rec·on·cil·i·a·tion

/ˌrekənˌsilēˈāSHən/

noun

noun: reconciliation; plural noun: reconciliations

1)      the restoration of friendly relations.

“his reconciliation with your uncle”

2)      the action of making one view or belief compatible with another.

“he aims to bring about a reconciliation between art and technology”

3)      the action of making financial accounts consistent.

“the reconciliation process should be consistent with the business strategy”

Reconciliation is a foundational principle in the faith community. It plays a crucial role. It is the process of restoring relationships—between God and humanity, among individuals, and within communities. Embracing reconciliation is essential for spiritual growth, communal harmony, and effective witness to the broader world.

Jesus taught and exemplified reconciliation throughout his ministry, encouraging his followers to forgive, seek peace, and love one another. Modeling this behavior is vital. It demonstrates the transformative power of love and challenges us to go beyond superficial relationships, investing in genuine connections grounded in grace and compassion.

I googled it.  Not that I don’t know what “reconciliation” is, but it is a hard concept to grasp.  So many of us need to reconcile with our families, our friends, church members, community partners.  But we don’t know where to start or the steps to take.

We have a wonderful, helpful workshop coming up on October 25 from 2-4. There will be a guest speaker, Laura Simmons, who taught reconciliation for seventeen years as a course for ministers and lay people seeking new skills in seminary. She teaches in layman’s language and is very informative.  Even if you “have it all down,” please come and share a time of peace and love with us as we present our authentic selves to be led in new ways to find the roads and paths to forgiveness and reconciliation.  Food will be available.