Three weeks ago, I spotted this Barred Owl on an early morning walk. This creature only caught my attention, as they were repeatedly screeching. How fortunate I felt to catch a rare glimpse of them in daylight through the perfect little window in the trees. I stood delighted, speechless, and grateful, just before another person … Continue reading Director of Lifespan Faith Formation 8.5.26
Our next non-fiction book will be A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson. The Appalachian Trail stretches from Georgia to Maine and covers some of the most breathtaking terrain in America–majestic mountains, silent forests, sparking lakes. If you’re going to take a hike, it’s probably the place to go. And Bill Bryson is surely the most … Continue reading UUFM Book Discussion Group ~ Wednesday, September 23, 2026
Early yesterday morning, I spent a little time wandering Rasmussen woods, admiring the birds and the plant life surrounding me, noticing how the flowers are flourishing. The spiky, magenta Burdock flowers particularly caught my attention, right along the path – an underappreciated source of beauty. Later in the day, as I pictured those blossoms, I … Continue reading Director of Lifespan Faith Formation 7.15.26
Widening Circles I live my life in widening circles that reach out across the world I may not complete this last one But I give myself to it. I circle around God, the primordial tower. I have been circling for thousands of years. And still I don’t know: am I a falcon, a storm, or … Continue reading Director of Lifespan Faith Formation 7.7.26
“How Did the rose Ever open its heart And give to this world All its Beauty? It felt the encouragement of light Against its Being. Otherwise, We all remain Too Frightened” ― Hafiz Today, as I anticipate our upcoming annual Flower Communion this Sunday, I am considering what it means to be in community in ways … Continue reading Director of Lifespan Faith Formation 6.3.26
One of the best-loved of Nabokov’s novels, Pnin features his funniest and most heart-rending character. Serialized in The New Yorker and published in book form in 1957, Pnin brought Nabokov both his first National Book Award nomination and hitherto unprecedented popularity. “Fun and satire are just the beginning of the rewards of this novel. Generous, bewildered Pnin, that most kindly and impractical … Continue reading UUFM Book Discussion Group ~ Wednesday, July 22nd
“When someone deeply listens to you your bare feet are on the earth and a beloved land that seemed distant is now at home within you.” -excerpt from the poem “When Someone Deeply Listens to You” by John Fox I shared this poem in service this past month during worship and have returned to it and … Continue reading Director of Lifespan Faith Formation 5.20.26
This past week, I took a little bit of time off from my job at UUFM for a professional development opportunity through my other job at CADA attending the 2026 MNCASA (Minnesota Coalition Against Sexual Assault) Symposium on Real-World Healing that took place on May 6-7 in Walker, MN. There were many touching, inspiring, and … Continue reading Director of Lifespan Faith Formation 5.13.26
“Our raft-making won’t stop the fires from flaring up, but it may teach us how to sit with the heat without burning away.” – Bayo Akomolafe Rather than sharing a reflection of my own this week, I decided to uplift this brief but gorgeous one: https://www.bayoakomolafe.net/post/sanctuary-is-not-a-place Upcoming Happenings: This Sunday, May 3rd, following coffee hour, around … Continue reading Director of Lifespan Faith Formation 4.29.26
I recently received the prompt to write a short love letter from Earth, and this is what I came up with. Happy Earth Day! I hope this writing gives you a sense of peace and groundedness today. Dear Beloved, My skin misses your warm attention, your playful presence, your sweet surrender. May time and gravity … Continue reading Director of Lifespan Faith Formation 4.22.26
