Exploring the theme for May — Pluralism — in worship.
May 5 “Balancing Power and Burden” with Rev. Dr. Pippin Whitaker
Pluralism embraces a multiplicity of valid truths and worthy experiences, yet also asks more of us. In this worship service, we explore pluralism and its call to engage in a spiritual-moral practice of rebalancing. And(!) this Sunday includes the annual bridging service for rising youth and young adults. Let us join in encouragement and celebration of these milestones!
May 12 “A Journey to Repairing Harm” with Chaplain Cole Knapper and Alys Williams
Because we are human, we can’t help but be a part of harming others sometimes. The question is “How do we repair harm once it has occurred?” This service, led by the co-chairs of Athens Reparations Action, will focus on the harm done to the Black community of Linnentown in Athens and the journey toward repair, drawing on guidance about atonement and reparation from various faith traditions.
Are you seeking more ways to explore this month’s theme of pluralism?
Consider reflecting on these quotes:
Lives are lived in parallel and perpendicular, fathomed nonlinearly, figured not in the straight graphs of “biography” but in many-sided, many-splendored diagrams… There are infinitely many kinds of beautiful lives. – Maria Popova
You have your way. I have my way. As for the right way, the correct way, and the only way, it does not exist.- Friedrich Nietzsche
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Pluralism isn’t easy. It’s a constant willingness to self-challenge and to look at where we might be wrong, or limited; even with regard to pluralism itself. It requires a capacity to detach ourselves from our agendas, our beliefs, our commitments, and to recognize that there may be other ways. And it also requires us to recognize that we can never wholly achieve that. – Mick Cooper
The religious community is essential, for alone our vision is too narrow to see all that must be seen, and our strength too limited to do all that must be done. Together, our vision widens. – Rev. Dr. Mark Morrison-Reed
To be free, you must embrace
the breadth of your own existence
without apology…
But to actually be free, you must
know and you must fight for the entire
Universes inside of everyone else. – Julián Jamaica Soto
Some questions you may use as a prompt for conversation or for a journal entry follow:
What were you taught in your family of origin about pluralism and welcoming difference? How does that still impact you today?
Has an experience of being included (or not) permanently left a mark on you?
If you could go back and change a moment of being excluded or excluding someone else, what would it be?
If you weren’t afraid of being judged or rejected, what part of your diverse self would you let out into the world?
What aspect of your life partner, child or close friend do you need to do a better job of embracing and welcoming in?
