Belonging, Becoming, and Beyond: Why Congregational Community is Important

What is the point of congregational community? Why get up on a Sunday morning to gather together with other people at all? Why not stay in bed? James Croft, Leader of the Ethical Society of St. Louis (one of the few congregations for people without traditional religious faith) argues that congregations provide three important and interconnected things. First, deep relationships with others, a sense of Belonging. Second, a place to be challenged to live up to our highest values, an environment for Becoming. And third, a connection with something bigger than ourselves, a connection with the Beyond.

Dr. James Croft is the Leader of the Ethical Society of St. Louis, one of the largest Humanist congregations in the world. As clergy for one of the few thriving congregations for people without a traditional faith, James is re-imaging religion for a secular age. James has dedicated his life to helping people as the big questions – Why are we here? How should we treat each other? Where are we going? – and is a popular speaker on matters of religion, ethics, and philosophy in the US and internationally. He lives in St. Louis, MO, with his fabulous drag queen husband, Kolten, and their darling chihuahua, Ella.

This Sunday we will have a multi-platform service. You can attend in-person, OR you can also attend via our online Zoom option. Those attending in-person will follow our in-person gathering guidelines including wearing face masks. Children are welcome with their parents in the sanctuary. A small creativity and play area is provided for very young children inside the sanctuary. Currently no separate in-person classroom space, this includes no separate programs for children or separate nursery care area.

Online:

Join us for worship service via Zoom Webinar at: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84755311106?pwd=bmpQblllOVNoUjdpUm5oVHk5cWx2dz09

Webinar ID: 847 5531 1106, Password: 253

You can also listen on your phone by dialing 253-215-8782 with Webinar ID: 847 5531 1106 and Password 253 to hear the worship service.

The Zoom Webinar room opens at 10:15 a.m., and you’ll be greeted in our online chat by our Sunday Chat Chaplain.