Comments directly following Higgenbottom's thread are from Matt Cherry, Executive Director of the Council for Secular Humanism, and Joe Beck, Director of Humanist Services for the Council for Secular Humanism.
David Higgenbottom wrote:
<< "A problem that humanists share with Friends (Quakers) is the lack of music. The churches which are growing are those with the best music, rock and roll and country/western, to attract young people.
"The Chrystal Cathedral does a great job with its music, re-writing the words to old hymns, guest musicans, visiting choirs, etc. >>
David and others who shared his concern may be interested in a new initiative at the Center for Inquiry in Amherst, New York: Humanist Renewal Gatherings. The humanist renewals include music and story telling, and involve children and families. They aim to fulfill the sage advice that "every humanist meeting should appeal to head, heart, and stomach." The renewals may not appeal to all humanists, but judging from the increasing numbers who attend every meeting, the Renewals seem to be working. Below is a summary of the Renewals--to be printed in the forthcoming Secular Humanist Bulletin.
Secularly yours,
Matt Cherry
RENEWING HUMANISM IN 2000
by Joe Beck
Do you want to see humanism expand its appeal and membership? Are you a parent, or an individual who would like to join with other humanist individuals and families once per month for conversation, inspirational songs, readings, and a hot lunch, all from a humanist perspective? How about if we throw in child care and a "Children's Segment," and offer hospital visits, weddings, birth celebrations, memorial services, and a supportive, nurturing environment?
If so, you're in luck. The Council for Secular Humanism recently initiated Humanist Renewal Gatherings that serve the needs of humanist individuals and families in the Amherst, New York, area, and we would be pleased to help you initiate a similar program in your area.
We initially sent notices to local members of the Council for Secular Humanism and put up flyers at local colleges, coffee shops, day care centers, and family practioners' offices, etc. announcing: "Are you ethical but not religious? Join with like-minded individuals and families at Humanist Renewal Gatherings, which meet at 11AM on the second Sunday of the month. For more information call _______."
Since then we have had our fourth Gathering and have averaged 15 adults and five children per meeting. Participants range from struggling students to the comfortably retired, and contribute sufficient funds to develop a positive cash flow and pay for the lunch that is prepared by members and brought to the Gathering.
While I respect the opinion of those who will argue that this sounds too much like a church, I suggest that it sounds like a group of humanists building a humanist community that meets recognized human needs. It is also a vehicle for expanding humanism and making it more relevant to the lives of all humanists.
Let's work together and get a program like this started in your area.
Joe Beck, C.S.W., is Director of Humanist Counseling, Celebrations, and Services at CSH. He can be contacted at (716 ) 636-7571 ext. 222, or www.HumanismServices.com or JoeBeck@HumanismServices.com.