​Crossing and Blessing Our Thresholds

2021 Series Open for Registration

We are all living in threshold times, on the cusp of significant changes nationally, globally and environmentally. If this wasn’t abundantly clear before, the pandemic and widespread uprisings over centuries-old racial injustices have underscored the truth of this in 2020. 

For some of us, however, these large-scale changes are compounded by personal thresholds (some caused by the pandemic and uprisings, others not). These include changes in our relationships, work, home, roles, identity or abilities creating a significant turning point in our lives and bringing heightened awareness as well as both risk and possibility. Whether we’ve chosen these changes or not, they are places of great vitality and exchange, where new greets old and the familiar gives way to the unknown.

If this describes your own life now, you are invited to join the 2021 Thresholds series, a facilitated small group inviting participants to explore the changes occurring in their personal lives with the support and company of others doing the same on their own thresholds. (NOTE: Group size is limited and pre-registration is required.)

“The support of the participants was amazing,” said Jill van Kooljik, a previous participant. “I connected with many congregants and made new friends. Most of all, the workshop confirmed that we are not alone in our struggles.”

In a supportive small group facilitated by Rev. Karen Hering, we’ll each reflect on a threshold we’re currently crossing while accompanying others in crossing theirs. Using conversation, guided writing, and a variety of creative activities both playful and serious, we’ll consider the meaning, risks and possibilities present on the cusp of change.

“The series helped me let go of fear and realize that moving forward meant leaving some things behind,” said Pam Sheen of her Thresholds experience. “The group process is perfect for threshold crossing, a ‘safety net’ of like-spirited individuals.”  

The group meets online on four Saturdays, January 23 – February 27, and participants are asked to commit to attending all four sessions. The series’ format and schedule have been adapted to The dates are: a two-part first session, Saturday, January 23, 10:00 a.m. – noon and 1:00-3:00 p.m., and three additional Saturday mornings, 10:00 a.m. – noon: February 6, 20 and 27). At the end of the series, on Sunday, February 28, the group will blessed by the congregation in online worship, honoring the role of community in giving us all safe passage across the many thresholds of our lives.

The series is free to members; a fee of $100 will be charged nonmembers at the time of registration. Register early to reserve your place. For questions, e-mail Karen Hering at karen@unityunitarian.org.