Social Principles: A Reflection by Sue Klescewski
The past few Messengers have addressed the opportunities offered for adult education: Tom Bolton’s summer session on videos and discussion of the Holy Land, and the display of articles related to the Social Principles class were available for your reading enjoyment in the Gathering Room before and after service. Both of these opportunities were well-received.
Have you thought about a class? Did you “dip your toes” in and look at the articles in the Gathering Room? Did you check out Tom’s videos and discussion to see what it was all about? Think about joining us in the fall for one of the offerings.
I had never taken a class before, but when I read about the Social Principles class, I thought, “I can do that.” Led by Deacon Nancy Lanman, I found myself participating, sharing my thoughts about the information and questions that she asked us to think about for the week. Well, that simply snowballed into taking the Advent book discussion facilitated by Pastor Grace, continuing the Spring Social Principles class, the Lenten class, and considering the book discussions facilitated by Val Holzman.
Surprisingly, I enjoyed delving into the materials and thinking more deeply about what all that meant to me in my life and with my faith. Our faith journey can be deepened by reading, listening, and participating with others, and being open to making changes within ourselves. Do I struggle with a complete understanding of the materials as I read them? Sometimes, but it is during the discussions that I find I do have something to share and questions to ask, or I simply sit and listen and absorb what others say. Non-threatening atmosphere, friendly exchanges, purposeful discussions, and a chance to grow are how I would describe my experiences thus far.
I am excited to continue the Social Principles discussion this fall regarding our Climate in Peril. Our recent heat waves, downpour rains and flooding, drought conditions in Texas, earthquakes in Alaska, wildfires, and carbon emissions that endanger our air quality, eruptions of long-dormant volcanoes, and much more threaten the Earth that God so lovingly created and gave to us.
Won’t you join us this fall to treat yourself to new learning? Group learning can deepen understanding and shared perspective, strengthen our personal faith and spiritual growth, support and encourage, and build community, belonging, and outreach.