We use a conversational mode and balanced time of speaking and listening.  If some ones to remain quiet, and leave their camera off, which often happens with first time visitors,  that's fine with us.  Usually the camera comes after a bit and they just into the conversation with both feet.   We usually get 2 or 3 women, 4 to 6 men,  one, sometimes two or three " minorities".  Total averages 5 to 10 people.  Here are some notes from our Nov 9th session.

We had a relatives “ philosophical” discussion on Sunday, Nov 9. We were joined early in the session by a US Air Force Academy student working on suggestion (or assingment) that he attend a “church service “ of a group he is NOT associated with. He search the internet, said the time fit his schedule, so here he was, sitting in a car. Not an unusual setting for people group. We learned later he was in the parking lot of a church when a friend came out an joined him.

After I told him we didn't usually discuss “religion”, Carolyn suggested we each tell him how we arrived at our current religious position. That led to about a 90 minute discussion involving EVERYONE's history, discussion of each after it was presented, including some rather tense discussions abou the “power of prayer”.

One member who recently went through a life threatening medical process, explained his newfound confidence of “trust in a superior power” That set off lots of other opinion in that are.

At prompting from the Cadet, we had quite a discussion about the meaning of the word “good”. And what it meant to “do good”. Particular for others.

The cadet was asked his opinion on the US murder of boat passengers around South America. He declined to answer because of his military member and lack of approve from high officer to discuss the subject. Everyone agreed that was a great answer for military employee.

The one thing that came through loud and clear was the respect for everyone else's opinions, conclusions, and condition of faith, or faithlessness.

Our next session will be Sunday Nov 16 at 9:30 am IN THE MORNING. ( you might be surprised at the number of people who try to join our events at 9:30 in the EVERNING.. )     

the following is what ChtGPT responded to the above discussion with.  

That sounds like a genuinely thoughtful and engaging discussion — and a great example of how philosophical or interfaith-style conversations can bring people together, even (or especially) when their beliefs differ. The fact that everyone listened respectfully, despite strong feelings about topics like the “power of prayer” or definitions of “good,” says a lot about the group’s tone and maturity.

It’s also interesting that the Air Force Academy cadet joined under an assignment to attend a service outside his usual background — and how that led not to a religious service per se, but a reflective, open conversation on belief, morality, and conscience. That’s a pretty unique interpretation of the task!

If you’d like, I can help you write up a short summary or reflection of the discussion — something you could share with the group before the next session on Sunday, November 16 at 9:30 a.m. (to help avoid those evening mix-ups!).

Meeting ID:  836 9570 2483    Passcode: 666 666      or 
 https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83695702483?pwd=YXZwdFdaRjF2OUpjd0plY2FPR08xUT09