“Each time you stay present with fear and uncertainty, you’re letting go of a habitual way of finding security and comfort.” -Pema Chodron Many times, I have been told how, as a child, I strongly preferred knowing what to expect. I thrived on routine and familiarity. I was pretty easy-going and happy until my schedule or … Continue reading CFD Director’s Corner 07.28.21
“May we find our foundation in the work of Love; demanding, tiring, true and human and holy.” ― Pádraig Ó Tuama Expect the unexpected… To some, this may be an anxiety-inducing command. To others, this could be a hopeful reminder of the magic and progress that is still possible. This phrase popped into my head while … Continue reading CFD Director’s Corner 07.21.21
“All have their worth and each contributes to the worth of the others.”― J.R.R. Tolkien This past week, I received criticism of a particular tendency that someone else, a couple of days later, pointed out as a healthy quality. It reminded me of how important it is to take our time to communicate compassionately and consider … Continue reading CFD Director’s Corner 07.14.21
“To play is to listen to the imperative inner force that wants to take form and be acted out without reason. It is the joyful, spontaneous expression of oneself.” – Michelle Cassou and Stewart Cubley This week, I saw a friend share a photo of a beautiful knit project they finished, captioning their photo with … Continue reading CFD Director’s Corner 07.07.21
Dear Friends, I am getting set for a vacation, and I really need it. This has been a tough year—more uncertain, more tumultuous, more painful than the average one. I feel the losses of our congregation—Hal Walberg and Jan Klages. I feel the losses of our larger world—millions died of COVID, and the pandemic is … Continue reading June 23, 2001 Minister’s Message
“In rare moments of deep play, we can lay aside our sense of self, shed time’s continuum, ignore pain, and sit quietly in the absolute present, watching the world’s ordinary miracles. No mind or heart hobbles. No analyzing or explaining. No questing for logic. No promises. No goals. No relationships. No worry. One is completely … Continue reading CFD Director’s Corner 06.23.21 & 06.30.21
Dear Friends, Can I see another’s woe, And not be in sorrow too? [. . .] O no! never can it be! Never, never can it be! William Blake wrote these words in 1789. They are as true now as they were then. In one way, it is inevitable that our empathy and sympathy would … Continue reading June 16, 2021 Minister’s Message
“We don’t stop playing because we grow old, but rather we grow old because we stop playing.” – Karl Groos As I was picking a few strawberries today, I imagined the ways that garden work can be done with a playful spirit. I pictured harvesting these shaded berries and digging up the deep crabgrass roots … Continue reading CDF Director’s Corner 06.16.21
2021 Flower Communion Speaker: Rev. Rita Capezzi 2001-0606 OOS 6 6 21 Flower Communion
Dear Friends, It’s that time in our program year where things really begin to slow down, mostly because you are occupied with gardens, picnics, and, finally once again, summer adventures with family and friends. Please remember to practice precautions so that plans for gathering at the Fellowship come September may be fulfilled! I am easing … Continue reading June 9, 2021 Minister’s Message
