By The Rev. lane Dwinell Ever since humans formed into groups, there has been reli- ' gion. People came together for survival, but they also came together to wonder about the world around them — what caused rain and drought, the phases of the moon, and babies to be born. People — in commu- nity, caring for children, find- ing food, fighting off threats to their survival — wondered about the things that went on around them. This was the first spiritual experience Over time, the ideas about these things were organized into stories, and the stories were told, and told, and told. Sometimes, in the retelling, the stories changed, and grew and developed. People gathered together to find comfort in the stories, and in the company of one another. Unfortunately, this spiritual experience, in many cases, became compli- cated by rules, and rites, and hierarchies as the major world religions came together in for- mation. Today, people can choose among a wide variety of reli- gious traditions — some thou- sands of years old — to help them find a place in the world, to help them understand the mysteries, and to find comfort. However, some people choose to express their chosen faith in solitary, and others, in commu- nity. There is an enormous dif- ference. While many people feel they have gained a close rela- tionship with God through daily scripture reading and prayer, or have a grounding experience with Buddhist med- itation or Wiccan ritual, the deepest spiritual experience is often found in community. Alone, one can ponder the mysteries, and deepen one’s connection with the divine, but then what? There is no one else to bounce ideas off of, to have theological conversations with, no one to challenge assumptions and .interpreta- the Spiritual Essence tions. And,-mostly, there is no one there to share in the holy moments - the big ones like birth, death, coming of age, and the honoring of long-term relationships. But also in the less recognized ones — losing or getting ajob, feeling lost or depressed, bearing the pain of separation or divorce, buying a home, or starting a business. During the week of April 16-21, I had the magnificent opportunity to be part of a community spiritual experi- ence as my congregation opened its doors and its heart to activists and protestors who were headed to Quebec City during the Free Trade Area of the Americas meeting. In little, sleepy Derby Line this past week, we turned into media central as people waited to see what would happen. Would thousands of protestors be turned back, frustrated, and take their anger out on Derby Line? Or would people move through the area peacefully, understanding the needs of a small town? There was peace, plenty of soup, and a bunch of frustrated people who were unable to get‘ across for myriad reasons, and they all found themselves in the basement of the First Universalist Parish where they were met with a smiling face, a cup of cofiee, and a spread of great food. Church members and friends offered a listening ear, and "a welcoming smile. We answered questions. We showed them to the bathroom. We found them housing. We called the press. We gave them space for a quick nap or a game of chess. This was spiritual community at its best. I don’t think that all the vol- unteers knew they were on a religious mission, but feeding and housing strangers is one of the oldest duties of the faithful. We were there not only to pro- 'vide for people’s basic needs, but also to bring peace to a frightened town, and create a home away from home for stranded folks. This could not’ have been done by one person alone; we needed everyone — those who made soup or chili, those who scrubbed out old‘ coffee pots and filled them full, those who patiently answered the phone, gave directions over and over, and who made peo- ple feel welcomed. It truly was a community — of both the local people, and the people who were just passing through. For many years I practiced my faith alone. I found much joy and connection in nature, and in my practice. But finding a spiritual community filled in the missing link. I urge all of you to consider what your reli- gious community is, whether you have yet joined or not. There is so much out there to touch our souls, and how much better it is if we have others to share the joy -— and the sorrow - with. There is a spiritual. community out there, waiting for you, your ideas, your con- cerns, your energy, and your life. The Rev. Jane Dwinell serves the First Universalist Parish, a Unitarian Universalist congregation, in Derby Line, VT She lives with her partner; Sky, and their two children, Dana and Sayer; on the shores of beautifixl Lake Memphremagog. are/ova -:27oo In flmlj“. may 2001 OlTl’l ° 15 Dr; Suzanne M; Harris Heallthcare - 4 .people.,tuith - . ” . at "lt‘t"tr ‘t'* Clurojar cttc 0 Headaches Fatigiue. - Back arid Neck pain - Knee, Shoulder and Hip pain ' -TMJ Dysfunction’ g V , -’ Numbness/'I‘ingling V: . . . - Repetitive Strain Injuries ;’ 2 Chiropractic adjustive techniques coupled with x 3 therapeutic massage, exercise and nutritionfor a ‘ holistic approach to your health. 80 Colchester Avenue. Burlin ton . 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