DUTY FOUR: ENCOURAGES SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT
What is "spiritual development"? Such an elusive phrase. This enterprise of human being commands many levels of perception and experience. When we talk of spiritual development, we are talking about
meaningful connections; to self, to others and to the larger presence of Being known by many names. It is about finding our authentic agency within shared being. It is about opening ourselves to an ever expanding consciousness that somehow relates back to the mysteries of the cosmos.
Some name this development as a process of spiritual maturity. Others name themselves as spiritual evolutionaries. Still others find themselves growing in the knowledge of God. What all this speaks to is an ever increasing positive regard for life, open to trials and joys, loss and discovery. It speaks of moving humans out of the center of existence and into collaborative being. It engenders gratitude and abundance, humility and wonder, mutual recognition and awe. There are many ways to describe this journey. Unitarian Universalism gives room for unique and vibrant engagement with life's mysteries.
There are countless ways to encourage spiritual development. Regular meeting in worship embodies the welcome of shared meaningful experience.
Study through reading, workshops and shared testimony companions us in the work. Service to others in various forms helps expand our consciousness and developing spiritual practices nurtures our growth.
This year I am engaging in in a Clergy Seminar Series with the Center for Congregational Spirituality designed for Congregation-Based Spiritual Direction. More and more congregants throughout our religious movement are seeking to deepen their spiritual understanding; a longing that is gaining traction amongst our congregations.. This Seminar Series is well-timed for me, as well, for "deepening" is a life-long endeavor.
My dominant theology is non-theistic mysticism, closely related to panentheism. There is a Unity and Eternity of Being that pervades all things, yet cannot be fully named. This affirmation challenges one to a deep and humble faith discipline of exploration and witness, of embracing multiplicity and discerning affirmation. As with our Universalist forebears, I have a primordial trust in the Universe, and see the fullness of being – body, mind and soul – as a blessed gesture of creation. There is a Cosmic Logic of harmony, which is felt as Love, and mutuality, which is known as Justice. Our inherent worth and dignity is the sacred knowledge of Being. The cosmic principles of interdependence guide our wisdom and compassion. We humans, given the gift of mind/body consciousness, have the capacity to experience wholeness, and so to manifest harmony, justice and compassion in our ways and walking.
As each are a part of the Whole, and revelation is not sealed, images of God or Being can develop, emerge or evolve. In my ministry, I have developed a way of listening and speaking that welcomes varied expressions of sacred connectedness within our faith. In two of the congregations I’ve served, I have been able to encourage multi-lingual engagement in faith speak. People ease out of reactive listening and the demand for one way of speaking. This invites rich discussions of the meaning of stories, words, symbols and cultural sensibilities. In general, I encourage people to examine their own faith understandings and to open their hearts to varied imaging, to hear what their peers are trying to say, as we all stumble in and out of articulation of that which cannot be fully named, but which generates a meaningful life.
An Introductory Note for a Lifespan Education Brochure:
Greetings and thank you for taking the time to look at this brochure. Religious Education occurs in many ways throughout our lives. By way of study, discussion, creative engagement and service, we can find our truth within. With the opportunity of community, we enrich our lives by what we teach and learn from one another.
The Lifespan Enrichment Programs are designed to create opportunities to enhance our understanding of ourselves, our faith community and the world in which we live. We do this by exploring ideas, mind/body connections and spiritual inquiry. We promote a safe environment that is respectful of each other, open to differing beliefs and mindful of the particularity of an individual’s faith journey.
Most offerings include a suggested donation. Please don’t let financial hardship deter you. Members and contributing friends are welcome to contact Reverend Ward for financial assistance. Childcare is available for most events upon request (5 days).
Do consider giving yourself the gift of spiritual enrichment within one of these programs. Please sign up on the enclosed insert and put the information in the administrative assistant’s mailbox at the main office. Wherever you are on your journey, we bid you welcome.
In Faith,
Rev. Lisa Ward
I have designed several workshops and Curricula, including:
- “Creative Spirituality”
- "Express Your Body Spirit
- “Finding Your Own Spiritual Voice”,
- “Living The Kingdom”
- “Lunch Bunch” (monthly discussion group with yearly themes)
- “The Mystical Heart of Religion”
- “The Mysticism of Jesus”
- "The Process of Grief”
- “Planning Your Own Memorial Service”
- “UU Parenting in A Busy World”