Holding Tensions with an Open Heart
Sunday August 31, 2025 at 10:30 am
As we bear witness to the ongoing barrage of destructive actions initiated by this administration, we find ourselves seeking direction on how we can choose healing actions. Guided by the wisdom of Parker Palmer, we’ll explore our heartbreak and how it offers us a “powerful lens through which to examine the well-being of the body politic.” Palmer, who is a long-standing participant in the Quaker tradition, blesses us with his acknowledgement that our path forward begins with those who are not out to destroy our democracy. We’ll focus on the spiritual practices that include inner work enabling us to hold tensions with an open heart. “A critical connection in a democracy rises or falls on our individual and collective capacity to respond to conflict in a life-giving way, not a death-dealing way.” Come join us for this exploration of spiritual practice.
Our worship leader this week is Cathy Livingston, a long-time member of First Parish dating back to her initial affiliation through the Book Club in 1995. Her engagement with the Parish has evolved over time. She has served in a variety of capacities, including as President during the two-year period when we were building the new Parish Hall. Currently she is most attracted to activities that aid in her own spiritual development. Her service activities within the Parish include coordinating the Memorial Receptions, leading a Small Group Ministry, and developing and offering workshops of interest to our members. You can look forward to seeing her lead some of the Vespers services this year.