For this service, we invite you to bring something meaningful to share—stories, poems, songs, dances, or any expression that speaks to beginnings, endings, or the space in between. If you have a short YouTube video you’d like included as your sharing, please send the link to Marla by December 23. Let’s create a rich and … Continue reading Beginnings and/or Endings
Join us for a joyful and reflective service honoring the many holidays that illuminate December—Advent, Chanukah, Yule, Christmas, and Kwanzaa. Together we’ll explore the shared themes of light, renewal, community, and hope that weave through these traditions. Through readings, music, and celebration, we’ll embrace the rich diversity and spiritual resonance of this season of many … Continue reading Holidays of Light and Hope
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?
