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
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
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
Happy New Year! I hope that however you spent the last couple of weeks, it offered you what you need: rest or activity, company or solitude, or maybe all of the above! For several years now, many people I know have chosen a “word of the year” to serve as inspiration and an anchor for … Continue reading January 10, 2024 Minister’s Message
As we head into this week of holidays, with our Winter Solstice service Thursday evening at 7:00 and our Christmas Eve service Sunday evening at 8:00, I hope you are each finding time and space to tend to your spirits in whatever way best meets your needs. For some of you, that was attending our … Continue reading December 19, 2023 Minister’s Message
Last week, I attended a gathering of the ministerial study group I have belonged to for several years. We meet twice a year (fall and spring) and each time we have a topic we focus on, with reading done in advance. This time, our topic was Disability Joy and Justice. The word “joy” may at … Continue reading December 6, 2023 Minister’s Message
As we approach the busy winter season from Thanksgiving through the New Year, I want to draw your attention to some special worship events throughout December. (These will also be on the website under Upcoming Services.) On Wednesday, December 6th, I will hold a 4:30 pm “Blue Holiday” service. This is a service for anyone … Continue reading November 22, 2023 Minister’s Message
As I write this on Tuesday evening, I am watching coverage of election results, with my own “I Voted” sticker on. It’s looking like there have been some significant successes for reproductive justice and other issues in alignment with our Unitarian Universalist values. I’m feeling some hope! I am also thinking ahead to next November, … Continue reading November 8, 2023 Minister’s Message
Sometimes, the troubles of the outer world collide with those in our individual lives, and it all feels like too much. This past week has been a little like that for me. My heart was broken by the war in Israel and Palestine, and then by the mass shooting in Lewiston, Maine. I was also … Continue reading November 1, 2023 Minister’s Message
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
