[printprofilepic]By the time you hold this issue of The Voice in your hands, I’ll have returned from my semi-annual workshop on family systems theory. The theory, pioneered by family therapist Murray Bowen, suggests that the primary source of human emotional experience is the extended family unit. In other words, we are formed as much by the emotional systems in our families as we are by the DNA contributed by our parents. Furthermore, the emotional systems in our families carry across generations—and so I’m influenced by generations I’ve never met, but who are a part of me, nonetheless. The main goal of this study is to try to gain an understanding of my own emotional responses to the world around me and how they affect my role as a minister. The side effect of this study is a shift in my understanding of the fundamentals of human nature.
This month, we focus on the idea creation. Our exploration kicks off on October 3rd with a sermon titled “A Work in Progress.” We are in a process of constantly creating ourselves, becoming fully human (or “growing a soul” in the words of the Universalist great, Clarence Skinner). We are not, however, creating ourselves in a vacuum. My continued study in family systems has shown me just how much I am affected, shaped, even changed by my immediate family and by the generations that have gone before me—and it has shown me just how influential the other relationships outside of my family system are on the ongoing process that is the growth of my soul. Business relationships, civic relationships, even church relationships are shaping us in ways both overt and subtle. The fundamental human question is, “How do I live within the tension of all this potential change?” or, as an old seminary friend used to ask, “When do we get to the end of all these darn growth experiences?!”
On October 24th, we look at creation from the angle of world community as we celebrate UN Sunday and explore the unique relationship between the UN and Unitarian Universalists.
October 17th is the return of the Question Box sermon (or, Stump the Minister). This is your chance to ask me anything: personal, professional, or just plain silly (I’m fond of silly questions). Even if you can’t be with us on that Sunday, you’ll still have a chance to ask me questions. Just follow me on Twitter (@revcullinan), and send me your 140-character question during the 9 or 11 o’clock hours. I’ll get to everything I can in the allotted time, and I might even blog some answers later.
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Speaking of Twitter, (and creation) we’re trying to get more creative with our communication and outreach through new media this year. If you’re a Facebook user, consider “liking” the fan page for the Unitarian Church of Los Alamos, or “friending” me (facebook.com/rev.cullinan).
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In this issue, you’ll find an insert with information on the “Building Your Own Theology” class scheduled to begin on Wednesday, October 20th. “BYOT” is one of the UUA’s most popular adult RE courses, and I know many here have fond memories of taking it in the past. It’s been several years since it’s been offered here, and I’m thrilled to be leading it this time around. If you’ve listened to or read my “Armchair Theologian” series, and have wondered what the next steps are in carrying out your own role as a resident armchair theologian, this course is a good start. Give me a call in the office if you have any questions or would like to sign up.
See you in church,
Rev. John Cullinan
