Dazed, devastated, demoralized…and that’s before my morning coffee. It’s going to be a long four years.
As Rev. Audette noted in a recent sermon, UU Asheville can be our sanctuary, a place that reminds us we are not alone in our turmoil. For me, a sense of connection is more important now than ever, keeping me from feeling swallowed up by the chaos around us.
Of course, if you trend toward introversion as I do, it’s not easy to establish those relationships at Sunday services – even if you do your best to follow Rev. Audette’s advice to talk with three new people each week. Sure, some of us walk into Sandburg Hall with eyes peeled, on the lookout for anyone appearing lonely or uncomfortable. Others of us – too often, me – are on the lookout for
familiar faces, eager to glom on as long as they’ll have us.
But we are so much more than Sunday services. If you haven’t yet found a niche here (e.g., social justice involvement, an interest group, volunteering in Children and Youth Faith Formation) – or perhaps you have room for more than one – I want to encourage you to consider the Soul Matters program. Soul Matters groups are small, monthly gatherings of 7-10 people who follow a year-long
program focused on UU themes and values (e.g., justice, generosity, inclusion). The format allows for highly meaningful listening and discussion, as well as the development of deep trust and connection among participants.
Despite being a member of this congregation for more than 20 years, I joined my first Soul Matters group just 18 months ago, after I retired. It was such a rewarding experience that this year I opted to co-facilitate a group. Ours is a writing-focused type; members share a short piece of personal writing each month that relates to the theme. I am amazed at how quickly this practice has facilitated deep bonds and empathy among us. When I see another group member on Sundays, even if across the sanctuary, I feel an instant spark of connection.
If this sounds like something you’d enjoy, there is a Soul Matters group launching this month, Taste of Soul, for folks who want to get involved mid-year. Or look for the call for participants that will come out this summer for the 2025-2026 program. In addition to the writing-focused variety, there are also groups that are fully conversational, including one conducted in Spanish, as well as those that are
oriented around art and creativity.
In the meantime, I will keep working on my “greet three” resolution on Sundays. If you see me first,please say hello!
Melissa Himelein
UU Avl Board Member