Both Sides By Rev. Nina D. Grey July, 2004

"We are a diverse, intentionally inclusive, sustaining community and a beacon of liberal religion, fostering spiritual and intellectual growth as we live out our shared values in the larger world."
Mission Statement of First Unitarian Society of Chicago
Adopted at the Annual Meeting, May 16, 2004

On fostering spiritual growth...

Warm luxuriant summer days cry out for slowing down and relishing the present. I hope you will take some time for that, if you can. Making time for breathing, seeing the blues and greens of the lake, noticing rich red flowers out the window across the way, hearing birdsongs and the spaces between the notes, these are some ways of fostering spiritual growth.

Some other ways of fostering spiritual growth are through our adult education and worship. In the past month, Millie and I have been talking about our upcoming year of lifespan religious education. The theme is wisdom from the world religions. I am dreaming about inviting guests from neighboring religious communities -- Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Moslem, Jewish, and others -- to participate in some of our worship services and forums, and help us learn from various paths.

And this summer our own Rosemary Snow will encounter people of many faiths at the World Parliament of Religions, where she will be our delegate. We are excited about hosting an interfaith evening at which local folks from various faith communities can join Rosemary in sharing the experience of the Parliament with us and with many others from Hyde Park and Kenwood and other nearby neighborhoods. We're imagining October 12 for an evening interfaith event.

During the summer months, perhaps when you are taking time to breathe, allow yourself to reflect on other ways you think our church can help us all foster spiritual growth, and when you have a moment, I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Happy Summer.

In faith, with love,

Nina