Our congregation is what we make of it. The same can be said of the invitation we face each day to live a life of integrity; it is, as always, what we make of it. In the year ahead, from many different angles, we will take up that invitation by asking ourselves: "What Does It Mean to be a People of...?"
Starting in 2013, we began to focus that question on a particular theme with each month. This approach, called Theme-Based Ministry, is an invitation to go deeper. With weekly services, a shared collection of readings and resources, and monthly small reflection circles called Journey Groups, we live for several weeks with a series of questions on each topic. This approach to ministry is a challenge to walk our talk — to take up, with growing intention, the question "How shall we live?" Exciting possibilities might unfold from our deepening in this way together.
Throughout the year, our congregation explores a different theme each month through Sunday worship, children’s religious education, adult programs, and the feast of materials found in our publication New Horizons. One of the most meaningful ways to engage with the monthly topics is by being part of a Journey Group.
Journey Groups provide a structured way to connect with others, while delving deeper into your own spiritual journey. The groups involve the shared spiritual practice of deep and respectful listening, which carves out the all-too-rare space in our busy lives to slow down and “hear ourselves think.” These small gatherings of 5-10 people come together for two hours once a month to reflect on a variety of questions related to the theme.
Each month, our newsletter, New Horizons will explain and discuss the theme. If you are thinking of joining, please read the Guide for Deep Listening and the Guide for Small Group Participants.
Themes for 2017/2018: What does it mean to be a people of ...?
| Month | Theme | Learn more | Month | Theme | Learn more | |||
| September | Covenant (Promise) | Read the notes | February | Interdependence | Read the notes | |||
| October | Healing | Read the notes | March | Risk | Read the notes | |||
| November | Identity | Read the notes | April | Change (Transformation) | Read the notes | |||
| December | Presence | Read the notes | May | Embodiment | Read the notes | |||
| January | Prophecy | Read the notes |
Themes for 2016/2017: What does it mean to be a people of ...?
| Month | Theme | Learn more | Month | Theme | Learn more | ||
| September | Invitation | Read the notes | February | Love and Justice | Read the notes | ||
| October | Blessing | Read the notes | March | Simplicity | Read the notes | ||
| November | Letting Go | Read the notes | April | Resistance | Read the notes | ||
| December | Expectation | Read the notes | May | Compassion | Read the notes | ||
| January | Creation | Read the notes |
Themes for 2015/2016: What does it mean to be a people of ...?
| Month | Theme | Learn more | Month | Theme | Learn more | ||
| September | Promise | Read the notes | February | Reconciliation | Read the notes | ||
| October | Grace | Read the notes | March | Renewal | Read the notes | ||
| November | Integrity | Read the notes | April | Revelation | Read the notes | ||
| December | Wonder | Read the notes | May | Tradition | Read the notes | ||
| January | Resilience | Read the notes | June | Revelry | Read the notes |
Themes for 2014/2015: What does it mean to live a life of ...?
| Month | Theme | Learn more | Month | Theme | Learn more | ||
| September | Kinship | Read the notes | February | Evolution | Read the notes | ||
| October | Awakening | Read the notes | March | Freedom | Read the notes | ||
| November | Vulnerability | Read the notes | April | Sustainability | Read the notes | ||
| December | Embodiment | Read the notes | May | Story/Stories | Read the notes | ||
| January | Character | Read the notes | June | Imagination | Read the notes |
Themes for 2013/2014: What does in mean to live a life of ...?
| Month | Theme | Learn more | Month | Theme | Learn more | ||
| September | Listening | Read the notes | February | Passion | Read the notes | ||
| October | Purpose | Read the notes | March | Knowing | Read the notes | ||
| November | Courage | Read the notes | April | Wonder | Read the notes | ||
| December | Connection | Read the notes | May | Honesty | Read the notes | ||
| January | Discipline | Read the notes | June | Play | Read the notes |