What is sparking your passion at church as we launch the year? Recently, folks at various gatherings, including our Summer Multigen Garden Club, September 13th worship service, and Hospitality and Learning Community leadership retreat, were invited to share what is sparking for them around here these days.
Gummy worms happened to be the snack on the day we did this activity in Garden Club, so we received multiple comments extolling their sweet and sticky virtues as one of the best parts of church life. I think at least one contribution was from one of my own kids!
When we asked what was exciting about kicking off the church year during the Wonder Box element in a recent worship service, people called out, “Music,” “Fellowship,” “RE,” and, “The Shower Project,” among other sparks. At the leadership retreat, participants wrote “community” over and over in our ritual to take stock of where we are and orient towards the upcoming year. When I later transcribed the list of sparks, it felt like a flowing meditation on that one simple word. Community, community, community. It truly encapsulates so much of what is right and good about this place.
Would you like to see a few more examples of what your fellow congregants shared? At First Unitarian, we are catching these sparks:
Growing my spirit
Meeting new friends in my neighborhood
The food is good!
Getting to talk to people
Release!
The mystery of creativity
Open Heart
Enthusiasm
Challenge
Deepening
Justice for all
Encouragement
Strategic planning
A child’s imagination
Love
Trying new things
Wonder
Connection
Joy
New music
Courage
Witnessing
Resilient
Our future together
Anticipation
Listening, doing, singing
This month our theme deepens as we catch a more specific spark, which in October will be the spark of listening. Listening is important to Unitarian Universalism because we believe that each of us has strong wisdom that, when heard and valued, can make the collective more whole. As our church embarks on a new season of strategic planning, everyone’s perspective and voice is welcome. What ignites your passion? How is church most inspiring and helpful to you? What motivates you to want to strengthen it? What could be next for our community? When and where do you experience delight by belonging here? Stay tuned for upcoming opportunities to share whatever might be sparking for you.