Living and Working in the Middle East Saturday, August 12, 2017, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. In the Church Sanctuary Dr. Fatmeh Kassem, an educator, researcher, and group conflict resolution facilitator, will present a talk on life as a Palestinian in Israel, her deep interest in gender studies and peace pedagogy, and her longstanding work with … Continue reading Upcoming Adult Religious Exploration Programs and Events
The Monday Night Meditation group, along with the Awakening Together in Sumner Spiritual Discussion Group, will co-host speaker and author, Amoda Maa, on Monday, July 17, 2017, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. in the church sanctuary. She is the author of several books, including her most recent book, Embodied Enlightenment: Living Your Awakening in Every Moment. Come … Continue reading Monday Meditation Group will host guest speaker, Amoda Maa
Recently on “This American Life,” they did a segment on “Coming Out as Fat.” I had recently started a Living Body Positive group with Alana Franklin and Cynthia Hackett, and so several people had recommended that I listen to it. I was born fat. I was three months old when the doctor told my mother … Continue reading What Does It Mean to Be a Community of Joy?
I’ve said more times than I can remember that it’s been a year of trouble and turmoil. Maybe it has something to do with the way social media shapes our lives, the constant blare of the 24 hour news cycle, and the if-it-bleeds-it-leads nature of news reporting. This week or so has seemed especially filled … Continue reading Joy and Woe Are Woven Fine
For nearly three months, I’ve been trying to write something about what’s been happening in the UUA around a new awareness of white supremacy as manifests in our own lives and especially our organizations. If you are unfamiliar with what has been happening, here’s a comprehensive timeline of events and links to social media and … Continue reading Stumbling into the Truth: More Reflections on White Supremacy.
I was delighted when I opened the Soul Matters packet this month and read the words of Barbara Brown Taylor. She really speaks to me and my life-long “issue” of self-loathing my body. Here is what she has to say: I think it is important to pray naked in front of a full-length mirror sometimes, … Continue reading What Does It Mean To Be a Community of Embodiment?
Dear Friends, I want to let you know that I have made the decision to welcome the unexpected guest of change into my life by accepting a full-time position as the Director of Lifespan Religious Education at the Mount Diablo UU Congregation in Walnut Creek, CA, beginning in August. While this specific change was not … Continue reading Changes Ahead
About a year ago, the Tahoma UU Congregation entered into a partnership with the Vashon Island Unitarian Fellowship. Our minister, Linda Hart, works with their Board and provides worship service support to the community at Vashon. Both congregations are supporting, and receiving the benefits of, Matt Aspin’s ministerial internship. In early April, the Boards of … Continue reading Partners in Transformation
“How does one become a butterfly?” Pooh asked pensively. “You must want to fly so much that you are willing to give up being a caterpillar,” Piglet replied. ~ A.A. Milne Here are two suggestions for a transformative spiritual practice this month: Option A: A Long Hard Look Author Barbara Kingsolver is a master … Continue reading What Does It Mean to Be a Community of Transformation?
Spring is here. We enjoy more light each day. We see buds and new growth in forests and parks, gardens, and backyards. Our wonderful corner of Cascadia is feeling new energy and creating this year’s version of what it means to be the rain-soaked, ocean-fueled, mountain-encircled, salmon-growing jewel that we call home. Spring is here. … Continue reading How Will We Then Thrive?
