WESTON, Vt. – New Thought Vermont announces two upcoming community forums with Paul Hasselbeck.
The first of these forums, “Common Question – Uncommon Answer,” will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 19, from 1-3 p.m. A common question, perhaps a perennial question, is some version of why bad things happen to good people. If God is love, then why do bad things happen? If God is love then why is the world filled with war, violence, and division? It’s challenging to see that God, or love, resides in the midst of darkness. It’s difficult to understand, because age-old answers do not satisfy. They never have. Perhaps it’s time to embrace an alternative perspective that transcends traditional religious boundaries and opens to a more universal way of being.
The second of these forums, “Community Values: Compassion, Respect, and Resilience,” will be held on Friday, Sept. 22, from 1-3 p.m. Especially in these times, we can find ourselves at a loss, or in disbelief about what is happening in our world. From floods and fires, to combat in faraway places, to political unrest here in this country, and challenges to our own health and wellness, we are growing up or aging in an ever-changing environment. What to do, how to be?
How can we embrace our own capacity to care for and truly nurture ourselves in times like these? Where is mutual care in our lives now? What does that look like? How do we create healthy and resilient community? Could we find meaning in life through compassionate connection? How do we remain buoyant and strong, remaining flexible, even expansive in the challenges that present themselves? How well are we able to recover from difficulty or live with unexpected or even unwelcome changes in life? And, yes, even with humor and connection with ourselves and one another in such moments.
Rev. Dr. Paul Hasselbeck, former dean of spiritual education and enrichment at Unity, is widely regarded as one of the leading authorities on “heart-centered metaphysics.” “Metaphysics,” says Paul, “is a fancy term for the branch of philosophy that is concerned with the fundamental nature of reality and beingness.” Paul brings his joyful and passionate presence to his classes and presentations both nationally and internationally. He challenges us with a lively and engaging style and an infectious enthusiasm. Paul makes an often difficult subject impossibly fun.
We welcome you to join us in vital and engaging discussions in-person or online. While these events are free, suggested donations would be most welcomed. Donations in support of our efforts are appreciated and always gratefully accepted. Suggested donations are identified with the caveat that participants can pay what they can with no one turned away due to a lack of funds.
For in-person registration, please call 802-824-3810, or email movement@sover.net. Coffee and tea will be served. New Thought Vermont is located at 614 Main Street, on Route 100 in Weston. For online registration, go to www.newthoughtvermont.com.