@ossobuco,
"...I just don't need to gather to disagree in a friendly way..."
Not sure I understand....
We gather for fellowship and mutual support and sustenance. We do disagree with one another but try to do so in a way that is respectful and with a commitment to listen.
Most keep coming back because of the sense of community, the freedom of conscience, the respectful, reasoned discussion, and the opportunity to reflect on matters of importance. To give you an idea, here is a sample of topics of services/meetings:
Sunday Services at 1o a.m:
February 6, What Makes Life Good? You’ve seen the t-shirt declaring that life is good. But given all the suffering we see in the world, is it really? Or are we just deluding ourselves?
February 13, Standing on the Side of Love by Creating Peace. This is an intergenerational service (no Religious Education classes) that will explore ways that we can create peace in our community, our homes, and ourselves — and even the world.
February 20, Forgiving the Unjust. When we’ve been wronged, we’re told that forgiveness is an important step toward healing. This might work if the wrong were unintended or fairly minor, but how can we forgive random violence or horrific acts like terrorism?
February 27, The Joy of Connection: Small Group Ministry. Many of us come into a congregation looking for people who share our values and interests. While our coffee hour might give us a chance to meet people, it’s hard to make a deeper connection. Small groups are one way to deepen relationships. Is a small group in your future?
Sunday Circle
The Sunday Circle meets on the 1st and 3rd Sundays the month at 8:45 AM.
February 6:
At the dawn of the 21st century, America finds herself facing unprecedented economic problems, failing education, a gridlocked political system, and increasingly unsustainable debt. In her book, The Age of American Unreason, Susan Jacoby implicates the public's ignorance of the underlying issues and inability to think critically. In addition, the majority has a disdain for scientific reasoning, logic, or the need for evidence. UUC member Richard Eisler will examine the historical basis for an unthinking credulous American public and its implications for our future.
February 20:
America's Corporate Media. Despite the oft-heard assertions that U.S. media are “liberal,” our media more often promote a corporate agenda, often at the expense of ordinary Americans. UUC member Kathy Welch will examine some of the evidence and discuss what we can do to promote skeptical consumption of “news” and increased media literacy.
