In our current society, we often blame “the other people” for our divisions.  As a result our vision for the American democratic experiment is threatened.  Rev. Nelsen will point to the importance of reaching out to people of diverse colors and faiths, finding the joyful results of living and serving together, and then calling on … Continue reading “Finding Joy in Diversity: How can we move from fear to tolerance, to appreciation, to joyful experiences with our diverse neighbors?”

We are a divided nation with differing ideas about the meaning of freedom and responsibility, individual rights and the meaning of the “beloved community.”  Rev. Nelsen will set forth challenges and ideas as to how we can overcome narrow, often divisive thinking and tribal mindsets to learn to work together for the benefit of our … Continue reading “Accepting the Call to Embrace Diversity: What do vocation, freedom, and responsibility mean for each of us today as increasingly diverse Americans?”

Our nation will soon have a population with a majority of “minority racial groups.”  Many people fear—rather than embrace—this growing diversity.  Rev. Nelsen will discuss the current challenges we face and provide specific ideas as to how we can bridge our racial and cultural divides, including addressing the need to change the structures and policies … Continue reading “Embracing Racial Diversity:  Can we love our neighbors of varying colors, without exception?”

Our nation is becoming more religiously diverse. Rev. Nelsen will remind us concerning the nature of faith, religion, and spirituality and how we can embrace—and not fear—this growing diversity. He will share ideas as to how we can enter dialogues with people of other faiths and begin to set a living example for the world, … Continue reading “Embracing Religious Diversity: Can I keep my faith while understanding and appreciating the faith of my neighbors?”