“Like hope, trust, and love, gratitude is both a feeling and a spiritual practice . . . Words of thanks signal acknowledgement of another’s part in benefiting our lives. “Thank you” adds a human connection. It says, “I noticed you were there, and I am glad.”” – From “Practice Gratitude” by Christine C. Robinson and … Continue reading Gratitude
“When the going gets tough, the tough reinvent.” – RuPaul And reinvent we have in a time that has challenged our bodies, minds, hearts, and spirits. I am trying to be patient, to be mindful, to be careful, to be thoughtful, to be healthy. And, honestly, I am weary of it. I want to meet … Continue reading When the Going Gets Tough…
When I was working with homeless teens in Chicago early in my ministry, I attended a conference on teen pregnancy hosted by the University of Chicago. The panel of experts included doctors, social workers, psychologists, and front line social service agency workers. I have long forgotten what was said, the notes I took were abandoned … Continue reading Dreaming a Different World
There are times in life when it’s hard to figure out what to say. Comforting someone who has lost a beloved family member, for example. There are no words to meet that grief adequately, the small, clumsy ones we use never feel like they are enough. Or when a catastrophe hits, and whole cities are … Continue reading When Words Don’t Come
A few weeks ago, Barbara Child mentioned that she wouldn’t be going back to Kent for the 50 year commemoration of the killing of four students on the Commons at Kent State University. In a private Facebook group she shared some memories of that day in May, 1970, the sunny hillside, students protesting the escalation … Continue reading Homily: What Gets Us Through
Our Sunday service, Rev Linda reflected on the 50th anniversary of the shootings at Kent State University starting with words by Rev. Barbara Child. Rev. Child was an English professor at Kent State that year and was on the Commons when the shots rang out. The text of Rev Linda’s homily is here. If you … Continue reading Goodies from the May 3 Worship Service
Our service was music filled! Emma’s Revolution offered us their beautiful songs, and Sandy and Pat told stories about each that make the day even more special. Click on the link above to listen to more of what they have to offer, to purchase their music for your ongoing delight, and see what other online resources … Continue reading Goodies from Worship on April 26 — Singing for Our Lives
This morning’s service had some wonderful music included. Our first song was written by Rev. Thomas Mikelson and has a beautiful tune. Rev. Linda received word this morning that Rev. Mikelson died in the night after living with Alzheimer’s disease. When contacted by a member of our congregation about using his words, his wife declared … Continue reading Goodies from Worship – April 19, 2020
We are right around a month into sheltering in place. The shift from our usual life in the congregation has been abrupt and disorienting, but I think we are finding our way. Have you been to our online worship services? We are still gathering on Sundays at 10:30 a.m., and everyone is welcome to come … Continue reading News and Updates from Rev. Linda
Our Easter service featured music not usually associated with Easter. We began with a beloved song — “Blue Boat Home”. While we missed the sweetness of all our voices joined together, we got to watch the lovely images that flowed behind the song (sung by composer Peter Mayer) created by the Unitarian Universalist Church of … Continue reading Worship Goodies from April 12 “Grief and Hope”
