Wrapping Up...the Social Principles!

We had our final class on the Social Principles this past week.  It was a great class, but unfortunately was poorly attended.  I'm not sure if it was the "intensity" that kept people away (even though we had a calm class the week before), the time change, or people were just busy, but there were not many people there.

Anyway, we talked about the World Community section- over all, we decided that this is the section that the UMC has a "pie in the sky" mentality about.  We all pray for peace, for nations to get along, for war to cease, etc., but how will we get there?  Will we ever get there?

We also addressed the Social Creed and talked about how well it represented the over all message of the SP or not, and decided that it did a decent job.

The most interesting part of the class was hearing from participants about what they learned, what they will take from the class, and what it meant to them.  We made a list, and it was really cool to see what all we came up with.  First, people learned that the UMC does, in fact, take a stand on social issues, and that we should be educated about them and teach others about them as well.  The class learned that they can be instrumental in possibly changing statements found in the SP by petition to General Conference- laity have more power than they realize!  Someone suggested that we gather the class back together in the spring before General Conference 2012 and address some of the issues that might come up at the conference- we talked about inviting one of the conference delegates to come and talk to us about what to expect.  I thought that was a cool idea.  The class also expressed appreciation for respectful dialogue about tough issues, and realizing that it is ok to disagree with the SP at times and still be a faithful United Methodist.  Another point is that they appreciated the fact that they could agree and disagree- there was space for learning and growing and hearing others' opinions.

We also had a good blend of people that attend both the traditional service and the contemporary service- some that did not know each other at all before the class, and some that simply had not gotten to know the others, so they said that they liked meeting new faces and getting to know some better.

Would I teach a class on the SP again?  Yes!

Some things that worked- the small group questions, the "cross the line exercise" (agree/disagree), having a class covenant, emphasizing that the class is meant to be challenging, and that it is ok to agree and disagree with one another and with the SP.

Some things that I would improve upon for next time: monitoring certain people more closely on the amount of time they spend talking about an issue vs. the rest of the class members, setting more boundaries, being more aware of people that have special physical needs that wouldn't be as tolerable of the interactive activities, and making sure that the environment is one of welcome and where people feel secure in speaking out if they want.  I realize that might not work all the time, but it's a fine line to walk.

Overall, it was a good experience.  I feel good about it, but also worn out!  I don't know what I'll be doing in the spring for a class, but let's just say I'll be looking at some less controversial subjects  :)  Thanks for reading!