By Mary Carter
Eagle Times Correspondent
CLAREMONT, NH — A fortunate group of guests were present at Claremont’s First Congregational Church on Pleasant Street last Wednesday, Sept. 20, where Rev. Dr. Mellen Kennedy shared her gentle wisdom.
Her program was entitled “Ponderings from the Parliament of World’s Religions: A Call to Spiritual Wellness.”
Kennedy attended the mid-August Parliament of World’s Religions event in Chicago where 7,000 people representing 80 countries and 200 different religions joined in harmony to achieve a more peaceful, just and sustainable world.
Kennedy opened by asking for interpretations of the timeworn phrase, “There’s no such thing as a free lunch.” For Kennedy, at the Parliament event, there was. The Sikh community hosted a daily Langar feast. Every participant, regardless of their own religious beliefs, was looked directly in the eye and told, “We are glad you are here.” The Sikhs fed thousands for free during that event. Nothing was expected in return.
One of the programs Kennedy attended was dedicated to the topic of building religion with a lack of peak experiences. Kennedy pointed out that Moses and Saul of Tarsus were examples of those who found their faith via peak experiences. So what does it mean to build religion with a lack of such?
“A peak experience is a knowing in your heart,” said Kennedy. “It’s not book learning. It comes from waking up to an amazingness that gives a lasting sense of well-being and joy.”
The well-spoken Rev. Dr. Kennedy is a Universalist and a Sufi Minister. With this in mind and in her heart, Kennedy is also the Director of Interfaith Bridge, an organization that helps to erase misunderstandings about Muslims. Presently, Kennedy serves as minister for the Springfield Vermont Meeting House.
Storytelling is key in Kennedy’s life, and she is passionate about leading workshops on this art. She loves to help people develop their own voices and won an Annual Sermon Award for her work.
Kennedy hadn’t planned on attending the mid-August Parliament. She explained that, being a humble minister, she lacked the necessary funds. However, just days before the event, Kennedy was invited by the Sufis as part of their exhibition group. This negated an individual entrance fee. A friend in Chicago offered a place to stay, and a local friend offered his airline points for the fare. With all this, Kennedy knew that her spiritual journey was meant to be.
One of the highlights of the five day Parliament was dancing. Groups would gather wherever possible. One stage was created in a lobby between the escalator and a Starbucks. The music was alluring, especially that of Native American drumming. Participants of all religions were drawn into the dance circles to share the joy.
Another highlight was witnessing Rev. Jesse Jackson honored with a lifetime achievement recognition. Seated in a wheelchair, the 81-year-old Jackson was barely audible during his speech. This mattered not for the thousands who stood in respectful silence.
“They may not have understood his words,” Kennedy said, “but they understood his heart.”
The First Congregational Church on Pleasant Street has been offering an engaging series of spiritual wellness programs on Wednesdays. For more information, visit fccclaremont.weebly.com.
As your daily newspaper, we are committed to providing you with important local news coverage for Sullivan County and the surrounding areas.