“Togetherness and Belonging: The Dynamism of the Church” 

We all want to feel accepted wherever we are. It’s that universal experience of walking into a room and not just feeling OK, but even more so, feeling ‘at home’. It’s knowing that we share a connection with other people, and they we are accepted and valued by them too. Belonging and togetherness play a vital role in our mental and physical well-being. They ground us in gaining acceptance, attention and support from members of the group, and help us be accepting, attentive, and supportive to the group as well. Within a church group, togetherness and belonging are essential for the church to be alive. These virtues- togetherness and belonging – bring about the dynamism, the very energy of the church.

Guest Speaker – Dr. Andy LePage

Dr. Andy LePage, a PhD psychologist and former priest, has taught in the U.S. and in Australia, and has mentored teachers in several states. His Book, Transforming Education: The New 3 R’s (Reverence, Renewal and Responsibility) was endorsed by academics, parents, and the Secretary of Education at the United Nations. He is also a contributing author to the Cooperative Discipline Book and Teacher Education Program used in many schools. Andy taught Practical Classroom Management Skills to teachers (and a few administrators!) for over 27 years. For a change of pace, he opened and ran a sandwich shop at the beach for ten years! Today, Andy officiates several Weddings and Life Celebrations each year, and works to help get homeless people in jobs and housing. He is in his 9th year of leading semi-monthly spirituality workshops. He began attending the Unitarian Universalist Church in the Pines in Brooksville in 2014.

Worship Associate – Ron Phillips