At this week’s Question Box service, Rev. Claire and Nate answered many of your questions. But as always, there were more questions than time to answer them!

Here are all of the questions they didn’t get to. We’ll be trying to answer a few more on Facebook. Stay tuned!

• How do UUs view afterlife? Do UUs believe in heaven?
• What are your hopes/fears for 2026?
• What are your thoughts on Follen’s “competition”?
  • Competing with other religious organizations for members
  • Competing with other nonprofits for our members’ time and money
  • Competing with social events and obligations
• How does one find meaning and purpose in life? I’m recently retired and find our family growing smaller and focusing more on their lives with partners (and 1 has moved far away).
• Is there a point when AI stops being a tool and becomes a child — then what do we owe it?
• Do you believe that coincidence is God’s way or staying anonymous? Why or why not?
• With God as the judge, you are playing Apples to Apples. The goal is “love.” Your hand includes “toast,” “new car smell,” and “New Year’s resolutions.” Which do you pick?
• How can we ensure Follen keeps its volunteer spirit and members don’t become customers in today’s busy culture?
• At Follen, we have sometimes heard the term “Millennial Church.” What is that? How is it different from/the same as what we do at Follen?
• What if any religious beliefs that other denominations embrace are out of bounds for Follenites?
• How do we differentiate between self martyrdom and compassionate care/service to others, i.e., family members?
• In your opinion, what is the role of liberal theology in contemporary American life?
• A few words of advice on “how to pray.” (There’s a lot to pray about)
• How can some religions justify opposition to LBGTQ?
• If the world started with the big bang, what was there before the big bang? How do we know?
• What pagan roots or rituals show in modern UU?
• How do you come up with monthly worship themes? Do you think AI could do better?
• How could we get more organ playing in the service?
• How might a UU member of Follen answer: “What is the meaning of life?”
• How many sermons per church year does Rev. Claire preach?
• Biggest changes you expect in admin?
• For Rev. Claire: When was it you decided to become a reverend, and did you have a spiritual experience or “god consciousness” moment?
• What is something you’re proud of that you normally don’t get to share with people?
• Do you have any habits or routines you are trying or hoping to change? Do you have any habits or routines that you hope to start up?
• What is the morally right thing for us (as a congregation & as individuals) to do this year?