Messages

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”

Dear Friends,

As the vibrant colors of autumn surround us and the days grow shorter, I’m filled with a sense of awe and gratitude for the journey we’ve embarked upon together as a congregation. October is upon us, and it marks a time of change and reflection. Continue reading “Message from the Minister”

Friends,

Today’s brisk morning is a reminder of summer turning to fall. Kids and grandkids are back to school, Friday night lights illuminate the field for our communities, and we find ourselves returning to a life that seems almost forgotten—talk of football, colder mornings and anticipating the end of gardens and crops, the button bucks losing their fuzziness and fawns losing their spots… Continue reading “Message from the Minister”

Dear Friends,

“In the inhalation and exhalation there is an energy and a lively divine spirit, since He, through his spirit supports the breath of life, giving courage to the people who are in the earth and spirit to those who walk on it.” Early Church reformer, Michael Servetus offered those words, describing his unitarian and humanist perspective. Continue reading “Message from the Minister”

Dear Beloveds and Friends,

As the warm summer breeze graces our days and the sun bathes us in its golden rays, we find ourselves in a season of abundant growth and reflection. July has arrived, bringing with it a cherished opportunity to explore the essence of freedom of belief and deepen our connections within our beloved community. The warm sun reminds us of the promise of abundance, and the climate-change induced smoke in the air reminds us of our responsibility to care for the earth. Continue reading “Message from the Minister”

Friends,

As we enter the month of June, as we reach out and experience Pride Month, as we begin to enjoy the summer… Continue reading “Message from the Minister”

Friends,

I recently was invited to participate in the Ohio-Meadville District Ministers retreat. One of my takeaways was being present to the deep questions in front of us, just under the surface. Continue reading “Message from the Minister”

Friends,

As I watch our days increase, the rain and the clouds, and the culmination of both in our of late amazing sunsets, I cannot help but to think about the connection of all. We are material, matter, and so is the rock. We are alive, and so too is the bright green moss on the forest floor. We move and run and billow and crawl, so too does the wind. We frolic and play, so too does the doe. Continue reading “Message from the Minister”

Dear Friends,

Love is the power that holds us together and is at the center of our shared values. We are accountable to one another for doing the work of living our shared values through the spiritual discipline of Love. Continue reading “Message from the Minister”

Dear Friends,

I hope February finds you in peace and love and purpose! In this lovely month, I hope you can pause to appreciate all of the different types of love in your life. With Valentine’s Day, we typically focus on romantic love (Greek: ‘eros love’), but with Galentine’s Day, we fellowship focusing on friendship love
(Greek: ‘philia love’). In families we experience love (greek: ‘storgē love’). And, through Black History Month and when we engage in Justice work we love (Greek: ‘agape love’). Continue reading “Message from the Minister”