Love Beyond Belief

Dear Friends,
Nine of us attended the EUU (European Unitarian Universalist) Retreat in Bad Homburg, Germany from November 15th to November 17th.  The speaker was the deeply inspirational Rev Thandeka, whose theme for the weekend was ‘Love Beyond Belief.’
The ‘Love Beyond Belief’ initiative was created by Thandeka for moderate, liberal and progressive congregations to encourage emotional development, spiritual connection and growth of Unitarian and Unitarian Universalist congregations.  Thandeka positively challenged us about how we might experience spiritual growth individually and collectively as communities of faith. Thandeka also spoke about the need for all of us to go beyond our own personal theological views and deepen our connection with other progressive people loving them for who they were, rather than judging them for their beliefs.
I came away from this EUU Retreat with a lot to think about.  Thandeka’s words are still very much alive in my mind. I believe that most of us, in our congregation have loved beyond belief especially when you consider our commitment to social justice individually and collectively as a church community.  We have raised money for charities such as Amelie through our art exhibition ‘Everyone’s Original’ and two Christian Charities  – one which provides accommodation for Roma families and the other that supports refugees in the Czech Republic.  We have responded in practical ways by giving socks and clothing for the homeless.  Some of our members volunteer, advocate and fundraise for a number of national and international NGO’s.
As Unitarians and Unitarian Universalists our commitment to social justice is one way that we can love beyond belief.  Our commitment to live in harmony with each other and our planet Earth is another way to love beyond belief.  But I am challenged about other ways that we might ‘love beyond belief’ individually and collectively as a community of faith. 
In Faith and with love,
MarkPS The Annual Czech Unitarian event ‘Sharing The Light Ceremony’ will take place this coming Saturday November 30th at 3pm.  This event will take place on the ground floor level of the National Monument Institute in Liliova 5, Prague 1. 
Dates for December
Saturday December 7th at 10am  ‘Buddhist Meditation Practice.Saturday December 7th at 11am Service led by Mark + Cricket and Snail.Saturday December 7th at 130pm Conference ‘Great Stories As Sources of Spiritual Inspiration ‘ our very own Susan Loy will be one of the guest speakers, her talk is entitled ‘The Transcendental Flower.’Saturday December 21st at 4pm ‘Annual Christmas Carol Service’ Wednesday December 25th‘Open House Christmas Day Gathering’ at Simon and Mark’s apartment.