Author: Shelly Storm

CFD Director’s Message 11.16.22

“We gather together this morning,
Because others came before us.
Some have left examples for us to follow,
Others lessons for us to learn from,
and the paradox is that many have left both pain and joy.
We honor our ancestors this morning, … read more.

CFD Director’s Message 11.9.22

Once a reporter asked him, “Do you really think you are going to change the policies of this country by standing out here alone at night in front of the White House with a candle?” A.J. Muste replied softly: “Oh I don’t do … read more.

November 9, 2022

Dear Friends,

Several of you asked about this quotation from Hans Krebs, Nobel biochemist and father of the Krebs Cycle. I used it in the sermon on November 6: “I saw them argue without quarreling, quarrel without suspecting, suspect without abusing, criticize without vilifying or ridiculing, … read more.

CFD Director’s Message 11.2.22

“Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.” -James Baldwin

Yesterday, at our monthly CFD Committee meeting, it was discussed that moving from the theme of courage to the theme of change feels like a natural, suitable … read more.

November 2, 2022

Another question came in after the Question Box service on October 23rd , and I thought I would answer it in my way. “I wonder what people who don’t believe in god mean when they wish someone blessings?  I’ve always understood blessing to mean wishing … read more.

October 26, 2022

Minister’s Message

Here is the final question from the Question Box Service on October 23rd: “Where is the arc of justice bending?” It references an 1853 quotation from Unitarian minister Theodore Parker: “I do not pretend to understand the moral universe. The arc is a long … read more.

CFD Director’s Message 10.26.22

     “Courage is found in unlikely places.” ― J.R.R. Tolkien

The Path of Courage, and Honoring its Complexities

As we wrap up the month of courage, I find myself reflecting on the multitude of places it can be found and ways it can be practiced.

Courage can … read more.

October 19, 2022

I’m back in Mankato after a fruitful leave for reflection and renewed friendships in Western New York. Back at my backyard view, watching the leaves fall. Watching the Downy woodpeckers and the squirrels continue to fatten themselves for the lean times that are coming. Watching … read more.

CFD Director’s Message 10.19.22

This week is a relatively busy one for me, with interviewing childcare candidates, planning ahead, and providing care tonight, among other things. While I do not have an elaborate reflection to share here today, the words in the image shared here reminded me of the upcoming … read more.

October 12, 2022

What a wonderful, noisy coffee hour we had in the Fellowship Hall this past Sunday. Deep conversations across generations, lots of laughter, families with children, chatting about Indigenous Peoples Day weekend events, social action to encourage voter turnout, healthy snacks. It was like the before … read more.