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
As we move into our stewardship campaign over the next month or so, I want to say a hearty “thank you” for all of the ways I see you being good stewards of this congregation. Just to name a few examples from my first six months with you, in no particular order: Caring for … Continue reading January 31, 2024 Minister’s Message
“How you love yourself is how you teach others to love you.” – Rupi Kaur These are the words we read as we extinguished our chalice this past week at Wednesday evening youth group, and I truly hope they are a reminder to all, but especially the young people of our world. I think about all … Continue reading CFD Director’s Message 1.31.24
The next book will be Finding the Mother Tree: Discovering the Wisdom of the Forest, by Suzanne Simard. “Simard’s memoir describes the intersecting webs of her career and private life that brought her to rewrite not only the forestry canon but our understanding of nature itself. She is an intellectual force whose powerful ideas overshadow her name … Continue reading Book Discussion Group – Wednesday, March 27th at 5:45 pm
As I write this, I am half-watching coverage of the New Hampshire primary. I served a congregation in New Hampshire for five years, beginning in August 2016…so politics quickly impacted my brand new ministry there. As we move into this presidential election year, I know it will be part of our shared ministry to journey … Continue reading January 24, 2024 Minister’s Message
