Messages from Our Leaders

Friends,

As summer turns to fall, the August heat beats down, and we begin preparing for the regular time – vacations wind down, school resumes, and ordinary time approaches. Continue reading “Message from the Minister”

My dear friends and members of All Souls,

I write to you today with a heart full of gratitude and a spirit buoyed by our collective journey. At the recent General Assembly, we reached a milestone in our shared faith journey—a milestone defined by the values we hold dear and the love at the center of our Unitarian Universalist tradition. Continue reading “Message from the Minister”

As May fades into June and summer swims right up to us. This June is a General Assembly where we are looking at our principles and values, but looking backward there are a number of milestones that warrant remembering. Continue reading “Message from the Minister”

Peace and Mercy upon you, upon us all,

It is May and I know I find myself looking at the news of happy things like graduations and celebrations, while trying to not look at the news of all of the divisive things–like a kid peeking through his fingers at a scary movie. And the headlines get me–the local scandals; the reports on inflation, price gouging, and late stage capitalism; the political scene in our state and nation, and the hate legislation that keeps coming, denying people rights. Continue reading “Message from the Minister”

Happy April–the fools day, the spring breaks, Easter Leftovers, Eclipses and Passover. Happy April showers, and garden planting with early sweet peas. I posted a poem for this newsletter, The Low Road, by Marge Piercy– and it has me inspired a little. The feelings of loneliness that I feel, and the reported loneliness reported by the Surgeon General’s Loneliness epidemic report–and this poem, my loneliness, the hopeful promise of springtime turning into summer sunshine urges me to connect. Continue reading “Message from the Minister”

Friends,

March is calling to me. You likely feel it too. The gardens, the soil, hiking and the freshness of springtime—daffodils poking through the snow, and rains melting away winter. Continue reading “Message from the Minister”

Dear Beloved Community,

As we step into the month of February, a time traditionally associated with expressions of love, I can’t help but think about the legacy of Hosea Ballou–we can explore the profound concept of love that is at the heart of our Unitarian Universalist faith. Continue reading “Message from the Minister”

As we step into the fresh canvas of the new year, I am filled with gratitude for the warmth and light that each of you brings to our church, our spiritual community. January not only marks the beginning of a new calendar year, but it is also a time for reflection, renewal, and setting intentions for the journey ahead–a journey that is perilous and adventurous, filled with the spectrum of joy and concern. Continue reading “Message from the Minister”

Friends,

As December unfolds, we find ourselves entering the sacred season of Advent—for UUs it is a time of reflection, anticipation, and preparation for the arrival of light in the midst of darkness. It’s a moment of hope, a time to embrace the spirit of unity and love that binds us together as a community. Continue reading “Message from the Minister”

Friends,

The trees are at peak right now. The vibrant hues of autumn paint our world with breathtaking beauty, yet we read the headlines and see so much strife, war, disconnection. I pray for safety in Israel and Palestine, Ukraine and Russia, Mexico, Haiti, Armenia and Azerbaijan, and the Congo. I don’t know if there is more war now, or it seems I’m looking more at our world neighbors. We pray for peace (acknowledging that there is so much nuance lost in just praying for peace). Sometimes I am led to prayer while discerning action. Continue reading “Message from the Minister”