CONGREGATION + COMMUNITY NEWS
PEOPLES PRESS
Joyfully Defiant for the Sake of a Just World
A congregation of the United Church of Christ,
the Alliance of Baptists
& the American Baptist Churches
“...One negative voice aimed at me has the incredible power to drown out a thousand positive ones. One of the greatest things I can achieve is to never let it.” Dan Pearce
Beloveds
As I have expressed many times, I am part of the vast majority of the population who identify as neurodivergent [people whose brain differences affect how their brain works]. Living with ADHD often means grappling with heightened sensitivity to external stimuli. Imagine trying to listen to one conversation while several others buzz in the background, each demanding attention. It's like trying to catch butterflies in a hurricane—overwhelming and exhausting.
For those of us with ADHD, the effort to filter out irrelevant information and concentrate on a single conversation can be a constant battle. It's not a lack of interest or disengagement; rather, it's an internal hurdle that requires immense mental gymnastics to navigate. In group settings, the struggle is exacerbated as conversations overlap, creating a symphony of words that can be both distracting and frustrating…contd.
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Upcoming Affiliate & Community Activities
As I wander on my own spiritual journey, I am often confronted with a cacophony of voices, each proclaiming its understanding of God's calling to her creation. Some voices may resonate with truth and love, while others may distort the message through self-interest or dogma. Discerning the authentic call of God amidst this diversity requires a nuanced and open-hearted approach.
My coping mechanisms for ADHD and faith encourage me to engage in dialogue actively and intentionally, to question, and to seek understanding in the pursuit of justice, love, and inclusion. It invites me to recognize the spirit of Christ in voices that challenge traditional norms and call for a more expansive understanding of God's grace.
In discerning God's call in your own lives and the collective life of Peoples Church, let us remain humble and receptive, recognizing that divine revelation may come from unexpected sources. Let us be open to the transformative power of God's Word, even if it challenges our preconceptions. As we engage with the diverse voices around us, may we be guided by the principles of justice, mercy, and love, discerning the authentic call of God in our collective journey together.
IN THE CONGREGATION
Links are on the church calendar. Need more info? Just ask!
Links are on the church calendar: t.ly/ALHB. Need more info? Just ask!
Adult Forum, meets at 9:30 am on Sundays. We’re currently reading The Hundred Years' War on Palestine: A History of Settler Colonialism and Resistance, 1917–2017 by Rashid Khalidi. Join us either in person at church or just click HERE to join us virtually.
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