tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8647562459433740241.post8971145164483339175..comments2023-08-23T08:27:08.039-04:00Comments on UU A Way Of Life: The fear of religionDavid G. Markhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08336565533124142690noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8647562459433740241.post-28578303701165431262009-11-23T08:23:28.212-05:002009-11-23T08:23:28.212-05:00Golly the three of you are so supportive that I am...Golly the three of you are so supportive that I am greatly encourged. Thank you.<br /><br />BU prayers are welcomed and thanks for sending positive thoughts our way.<br /><br />Anon - I think your idea about finding out what interests them and what their needs are is excellent.<br /><br />Plaidshoes - Thank you for shaing your observations and experiences. They are very validating.<br /><br />Many thanks for your support and helpful wordsDavid G. Markhamhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08336565533124142690noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8647562459433740241.post-4300536961380547692009-11-23T06:35:45.335-05:002009-11-23T06:35:45.335-05:00I have no great advice but to add prayer to your t...I have no great advice but to add prayer to your time, patience, perseverance and faith and that I will do. blessings, BUslthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15780928540224945711noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8647562459433740241.post-76592631673186328552009-11-22T16:48:24.532-05:002009-11-22T16:48:24.532-05:00Keep the love coming. Try not to ask them to commi...Keep the love coming. Try not to ask them to commit to something before they are ready. Have you heard of the theory of "agitation" taught in community organizing? It involves getting to know a new person well enough to understand what jazzes them and gets them excited, then helping them to DO that thing in service to your cause. Focus on the positive, not on the fears. Keep the love coming. I know, this all sounds like platitudes, and it's not easy. Your work is appreciated.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8647562459433740241.post-21086283856644695492009-11-22T15:42:00.980-05:002009-11-22T15:42:00.980-05:00I have seen a lot of this fear in UU congregations...I have seen a lot of this fear in UU congregations. When I was acting as the Membership Coordinator at my former congregation, we would have people finally sign the Membership Book after attending services for 20 years! I wish I had a good answer on addressing the fear of commitment. I imagine most of just continue to strive to be welcoming and meeting people where they are at.plaidshoeshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16142207220763458093noreply@blogger.com