Beloveds, I am so glad and grateful to be among you and to begin serving as your settled Minister. Since May 15th, the date when the congregation voted to call me, I have been blessed by your kindness and hospitality. Even before my mother and I arrived, there were people helping us to find … Continue reading Cambia, todo cambia/Everything Changes by Rev. Maria Cristina Vlassidis Burgoa
Our mild weather is warming up for our summer activities. It is time for water fun. I always think of playing in the sprinklers with all the neighborhood kids, and a few adults. We made up game after game to stay wet and cool. Swimming was always popular, but not all of the families … Continue reading From the Board – August 2016
As usual, our church has been busy, busy, busy. There always seems to be more to do. We have so many irons in the fire it is hard to keep track of it all. Reverend Joy is leaving us after her sermon on July 3, 2016. She has been so fabulous in helping us … Continue reading From the Board of Trustees – July 2016
We are awesome! It has been very busy these past two months. As a result of that busyness, we have been able to accomplish a great deal. During May we had our candidate come here for a bit over a week to get to know us and we her. I know that most of us … Continue reading From the Board – June 2016
For the month which includes Father’s Day and the Summer Solstice Here’s a little story about a father for your meditation, on the strength of community: A father wanted to leave his estate to his children, but he wanted to be sure that they would stick together and look after each other when he … Continue reading Words of Joy – June 2016
We have some exciting events coming up before then end of the RE calendar year on June 15. On June 5th we will have a multigenerational flower communion service and teacher appreciation ceremony. On June 12 we will hold a children’s service. This will be an exciting event. The entire service will center around an … Continue reading Religious Exploration – June 2016
Read the SHP May 2016 Newsletter
Ministry based on an equal relationship is like a dance; sometimes I lead and you follow, sometimes you lead and I follow. As we get to be better partners, its gets difficult to tell exactly who is leading and who is following. But by then it doesn’t matter—after all, it’s the dance that’s important. … Continue reading Words of Joy – May 2016
Create Rituals that Foster Connection In March, my daughter and I attended game night at Starr King. I cannot remember the last time I laughed so heartily. I forgot how good it felt! Playing games allows us to step outside of ourselves for a while, and forget our worries. It allows us to see the … Continue reading Religious Exploration Reflections – April 2016
Near the beginning of April, the hard-working Ministerial Search Committee will ask one of the “pre-candidates” they have been interviewing to be the candidate for the settled ministry of this congregation And then, in May, comes the moment you have been waiting for—the presentation of the ministerial candidate during what we call “candidating week”—a very … Continue reading Words of Joy – April 2016
