THINKING OF YOU
Many find it difficult to accept that communication by e-mail can have a spiritual content whilst at the same time acknowledging that there are benefits from increased networking and dissemination of information. Yet there are an increasing number of people who find that their experience of being in fellowship with others is enhanced by this facility. Whilst various Unitarian societies and congregations are developing their Internet profiles to the benefit of the wider Unitarian community there are those who continue to explore the spiritual dimension and possibilities accessible through both e-mail and website.
For many members of the National Unitarian (Postal & e-mail) Fellowship the introduction of new technology offers the perfect opportunity to develop existing models of bringing Unitarians together in fellowship regardless of distance without detracting from existing practices. The first fifty years of NUF history prepared a solid foundation with members from congregations throughout the UK and those from none being able to correspond by letter as well as read sermons, points of view and news through monthly publications. For the past ten years we have experienced a time of transition and transformation as a new way of being in fellowship has come into being without losing the fellowships forged and valued over many years.
Religious life is one of exploration and that is exactly the stage the NUF are at right now. We don't know where our exploration will take us but we do know that it is good to have company as we make our journey. The NUF Forum is only one of several Unitarian groups who find the experience of robust discussion and information networking valuable. However, it is through the NUF’s smaller and more informal e-fellowships, with no more than six in a group, where members can experience the support and friendship that provides the necessary space to express and explore the personal and spiritual dimension of life in relationship with others. For members of any religious congregation it seems natural to support others in that fellowship both in practical terms and in thinking or praying for them. We feel that joining with others in thinking about, or praying for, situations in the wider world we are bringing the best we have to a particular situation. In thinking/praying we might discover how practically we should act. It is not only the small e-fellowships which enable NUF members to be part of a spiritual thinking/praying community but the many individual e-friendships which spring up along the way.
It is a contradiction in terms to think that the spiritual dimension of life can only be experienced within physical and material reality. E-mail can offer an opportunity to be in relationship with others on a shared journey and to know that we are thinking, supporting and encouraging each other along the way. So without more ado I will sign off with the words:
Thinking of you.
The Unitarian - August 2005 - "Thought for the Month" by Joan Wilkinson