If you want to change the world, first, be sure you are changing yourself.
—Rev. Sean Parker Dennison
The Gift of Transformation is our congregational theme for the month and we will deepen our exploration of it through our Chalice Circle small group ministries, committee and group meetings, and our Sunday morning services. Transformation can be defined as “to change in composition or structure, to change the outward form or appearance of, or to change in character or condition.” Soul Matters reminds us that much of what we’ve been taught about this month’s theme by dominant religions and our larger culture is often unhelpful. Transformation is not about fixing or control or striving for perfection. It is about stillness, listening, and creating the space and conditions for the greater unfolding of our souls. Often our passion for positive change in the world can leave us believing that we must transform the world while we neglect our own beings. Real spiritual transformation, however, begins within and then blossoms into the world around us.
I am mindful of our own Intersectional Anti-Racism and Anti-Oppression Commission at church which decided early on that to make lasting spiritual change in our community we would have to invite each other into spaces of contemplative practice rather than just rushing to take action. We recognized that learning to be good allies and co-conspirators for collective liberation meant that we would need to learn to become thoughtful and self-reflective around the many issues of effectively countering oppressions. We would further need to engage with community in ways that help us know ourselves better and to learn to recognize, appreciate, and celebrate our differences. So let us sit with the theme of transformation this month and discover what new gifts are waiting to be born within.
Soul Matters has generated the following compelling questions to be utilized in group meetings this month. We are encouraged to remember: “Often these questions take us to a vulnerable space. It is OKAY to ignore the questions that may be triggering – or lean in if that feels safe.”
- What were you told as a child when you resisted change or expressed fear of it?
- What have you learned about the relationship between transformation and pain?
- What have you learned about the relationship between transformation and joy?
- What have you learned about the relationship between transformation and rest?
- What is your next challenge in daring to be human?
- Is your armor in the way of your growth?
- Is delayed gratification delaying your transformation?
- Is believing “I don’t deserve it” standing in your way?
- Is it time to thank your armor for the way it protected & saved you back when things were tough?
- Who or what do you need to learn to love next?
- Of all the ways your life partner has transformed you, which is your favorite?
- If you could go back and change something you said or did this year, what would it be?
- How do you think your future self might transform its relationship with doubt and distrust?
- What if the way forward is to soften?
- What if your transformation lies in asking for what you need?
- What is the new creation that wants to be born in and through you?
- What do you know of a brokenness out of which comes the unbroken?
The Pastoral Care Team is a group of trained and dedicated volunteers who help to share the congregation’s pastoral ministry. They are available for support when you’re stressed, fearful, or in a difficult space and spiritual companionship would be helpful. Confidential support from a Pastoral Associate can be requested by emailing pastoralcare@uusm.org or by calling the church office.
Our new email address for sharing joys, sorrows, or new accomplishments with the congregation in our weekly announcements and on a Sunday morning is joysandsorrows@uusm.org.
Happy Women’s History Month!
Yours in love and ministry,
Jeremiah
Rev. Jeremiah Lal Shahbaz Kalendae
Developmental Ministry
