Building Bridges

Gathering: Holy One who is known to us by many names and in many ways, we give thanks for the blessings that we have in our lives. Be present now as we enter a time of thought and discussion.

Focus:  Joe Biden used his first national address as president-elect to vow to heal a deeply divided nation, declaring it was time to “let this grim era of demonization in America begin to end” and reaching out to the millions of people who voted against him to say, “Let’s give each other a chance.”

This may be the rhetoric that the country needs to hear, but is it achievable or just a dream? Tonight’s conversation will take a look at building bridges that make human connections.

Sentences on the Subject: Peace is not simply the absence of violence; it is the cultivation of understanding, insight, and compassion, combined with action. Thich Nhat Hanh, Creating True Peace

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God. Jesus, The Sermon on the Mount

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace:where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon;where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope;where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy.O divine Master, grant that I may not so much seekto be consoled as to console, to be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive, it is in pardoning that we are pardoned, and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen.St Francis

All we are saying, is give peace a chance. John Lennon

Below is some “food for thought”, a few probes that might kick start a conversation. Read over them and pick one (or more, or none) to discuss. Remember to hold space for others to share and share only what you feel comfortable sharing.

Probe 1. How are you feeling tonight?

Probe 2. Have you been involved in a dispute with a company over a good or service? What’s the story? How was it resolved?

Probe 3. Non-violence is often identified as a spiritual practice (in Buddhism, it is  “Ahimsa” ). Are being non-violent, a pacifist, and a peace-maker the same thing?

Probe 4. The closeness and magnitude of the vote last week shows a deeply divided country. The rift is deeper than party politics, splitting neighborhoods, friendships, and families. How can we learn to talk again with people “across the aisle”? Why has that gotten more difficult in recent years? Is common ground possible, and how do we find it?

Commission: Hold on to what is good. Love deeply. Honor others. Stay excited about life and your faith. Be joyful. Be patient. If you pray, have faith. Share with people who are in need. Welcome others into your homes. Be loving to those who hurt you. Be present; be in the moment. Be agreeable, even with those with whom you disagree. Be humble. Be a friend of people who aren’t considered important. Do the right thing. If possible, live in peace with everyone. And remember, no matter who you are, or where you are on life’s journey- you are welcome here.