You're Invited to the First Session of Civil Discourse Series at Gray Friends Church.
"What Defines a Good Life?"

Thoughtful Conversations for a Stronger Community.

What Defines a Good Life
Thursday, September 10 • 7:00–9:00 p.m.
Gray Friends Church
4810 East 146th Street
Noblesville, Indiana 46062 (serving Westfield, Carmel, Fishers, Noblesville, and greater Indianapolis)
Free and Open to Everyone
Coffee, Tea & Cookies Served During Small-Group Conversations. On-Site Parking

Can people with different viewpoints still learn from one another?

In today's world, meaningful conversations across differences seem increasingly rare. Yet our communities need them now more than ever.
Gray Friends Church invites you to join a new community series called Civil Discourse—an opportunity for people of every faith tradition, political viewpoint, philosophy, and life experience to gather for thoughtful, respectful conversations about the important questions that shape our lives.
Rooted in the Quaker (Friends) tradition of listening deeply, seeking truth together, and recognizing "that of God in every person," these gatherings are not debates and are not about persuading others to adopt our opinions.

Instead, we seek something richer:
Understanding before agreement.
Listening before responding.
Wisdom before certainty.

Together we believe that when people speak honestly, listen generously, and remain open to learning, everyone leaves with a deeper appreciation for both their own convictions and the experiences of others.

Whether you come with strong beliefs, honest questions, or simple curiosity, you are warmly welcome.

Everyone Is Welcome

Whether you are:

  • a lifelong Friend (Quaker),

    a member of another faith community,

  • spiritually searching,

  • a student,

  • an educator,

  • a community leader,

  • or simply someone who misses thoughtful conversation...there is a place for you at the table.

Bring: a friend, neighbor, someone whose perspective differs from your own. Some of life's most meaningful conversations begin exactly there.

Our Conversation Covenant

“What Defines a Good Life” What makes life truly worth living?
- Is it success?
- Relationships?
- Faith?
- Freedom?
- Service?
- Achievement?
- Security?
- Joy?

Throughout history—and even within our own families—people have answered this question differently.

During this first Civil Discourse evening, we will hear two thoughtful, contrasting perspectives on what constitutes a good life. Rather than debating one another, our presenters will help illuminate different ways of thinking about this timeless question. Following these presentations, everyone will be invited into facilitated small-group conversations where listening, reflection, and respectful dialogue become the heart of the evening.

No expertise is required. Only curiosity.

Together we agree to:

  • Listen to understand before responding.

  • Speak from our own experiences rather than for others.

  • Respect every person's dignity, even when we disagree.

  • Ask sincere questions with curiosity.

  • Challenge ideas—not people.

  • Allow moments of silence for reflection.

  • Leave with greater understanding, even if we leave with different conclusions.

Our purpose is not to win an argument. Our purpose is to discover insight together.

The Evening's Format

7:00 p.m. — Welcome and introduction to Civil Discourse
7:10 p.m. — Two brief presentations offering contrasting perspectives on "What Defines a Good Life?"
7:35 p.m. — Moderated conversation exploring common ground and meaningful differences
8:00 p.m. — Small-group discussions over coffee, tea, and homemade cookies
8:45 p.m. — Closing reflections and invitation to future conversations

Looking Ahead

Future Civil Discourse evenings will explore topics including:

  • The Role of Technology in Our Lives

  • Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Work

  • Freedom and Safety

  • Environmental Responsibility

  • Social Media and the Good Life

  • The Importance of Community and Belonging

  • Caring for an Aging Society

  • What Makes Leadership Effective?

Each gathering will continue the Friends tradition of seeking wisdom through respectful listening, thoughtful reflection, and genuine conversation.