number of social change roles and in both instances asks the reader to self-identify. Finally, it identifies the promise of social change through connection and solidarity. My hope is that this slim volume will be the tool to help me transform outrage and despair into effective action appropriate to the role I have identified as mine. I hope you will join us for what promises to be enlightening discussion and learning.”
As a community hub, the Pagosa UU Fellowship offers its space for ongoing programs and events that are not directly UU, such as the weekly meditation practice led by a certified instructor each Sunday from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Sessions include meditation instruction, practice, study and chat. Beginners are welcome to jump in anytime. Bring a friend. A Zoom option is available for those unable to attend in person. Find our email on the website PagosaUU.org to be added to the list for notices from the instructor.
In addition, the Wise and Wakeful Circle will begin meeting at the fellowship space this month. The group will meet the second and fourth Saturdays of the month, starting Saturday, Oct. 11, at 10 a.m. Facilitated by Dr. Elaine Harding and Sam Johnson, its purpose is to: “connect heart to heart in a one-hour gathering for meditation, inspiration through a spiritual reading and discussion, and healing affirmations to support our healing, awakening, and manifesting a compassionate life and world.” It is open to all who align with the values of respect, peace and authentic connection.
The Pagosa UU Fellowship is located at Greenbriar Plaza, Unit B-15, 301 N. Pagosa Blvd., on the north side facing the Pagosa Peak. For more information about the fellowship, please see the website and look for our current newsletter.
