YEAR ONE
Before embarking on the adventure of Theme-Based Ministry, it helps to understand why this might be valuable!
As a minister within the Unitarian Universalist tradition, I have joyfully taken advantage of our commitment to "freedom of the pulpit" - the ability to speak freely on any subject to which my conscience is drawn.
While I have always taken note of significant religious and secular holidays, allowing myself to be inspired by them as I plan for Sunday worship, on occasion I also wished for the benefit of a Lectionary. In other religious traditions the Lectionary outlines precisely which scriptural stories and texts are to be lifted up at certain times of year. That not only aids the person who will be preparing the worship service, it also assures that certain topics are addressed over the course of the church year (or the Lectionary cycle).
It has been my experience that Unitarian Universalist congregations, especially the smaller ones I have served, focus on the "welcoming" aspect of their identity. They seek to be a warm and friendly community. As such, it is possible to be in community for years without ever sharing one's deeper thoughts about faith, death, forgiveness, hope, justice, etc. Why? Because those topics can be emotionally charged in ways that might be unexpected, feel overwhelming, and lead to interpersonal conflict.
Theme Based Ministry provides many opportunities for personal spiritual enrichment. Over time, it can strengthen the religious identity of individuals and the community. I introduced Theme Based Ministry as a "grand experiment"! Congregants could choose from many levels of engagement. As a vital "Religious Exploration" program, Theme Based Ministry can be tailored to the needs and resources of any congregation, and to members of any age. It requires "holy curiosity", trust, patience and a bit of creativity!
During the first year, much attention was given to introducing Theme Based Ministry, hearing questions and concerns about it, inviting trust and participation.