Spirit Week is an invitation to make intentional space for reflection on what matters most, on what brings us alive, on the energy that animates us and connects us to the universe in all its mystery. Spirit Week encourages us to “take a breath” as we go about our personal and congregational routines, adding a … Continue reading Spirit Week: The Why and What
“Deeply Listening Within” was the theme for our service on Oct 13th – the one where I had us pay attention to the sensations in our big toes… It was motivated by my quest to have my reactions be more constructive, more intentional, more in line with my aspirations and values, and the impact I … Continue reading From Big Toes to Response Filters
Do you use sustainable practices at home, attend church and family events, and donate clothes or toys to local causes? Would you like to actively participate in acts of kindness in your community, and engage in practices that put our faith into action? Would you like your children to engage in these things as well? … Continue reading Minister’s Challenge is Back
As the end of my ministry in Concord draws near and I get ready to say goodbye, I am filled with both gratitude and grief. I knew, when I joined the staff, that in many ways it meant I would lose my home congregation. The relationship between a minister and congregants can be very friendly … Continue reading When a Minister Leaves
Our ministry and pastoral care team tries to be as systematic and reliable as possible about acknowledging grief in our congregation. No one should feel they have to go through their grieving unsupported and on their own. It truly breaks my heart whenever I learn that I have dropped the ball and have failed to … Continue reading Grieving Together: A Wheel for ‘Holding Our Grief’
As Unitarian Universalists we affirm and promote the inherent worth and dignity of every person. We believe in the healing power of involvement in a spiritual home. As a faith-based community, we can provide support, compassion, and vigilance to maximize safety when individuals who have sexually offended participate in the life of our church community. … Continue reading Including Sex Offenders in Church
When I was seven, I joined the Brownies and was thrilled to come home after my first meeting with the assignment of “doing something helpful” so I could turn my Brownie pin right-side up. And as I remember it, it was to be done quietly, maybe even secretly, with the intent of just making the … Continue reading The Gift of Generosity
Have you ever received a gift of welcome that made you feel beloved, like the person or people welcoming you are truly delighted to have you with them? I hope so. I hope each and every one of you can think of a time when someone else greeted you, or beckoned you over to their … Continue reading The Gift of Welcome
How connected do you feel to other people at church? If you wish you felt a bit more connected, there are many ways to get there – and I want to give a shout-out for the Tuesday’s Welcome Table weekly dinners as one delicious, delightful way to feed your body and your spirit while getting … Continue reading Tuesday’s Welcome Table
This play on the Rumi lyrics to hymn #188 (Come, Come Whoever You Are) is not only the theme for our auction (Sunday, June 11 @ noon), but also the core of my invitation, my appeal, my plea to you all. I love that we have enabled all our spaces for remote access. That was, … Continue reading Come, Come, Wherever You’ve Been
