Love as Pluralism

January 2025

Theme

January’s theme is “Love as Pluralism,” encouraging us to embrace and celebrate the diversity within our communities. We will reflect on how love can bridge differences and foster inclusivity and understanding.

Question

How can we embody love as pluralism by fully embracing the wholeness of diverse identities, theologies, and experiences within our community, especially when these differences challenge our own beliefs or comfort?

Musical Selections

For Contemplating Unity:

• “One Love” (Bob Marley): Celebrating our fundamental interconnectedness
• “We Are the World” (USA for Africa): Embracing our global family
• “True Colors” (Cyndi Lauper): Honoring authentic self-expression
• “What a Wonderful World” (Louis Armstrong): Appreciating life’s beautiful diversity

For Building Community:

• “We Are Family” (Sister Sledge): Celebrating our bonds across differences
• “All of Us” (from “Considering Matthew Shepard”): Exploring sacred unity
• “We Shall Overcome” (Civil Rights Anthem): Standing together for justice
• “One Voice” (The Wailin’ Jennys): Finding harmony in our differences

For Personal Reflection:

• “Both Sides Now” (Joni Mitchell): Seeing from multiple perspectives
• “Bridge Over Troubled Water” (Simon & Garfunkel): Supporting each other
• “Everyday People” (Sly & The Family Stone): Celebrating our differences

For Sacred Connection:

• “Circle of Life” (from The Lion King): Understanding our interconnectedness
• “Morning Has Broken” (Cat Stevens): Awakening to love each day
• “Here Comes the Sun” (The Beatles): Embracing hope and renewal