It is difficult to feel a sense of gratitude in chaotic times like these. One may even feel a sense of guilt for feeling gratitude in the midst of so much injustice, and yet we still are grateful for the persons and communities working to do good in the world. This discourse will reflect on … Continue reading Gratitude and Justice in Beloved Community
This Sunday’s Morning Assembly is based on two worship experiences: “Gratitude and Wonder – A Participatory Worship Service” by Liz Weber; and “A Cider and Cornbread Communion” by Dawn Skjei Cooley. In our time together we’ll explore gratitude and wonder through our own experiences. Rather than a discourse, there will be time for personal reflection, … Continue reading Gratitude & Wonder
Transgender Day of Remembrance is observed annually on November 20th. It is a day to remember the people whose lives were taken or lost due to transphobia, and to bring attention to the violence that the transgender community experiences all too often. Our current administration has incessantly worked to promote distrust, hatred, and all manner … Continue reading Transgender Day of Remembrance
When my 9-year-old grandson volunteered to be baptized in 2019, I reacted with mixed emotions. I worked through my ambivalence by composing a letter to him that included congratulations and cautions. The letter is based on my experiences with organized religion, reading history, and otherwise paying attention. George Novak Bio: Before my retirement, I was a … Continue reading Religion Without Blinders
It is good from time to time to reflect on the lives of all those who have come before us as a way of recognizing their continued presence with us through memory and influence. Together we can learn from their mistakes, remember the positive good they have done, and celebrate all that is better about … Continue reading Blessed Memory
It is normal and justified to be scared in times like these. Political violence is on the rise, governmental power is being misused, cities are being occupied by our own military, and the most vulnerable among us are are experiencing increased attacks. How can we find courage within community in the midst of this chaos?
You can stumble across the small pieces of beauty, wisdom and truth that surround us all the time, but to find them in earnest takes training and intentionality. The Rev. David Pyle is the Regional Lead and a Congregational Life Consultant with the MidAmerica Regional Staff. Rev. Pyle holds a Masters of Divinity from the … Continue reading “Reflections in Seaglass”
Jack takes us through the history of Coming Out Day, October 11th & how its meaning hasn’t changed since its inception in 1988. There are many perspectives to Coming Out, what’s yours?
In his recently published book Here Comes the Sun, author and climate activist Bill McKibben shares some hopeful information about the accelerating speed with which solar power is being generated around the world. It just might be last best chance to preserve a livable climate for us all and to provide a fresh chance for our civilization.
“We know there is no good order except that which we create. There is no hope but us. There is no mercy but us. There is no justice. There is just us.” So says Death (Reaper Man). British author Sir Terry Pratchett created a Discworld that rides through space on the back of four elephants, … Continue reading The Turtle Moves: Life Lessons from the Discworld
