We learn to sort, sift, and categorize from the time we are children. When we too quickly make categorical judgments about persons, this tendency may lead toward unfair discrimination and exclusivity. In November, the UUA sponsored Beyond Categorical Thinking (BCT), a workshop designed to explore these topics, which are especially crucial as the congregation searches for a new minister. Forty of our members filled out questionnaires beforehand to convey their knowledge of identity categories before discussing case studies of discriminatory episodes presented by the facilitators, Gil Guerrero and Reverend Donna Dolham. This morning’s service extends this conversation. Jerry Carden, who is also a recognized BCT facilitator, will lead us in considering how categorical thinking can perpetuate harmful stereotypes and how we can move toward practices of radical hospitality within our church community and beyond.