Introduction, Workshop 5: Hope
In "A Place of Wholeness," a Tapestry of Faith program
In the depths of my soul
There where lies the source of my strength,
Where the divine and the human meet,
There, quiet your mind, quiet, quiet.
Outside let lightning reign,
Horrible darkness frighten the world.
But from the depths of your own soul
From that silence will rise again
God's flower.
Return to yourself,
Rest in yourself,
Live in the depths of your soul
Where the divine and the human meet.
Tune your heart to the eternal
And in the depths of your own soul
Your panting quiets down.
Where the divine and the human meet,
There is your refuge. — Words by Norbert Capek, Czech Unitarian and creator of the Flower Festival, composed in Dresden Prison, 1942
This workshop explores sources, meanings, uses, and expressions of hope. Experiencing the Unitarian Universalist Flower Festival and learning about its Unitarian roots serves as a springboard for the activities in the workshop. Note that what we commonly call the Flower Communion was originally called the Flower Festival or the Flower Celebration by Czech Unitarians. According to the daughter of the ritual's creator (Norbert Capek), her father named it a Festival or Celebration because he did not want to confuse his congregants with the term communion, which had many connotations from the Christian tradition.
Participants reflect on their own sources of hope and how they handle seemingly hopeless personal, societal, and global situations. The alternate activities provide opportunities for deeper spiritual exploration, creativity, and fun. Please note that the Faith in Action activities require extra planning and coordination with congregational leadership in advance of the workshop.
This work is made possible by the generosity of individual donors and congregations. Please consider making a donation today.
Last updated on Thursday, October 27, 2011.
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