Welcome to the season of getting along!
In November the universe seems to conspire to keep us inside at close quarters. The days are shorter, the temps are colder, and once the snow flies, just getting out the door or sending the kids outside to play requires extra time and effort for shoveling, scraping, and squeezing kids into snowsuits. And we’re heading into nearly two months of holiday celebrations, which corral us for meals and parties, beloved traditions, and yes, challenging conversations.
And this year we’ll give thanks just days after another contentious election, so you can be sure that you’ll be sitting down with someone who doesn’t feel the way you do about the outcome — either way! Just when they (or you) may be feeling awful about the “way the world’s going,” the Thanksgiving feast challenges us to sit and talk at length with Uncle Billy or Aunty Ellen whom we’ve managed to avoid all year.
Here’s how I’m planning to tackle those difficult conversations in this season of togetherness. I’m working on paying close attention to my response to people who get under my skin. This year, I’m aiming to treat others with dignity rather than contempt. The idea is that it’s not so much our differences that divide us as the contempt we show for our differences. This approach complements my Christian theology, and practically speaking, it gives me a little more control when things get tense; I can’t change this person’s thinking, but I can choose how I respond.
Check out this dignity approach at Dignity.US. You’ll find some great resources, including “Elements of Dignity’ and the “Dignity Index,” a tool
to score your responses to people who get your goat
(from a low of “They’re not even human” to a high of
“Every one of us has inherent worth”)!
And this year, may you and your neighbors
and friends and dear ones know the messy
blessings of getting along, even in
all our difference, and the joy of
community life that builds
bridges and welcomes all!
~ In Peace, Becky
CUCC Happenings
Visitors are always welcome!
Sundays Worship
10 am, under the steeple
Community-Wide Fellowship
11:15-Noon. Coffee and Snacks in the Parish House
Mondays Bible Study:
5-6:30 pm Parish House Meeting room (no homework!)
Community Turkey Dinner
Sunday, November 22, 5-7 pm
First Sunday of Advent
Sunday, November 29
Here’s how to find us!
• Church phone: 603-783-9365
• Church Email: mycanterburychurch@gmail.com
• Church Website: https://canterburychurch.org/
• Follow us on Facebook: Canterbury United Community Church
• Find us on Instagram: @canterburyucc
