Rooted in Love
As we seek to become a community that is better and stronger together, we begin to understand the importance of living in circles, not rows, for spiritual, physical, and emotional growth, both personally and communally.
Topic: Building Community
In Search Of…
Often we seek out existing communities that align with our faith traditions, values, interests and hobbies, or generation. Building community works differently and can involve starting special interest groups like book clubs, hiking groups, game nights, garden clubs, and other activities that bring people together around a shared interest. Let’s talk about how that can … Continue reading In Search Of…
Free to Believe (or Not)
Freedom of belief, or freedom of or from religion, is a fundamental human right. It encompasses the right to hold religious or non-religious belief, to change one’s belief, and to manifest that belief through practice, worship, teaching, and observance, both individually and in community. This freedom is considered essential for a safe, prosperous, and inclusive … Continue reading Free to Believe (or Not)
Lazarus, the Musical
Sunday, May 18, the choir will presenting the Sunday Worship Service with a performance of “Lazarus, the Musical.” This musical is about the biblical story of Dives, the rich man, and Lazarus, the poor who survives on the crumbs from the rich man’s table. The service is about raising awareness of hunger, homelessness, poverty, and … Continue reading Lazarus, the Musical
Troubling the Waters
In this moment in the history of the world and of the church, we are being asked to examine how the way we do things is pushing back against a dominant culture of scarcity and oppression or simply replicating that culture in our communities of faith. For this reason we must ask whether our community … Continue reading Troubling the Waters
An Act of Gratitude
Acts of gratitude happen all around us, even when we aren’t seeing them. It can be how we welcome someone into the church kitchen, building maintenance, onto the board, or even into our worship service. We can show our gratitude through acts of inclusive, loving, kindness to others. Lets talk about ways we can open … Continue reading An Act of Gratitude
Mending Fences
Whither Men in America?
In the 1970s and 1980s, the women’s movement was supported by a movement of men who wished to get in touch with their feelings and become more compassionate. Four decades later, while the women’s movement has made great strides, the men’s movement has largely faded from consciousness. To fill that vacuum, many young American men … Continue reading Whither Men in America?
To Love and Be Loved
By being surrounded by love, we open our minds to another person’s perspective. We allow ourselves to hear their opinions and their morals and challenge our own thoughts, and occasionally those thoughts change. To be loved is an invitation to change at the deepest level, an invitation become fully a part of the interdependent web … Continue reading To Love and Be Loved
Young and Old Can Dream Together
It is said that the age of a pastor is usually a reflection of the median age of a church’s members. That may be true but a healthy, inclusive church needs the dreams of all ages. How can we dream together in a way that serves the needs of our congregation and our community?