Last week, I had the deep privilege of participating in a Civil Rights pilgrimage to Memphis and Mississippi through the Living Legacy Project. It was truly a pilgrimage, not a tour. We were there not as tourists but as witnesses and students. We did visit museums—including the National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel … Continue reading October 25, 2023 Minister’s Message
“We are a collage—a remix—of our ancestors. We have spiritual DNA, as well as physical, and our lot in life is to answer the questions posed by the people who came before us.” Austin Kleon As we conclude the month of heritage, what comes to mind for me are the numerous ways we might carry … Continue reading CFD Director’s Message 10.25.23
In place of a reflection this week, I would like to share a song. Each time I have been reflecting on this month’s theme, Heritage, this song comes to mind. It is one of my favorites by one of my favorite bands. Please enjoy Kind Reminder, by Próxima Parada: https://youtu.be/eUm9iDf_368?si=m1-uGyRgxo-Rr-rZ Children’s Faith Development Children’s Chapel … Continue reading CFD Director’s Message 10.18.23
It has been a very full last few days, with traumatic headlines, stories, and imagery from Israel and Palestine on top of the existing stresses within our country, in the war in Ukraine, and more. I want to explicitly invite you to reach out to me if you would like to talk or need some support. … Continue reading October 11, 2023 Minister’s Message
“Each morning we awaken to the light and the invitation to a new day in the world of time; each night we surrender to the dark to be taken to play in the world of dreams where time is no more. At birth we were awakened and emerged to become visible in the world. At … Continue reading CFD Director’s Message 10.11.23
“Walking, I can almost hear the redwoods beating. And the oceans are above me here, rolling clouds, heavy and dark. It is winter and there is smoke from the fires. It is a world of elemental attention, of all things working together, listening to what speaks in the blood. Whichever road I follow, I walk … Continue reading CFD Director’s Message 10.4.23
I am writing this column late Tuesday night in my room at the Prairiewoods Franciscan Spirituality Center in Hiawatha, Iowa, where I am gathered with other Unitarian Universalist ministers and seminary students. We, the members of the Prairie Star Chapter of the Unitarian Universalist Ministers Association, meet here for three days each fall. Our time … Continue reading October 4, 2023 Minister’s Message
As we conclude our theme of Welcome, may these words from Valarie Kaur remind us of what welcome might mean for some: “I was beginning to learn that home is the space within us and between us where we feel safe—and brave. It is not a physical space as much as it is a field … Continue reading CFD Director’s Message 9.27.23
As the tree outside my home office window is announcing in this picture, fall has arrived. Saturday was the autumnal equinox. This is not just a calendar date for me or an official change in seasons, but a shift in my inner and other worlds. The outer is obvious: leaves turning brilliant red, orange, and … Continue reading September 27, 2023 Minister’s Message
I completed a Teacher Training Renaissance Module through the UUA just yesterday and picked up this quote through some of my required reading. I thought it spoke beautifully about exactly how Unitarian Universalists hold one another in community: “The opposite of a correct statement is a false statement. But the opposite of a profound truth … Continue reading CFD Director’s Message 9.20.23
