I love December with all of its full-blown complexity. Besides entering into a real change of seasons, December contains more than the usual share of holidays. These festivities honor varying religious traditions, all of them meaningful, valid and relevant to particular members of the community. Hanukkah occurs sometime in December, … [Read the rest]
“Sabbatical,” like “sabbath,” comes from “shabbath,” Hebrew for “rest.” The ancient Hebrews not only rested every seventh day, but let the land rest every seven years to ensure its productivity. Sabbaticals have long been common in academia and are increasingly so in ministry, especially in Unitarian Universalism; 75% of UU … [Read the rest]
A number of years ago when I was perusing the bookstore shelves in search of a new journal, I was encouraged to choose the one without lines. But the lines are there to keep my handwriting neat, I protested, so that it doesn’t slope down the page or get smaller … [Read the rest]
Last May, at the annual meeting of our congregation, where we hold the annual elections as well as do the business of the church, we voted to change the name of the Membership Committee to Hospitality and Membership. This name change was recommended to the congregation after much consideration and … [Read the rest]
The above titled theme for the year ahead will frame our theological reflection and worship life as we deepen our Unitarian Universalist connections to our history and great aspirations. Each month, lyrics from the hymn “How Can I Keep From Singing” will ground a series of topics that I’ll develop … [Read the rest]
I’m writing on the evening of the summer solstice, the longest day of the year. We call it the first day of summer, and the weather is in agreement this year. Actually, it’s so warm outside that I’ve shuttered my home to allow the darkness to help keep it cool. … [Read the rest]
“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” ~Dr. Seuss
I’m ready to share my annual book list. Summertime is only a few weeks away, and my recent Kindle purchase has already got me reading some lighter … [Read the rest]
In seminary I took a class on liturgical dance. As the class members co-created worship for a chapel service we were leading, we struggled together with the poetry we were using as the focus of a dance piece. Some of the dancers thought it made sense to change some of … [Read the rest]
We’ve been enjoying much celebration in the last few weeks—celebration of the results of our building and looking forward to the financial gifts to our congregation for the stewardship of the coming year. What we are saying is that we are gratified to have accomplished the completion of our facility, … [Read the rest]
A church offers two things, tradition and vision. It is a place that honors and upholds the habits of the past, a groundedness, a place of stability and comfort. At the same time, the congregation is the place of vision, of challenge, of prophetic wisdom and learning. These simultaneous responsibilities … [Read the rest]
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