From DLRE: May 14, 2021

The Stories We Tell Ourselves 

We all have stories that we tell ourselves. Some we learned as young children. And some we have been retelling ourselves for decades. Some stories are ones from the communities we are connected to – our families, friends, schools, workplaces, and yes, our congregations.  

As a part of the interim ministry period these past two years, Rev. Karen has had this congregation look back at the stories that have been told over the years, and to explore how they have helped shape UCE into the congregation that it is now. Although I have only been here for 18 months, I have heard some of these stories myself. I don’t wish to rehash any of these stories here. Rather, my focus is on some of the broader stories we may be telling ourselves as a congregation. 

Have you heard the story about faith formation? You know, the one about the kids and youth and what we think they should be learning? It’s the one we struggle with a bit. First, we seem to have an “upstairs/downstairs” approach, as in the young people are downstairs, out of sight and mind, and the adults are upstairs making the decisions and participating fully in the life of the congregation. What would it look like if the adults were downstairs, and the young people were upstairs?  

And then there is the term “faith formation” – why can’t we simply keep saying ”religious education”? After all, isn’t that what we are doing- educating our young people? The short answer is “yes and no”. We value education, intellect, and reason – it’s even part of our UU Sources. However, faith formation is a whole lot more! It is done in and through worship, multigenerational relationships, social activism, spiritual practices, leadership, in the arts, and in play.  

I have one more story to look at – the one where faith formation is something that only children and youth do. That is a very old story! Faith formation is something we all do at every age and throughout our lifespan. Why should the young people have all the fun anyway?  

So how can we re-write the endings of these stories? That is what the Faith Formation Force has been exploring. Beginning in July, we are going to start writing some alternative endings to these stories by trying some new things. While the details are still being worked out, we will have Wednesday evening gatherings outside. Each week will start with a picnic on the lawn, followed by a special activity. We invite you to be a part of the new story we are creating! 

In Faith, 

Kathy Underwood, Director of Lifespan Religious Education