wintersolstice
Member
As I am preparing to celebrate the winter holidays with family, I have been thinking about plans for the new year.
I have been very involved with organized religion for a long time, specifically the UCC, a liberal protestant denomination. A few years ago, I decided on a sabbatical and pulled way back, attending worship sporadically, visiting congregations of other denominations, but mostly reading, writing and thinking about what the next step in my spiritual life will be. I am ready to end my sabbatical.
Now, I have not abandoned spirituality and religion. I am not angry or bitter about the church; I have not left the church. I have just decided that I need a different type of religious experience at this time in my life. My family remains very involved in UCC churches and social action. My own work has kept me working with poor, mentally ill and imprisoned women and has enriched my spiritual life. But the church/religious community part has been missing.
I plan to take baby steps as I connect with a spiritual community, careful not get involved in committee work, teach Sunday school, bake cookies. Been there, done that! I'm not sure just what I am looking for, but I have a feeling that I will know it when I see it.
So, I will be returning to the local UU church, slowly and carefully, thinking not only about what the congregation can offer me, but what I can bring to the world by participating in a religious community.
Wish me luck; I will keep you posted here!
Wishing you light, warmth and love!
I have been very involved with organized religion for a long time, specifically the UCC, a liberal protestant denomination. A few years ago, I decided on a sabbatical and pulled way back, attending worship sporadically, visiting congregations of other denominations, but mostly reading, writing and thinking about what the next step in my spiritual life will be. I am ready to end my sabbatical.
Now, I have not abandoned spirituality and religion. I am not angry or bitter about the church; I have not left the church. I have just decided that I need a different type of religious experience at this time in my life. My family remains very involved in UCC churches and social action. My own work has kept me working with poor, mentally ill and imprisoned women and has enriched my spiritual life. But the church/religious community part has been missing.
I plan to take baby steps as I connect with a spiritual community, careful not get involved in committee work, teach Sunday school, bake cookies. Been there, done that! I'm not sure just what I am looking for, but I have a feeling that I will know it when I see it.
So, I will be returning to the local UU church, slowly and carefully, thinking not only about what the congregation can offer me, but what I can bring to the world by participating in a religious community.
Wish me luck; I will keep you posted here!
Wishing you light, warmth and love!