Beloveds, This month I had the blessing of being part of a wonderful event: The Coastal Salish Family Day. We gathered via Zoom with Melanie Schambach, who came up with the mural idea, and other artists and community members who participated in the creation of a mural that accompanied the Red Road Totem Pole on … Continue reading From the Minister: Coastal Salish Family Day
The New Year announces the coming of the Three Kings, The Magi/Los Reyes Magos, on January 6th, the Feast of the Epiphany. We celebrate their journey and their courage to take a different path. We also celebrate with childlike awe the magical power of a guiding star. Epiphany reminds us to open ourselves and receive … Continue reading From the Minister: Feast of Epiphany
Beloveds, as you may have seen on our Facebook page, I have been deeply engaged in the nurturing of monarch butterfly caterpillars. I had read about the scarcity of milkweed plants causing a decline in the monarch butterfly population. But it wasn’t until one day when Darryl Ray and I were sitting outside that I … Continue reading From the Minister: The Miracle of Transformation
Beloveds, here we have re-gathered, both in person and virtually, both just as powerful! It is so good to be together. To gather in peace, to gather in thanks, to gather in hope, to gather in strength. To gather to celebrate once again! It is so good to see you all, to see all your … Continue reading From the Minister: Gather the Spirit
I read somewhere that traditionally the five year anniversary gift is wood…and I think back to our installation ceremony four years ago…and the drums made of wood, that were such an important cultural element. I can hear the drums as the Aztec dancers blessed me with sacred copal incense. I asked Xiomara, who is an Aztec … Continue reading Five Year Anniversary
Minister’s Blog, by Rev. Dr. Maria Cristina Vlassidis Burgoa It might seem too early to celebrate when we are still in the midst of a pandemic, still witnessing acts of violence and injustice all around us, and feeling uncertain about the future. And yet there are so many reasons to celebrate in order to … Continue reading May: A Month for Celebration
As I admire the beauty of new Spring blossoms, I am reminded that last year in March we closed our building and began to navigate the COVID pandemic as best we could. Despite all the fear and uncertainty, we regrouped and with great leadership and a core group of volunteers, we moved forward together. Since … Continue reading Moving Forward Together
“Incrementalism and progressivism are insufficient in these totalitarian times.” -Reverend Susan Frederick-Gray, UUA President “In this delicate turning…how will you become ready? No one’s comfort is at the center, you just do what needs to be done. Let’s be co-liberators and get free together.” Reverend Marta Valentin In a time of great challenge and heartbreak … Continue reading General Assembly 2019: The Power of We
Beloveds, This is a picture of my office door. It is covered with some of the cards and thank you notes that I have recently received: Sympathy cards after my uncle’s passing, Thank You cards, and “just because” cards and notes. I am so grateful for all your expressions of love and support! As I … Continue reading Minister’s Report: Gratitude
This past Saturday, our Rev. Dr. Maria Cristina Vlassidis Burgoa shared her vision of social justice at a Poor People’s Hearing in Oakland, California. WE are the ones we’ve been waiting for! Poor People’s Campaign, April 2019 Rev. Dr. Maria Cristina Vlassidis Burgoa In my tradition before we say our own names we … Continue reading Poor People’s Campaign, Oakland
