“Human beings are works in progress that mistakenly think they’re finished.”- Daniel Gilbert Have you ever heard of imaginal cells? Something we know about the mysterious, wonderful process of caterpillars moving through their chrysalis phase on their way to becoming butterflies is that these cells are necessary. They are a kind of blueprint. What is … Continue reading CFD Director’s Message 3.20.24
This last weekend, my spouse Shay and I went on a mini-retreat, just the two of us, to a rental cottage in northern Wisconsin, so rural that at night we could see incredible dark skies full of stars, a sight we miss, living in a city that never truly goes dark. The main purpose of … Continue reading March 13, 2024 Minister’s Message
“This I now know for certain: I do all of growing during the times in my life when I am offering compassion to the parts of myself that have not yet grown. I never once managed to shame myself into a version of me I loved more.” – Andrea Gibson When I was young, the … Continue reading CFD Director’s Message 3.13.24
This Sunday, I preached about the proposed revision to Article II of the Unitarian Universalist Association’s bylaws–the section that houses our principles, purposes, and sources. While my sermon touched on the process, I promised to make materials available to anyone interested in a deeper dive. Here are some links to explore: This is the main … Continue reading March 6, 2024 Minister’s Message
March is the month of Transformation! Here are some words that align with that theme: “There is something dying in our society, in our culture, and there’s something dying in us individually. And what is dying, I think, is the willingness to be in denial. And that is extraordinary. It’s always been happening, and when it happens in … Continue reading CFD Director’s Message 3.6.24
On Monday, it was 60 degrees and sunny, and my wife Shay and I took our dog Gus for a romp at a dog park. Yesterday, it snowed, and Gus came in from the back yard shivering. The weather this winter has confirmed what we already know: climate change is real, and the impact is … Continue reading February 28, 2024 Minister’s Message
Here are some simple yet wise words to honor the end of February, and the theme of Justice and Equity: “I am no longer accepting the things I cannot change. I am changing the things I cannot accept.” – Angela Davis The photo I shared this week was taken on Monday morning, when I impulsively spent … Continue reading CFD Director’s Message 2.28.29
In our society, both self-care and community care are counter-cultural. I’ve known that for a while, but I came face to face with it in a personal way this week—especially yesterday, as I was making a hard decision. The decision shouldn’t have been hard. I am on Day 11 of a respiratory bug that is … Continue reading February 14, 2024 Minister’s Message
This Sunday’s Children’s Chapel will be hosted by Deb and Macey. Nursery Care will be provided by Alexander. Below is our other regular monthly programming: Intergenerational Hiking at West Mankato/Red Jacket Trail, Saturday, February 17th at 10 am with Lee and Macey RSVP here: https://uufm.breezechms.com/form/232a9c Intergenerational Art Journaling at UUFM, Wednesday, February 21st, 6:30-8pm … Continue reading CFD Director’s Message 2.14.24
As we begin the month of Justice and Equity, I spent yesterday listening to and reading some inspiring words from Prentis Hemphill, whose passion for healing and restorative justice deeply inspired me. So, today, I choose to uplift their voice here by sharing this quick read at the link below. I hope you enjoy it. Letting Go … Continue reading CFD Director’s Message 2.7.24
