Ponderings of the Spiritual Life Director
Beloved Community: A Vision for Life

In our sanctuary, we come together to create a space for all humans to be loved.  This past Sunday, we presented the 25 traits of Beloved Community as written about in this blog post by the United Methodist Church: http://www.gcorr.org/25-traits-of-the-beloved-community/

Then, I asked those who were gathered to reflect on what it would take from us to be able to create a culture that embodies these traits.  What virtues, or “fruits of the spirit” should be reflected in our behavior?  We wrote our thoughts on hearts- as these virtues come from love, and hung them on our “Tree of Life”.  Here is what we wrote:
 Curiosity                              

                     Courage                                                             
Appreciation
Welcome
Listening with love
Teamwork
Patience
Open-Mindedness
Warmth

Understanding
Desire to learn more
Forgiveness
Caring
Compassion
Empathy
Truthfulness
Forbearance
Acceptance

Tolerance
Willingness to apologize
Trust
Respect
Compromise
Radical love
Support
Surrender
Friendship
Diligence
Our Tree of Life sits in our sanctuary, next to our Book of Life.  Our Elder Stick sits in the corner of our our stage.  These are not merely decorative items, but symbols of who we are and reminders of how we love and want to be together.  Take some time to observe them, reflect upon them, and help us build the Beloved Community!  Also, if you don’t yet have a poem that speaks from your heart in the Book of Life, please submit one to me and I’ll put it in.  We are all included in, and loved by, this community.