REPORT FROM ART HERMITS FORCED OUT INTO THE WORLD

REPORT FROM ART HERMITS FORCED OUT INTO THE WORLD CENTRAL

In which  former art hermit Merton (now forced out into the world... by fate, his soul contract, "*&%$ happens," or heaven knows what force is acting in his life lately!) goes to game night, attends church, maybe has a date,
and perhaps acquires new pew mates


Dear Ones,

Just letting you all know that I have been a good boy, and forced myself to go to games night at my local Unitarian church and to its Sunday service.  I had a nice time and have met a nice fellow, P, with whom I discussed our mutual circuitous spiritual journey and how this (and living with the questions) is common for Unitarians.  I met a nice lady who is from W and her two children were at the games night.  She said that her son was baptised a Lutheran, and I asked her if it was "dark" or "light" Lutheran, humorously, explaining that Garrison Keillor jokes about dark and light Lutherans (as well as Unitarians) on Prairie Home Companion radio show.  

I have invited a cute guy I know to church with me next Sunday (I do not know if he will say yes... he is sort of a gorgeous football player type, who is now fifty, and seems smart and intellectual and possibly someone who might enjoy the Unitarian church).  As well, J, the mother of my autistic guitar student (now that she has heard that I am contemplating attending this nearby Unitarian congregation) wants to go there too, she thinks, with her family.  I told her that I might have a "date" with me for church next Sunday (well at least I think its a date) and she wanted to hear all about him. Well, I do not even know if he will say yes, but it was fun to contemplate the possibility.  We'll see if he says yes.

I am trying to let go and just see where the wind blows me, at least in spirit. In practice, of course, I am getting clear, making prayers, attempting to manifest all sorts of things, as I always do.  But I am trying to keep the spirit of letting the wind blow me where it will, in my mind and heart.

K, that is the report from Art Hermits Forced out into the World Central.

Below my signature is a little write up about my considering attending Unitarian church…

'Nuff for now...
Merton

*******************************

The Unitarian church, down the street from me,
is currently my first choice of the four different churches I've been considering...

This church is very close by and that is a plus. It is in my favorite neighborhood in the city, B T.  It is right next to B, my alma mater, is in a natural setting, and is close to H G, the art museum grounds, and C H, my three favorite scenic places in the world.  These would be nice to visit after Sunday service.  

The service is at eleven am, which is a good time for me.  It's a forum where all love-based spiritual paths can support each other, which I think is good.  And, since I am constantly evolving in my spirituality, we ought to be a fit, ongoing.  

This church is non-creedal, other than its very simple "love is the spirit of this church..." covenant, which fits where I am at spiritually at the moment. I do think that just saying "we believe in love" is enough for me, right now, and probably will be for the foreseeable future. I am comfortable with my definition of love being with a capital L and some others' (in the congregation) seeing that letter in lower case.  

While mostly secular humanists populate Unitarian churches, there are also people attending who are very God centered (such as myself) and mother earth centered (Gaia centered). I attended a Unitarian congregation as a child, so I am familiar with its philosophy, and Unitarian congregations are pro gay, which is affirming for me. I am not sure if UUI is God centered enough for me, but I think I would like to find out.  

I think no dogma, and no defining of God (other than as love or Love) is where I am at, right now.  Unitarianism's focus on intellectualism is a good fit for me, since I am a life long searcher, seeker, and reader. This church is very open and progressive and I like that, since I am interested in the cutting edge of societal and religious thought, new paradigms, etc.  

I directed this church's choir shortly after college, so I am familiar not only with Unitarianism from my childhood experience, but also with this congregation from my young adult experience. I think I want to give it a try.  I will go, visit it again, and see what I think.