We will consider the science, the spoofs, and the spiritual component as we look at what’s relevant now in this ancient question. Perhaps you’ve seen the June 25th report from the U.S. Office of the Director of National Intelligence or the recent “60 Minutes” segment, both on UFO sightings. There seems to be a current buzz about credible sightings that are causing concern and conversation. If indeed these are extra-planetary visitors, what the heck does that mean to us earthlings? Today’s discussion will review our personal views on what it might mean to be a planetary neighbor. Beyond discussing E.T. and habitable planets, we will ponder what extraterrestrial existence means to our spiritual beliefs. How do we act if we know that being an earthling is just one more label in our great universe?

Please read the expectations for gathering in person on our Summer Sundays webpage before attending.

Following the service, bring your brown bag for lunch on the patio then an inside showing of the movie “Contact” (2h 30min) starring Jodie Foster. Based on the novel by Carl Sagan, Foster’s role is a fictional portrayal of astronomer Jill Tarter, one of the founding pioneers of SETI (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence) where scientists in the field are using telescopes and satellites to look for signs of outright civilizational intelligence.