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Spiritual Themes Resource Guides
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Spiritual Themes Well Received

I am delighted that the monthly spiritual themes we introduced last year have developed so much traction. Many folks have told me how meaningful they have found a particular theme. The themes have been used in the Learning Community and in our justice work, in retreats, on the bulletin board in the Narthex, at Board meetings…in addition to providing focus for our worship life.

Like most good ideas, the concept is simple. The themes provide a way to focus ongoing theological reflection and discussion among church members. By focusing on an important religious theme for a month, it is possible to explore the meanings and complexities of that theme in ways that are very difficult to do in a “one shot” effort.

We will explore nine new themes this year: 
vision, gratitude, evil, prayer, creation, love, God, redemption, and mercy. Each will have a collection of resources,  (quotations, poetry and prose) to prompt thought, reflection and prayer. Our collection of monthly resource guides is posted below, and continues to grow for your ongoing reflection.

The themes are large religious issues as you can see. There will ultimately be up to 30 themes that we will deal with over a three year cycle. In the fourth year, we return to the beginning again and see how our understanding of, say, forgiveness has deepened and changed over time.

In faith,

Bill Sinkford

2011-2012 Church Program Year

 February, 2012: Love  
 January, 2012: Creation    
 December, 2011: Prayer  
 November, 2011: Evil
 October, 2011: Gratitude  
 September, 2011: Vision

2010-2011 Church Program Year

 May, 2011: Peace
 April, 2011: Resurrection/Rebirth
 March, 2011: Truth
 February, 2011: Joy
 January, 2011: Justice
 December, 2010: Hope
 November, 2010: Gratitude 
 October, 2010: Community/Covenant 
 September, 2010: Forgiveness