“Vulnerability is the core, the heart, the center, of meaningful human experiences.” – Brené Brown Vulnerability may go hand in hand with discomfort. However, when I consider what an unwillingness to practice the discomfort that vulnerability might mean, I think of all that may suffer: our authentic expression, mental health, connections, and potential opportunities for … Continue reading CFD Director’s Message 3.15.23
Dear Ones, It was my distinct honor to be present in the State Capitol, with other supportive clergy, when the House passed the Minnesota Indian Family Preservation Act. As described in the law, the purposes of this act are to “(1) protect the long-term interests, as defined by the tribes, of Indian children, their families … Continue reading March 15, 2023 Minister’s Message
Dear Ones, I find it difficult to believe that it was 50 years ago yesterday that protesters for voting rights were attacked and beaten by agents of the government—state and local police forces—as well as common citizens, crossing a bridge in Selma, Alabama. Two Unitarians—the Rev. James Reeb and Viola Liuzzo—died in the aftermath of … Continue reading March 8, 2023 Minister’s Message
Today, I do not have a reflection to share, but please enjoy these words from one of my favorite writers: “I have more compassion than if I had never been wounded or if I had never been betrayed or I had never been harmed… those disappointments have made me gentler with other people and their … Continue reading CFD Director’s Message 3.8.23
Minister Resignation Letter to the Fellowship 2023-0302 Board President Letter to Congregation-2023-0302
Dear Ones, Our Soul Matters theme for the month of March is “Vulnerability.” Unitarian Universalist minister Rev. Emilie Boggis writes that, “It is an act of resistance in our culture to say: everyone needs care at different points in their life and everyone provides care to others.” It’s a powerful statement about love and vulnerability. … Continue reading March 1, 2023 Minister’s Message
“We often think that vulnerability is a kind of weakness, but there’s a kind of vulnerability that is actually strength and presence.” — Ram Dass This monthly theme may seem like a tougher one to dig into than love, but I am truly looking forward to exploring what vulnerability means to our youngest friends at … Continue reading CFD Director’s Message 3.1.23
Dear Ones, After 38+ years, the UUA has embarked on a revision of Article II of our denominational Bylaws and Rules. This is the section of our governing documents that defines our Principles, Sources, and Purposes. These were never meant to go so many years unrevised, but so much has transpired in our world and … Continue reading February 22, 2023 Minister’s Message
“The only obsession everyone wants: ‘love.’ People think that in falling in love they make themselves whole? The Platonic union of souls? I think otherwise. I think you’re whole before you begin. And the love fractures you. You’re whole, and then you’re cracked open.” Philip Roth What is happening for the remainder of February… This … Continue reading CFD Director’s Message 2.22.23
“…Those stones giving extra gravity to your heart? Lay them down in the Great River of Grief. It flows forever. It softens everything. And while you’re still here Don’t miss the miracles. Let your heart be a leaping dolphin. At least sometimes. Let it be an opening rose. Let it be a deep-rooted tree growing … Continue reading CFD Director’s Message 2.15.23
