Authentic power is not force. We’ll take a deeper look at peace and why it is so important. The route that peace takes brings us back to ourselves and the choice it offers us. Terry Barrett speaking with Worship Leader Cynthia Hopkins. Music by Micah S. and a Time for All Ages from Tara T. … Continue reading The Power of Peace
In one of her essays, the writer Annie Lamott tells the story of a girl who becomes lost and tells the police officer who stops to help that “if you can get me to my church, I can always find my way home from there.” This morning, Rev. Robin will explore the many dimensions of … Continue reading Home Never Closes
This Sunday, we will create an altar of artifacts of your pets, past and present, and participate in a blessing ritual. Please bring collars, leashes, photos, toys, and other pet ephemera to the service. DO NOT BRING LIVE PETS. Rev. Robin’s homily will reflect on the beloved and sacred relationships we have with our pets … Continue reading God Got a Dog: A Homily for a Virtual Blessing of the Animals
Near the end of his life, Buddha sat with his followers and offered a Dharma lesson that consisted entirely of silently twirling a flower. After some time, one of the monks, Mahakasyapa, smiled at the Buddha and he was named the Buddha’s spiritual heir. Was there a time when you marveled at a humble flower with such eyes? … Continue reading Watch Me Flower, Carry Me
Mental illness is more common than cancer, heart disease and diabetes (and the number one reason for hospital admissions nationwide), yet most health insurance is inadequate or non-existent to treat it. Mental illness is not rare, and yet, denial persists – “They’re weak.” “She’s only high-strung or moody.” That kid is just a little weird.” … Continue reading Question for the Abyss
In his masterwork, “Walden,” Henry David Thoreau explained that he “went to the woods to live deliberately.” In this sermon, we’ll explore what it might mean to live in a deliberate and conscious relationship with the sacred natural world. How do we and can we help Nature thrive and protect it through our activism and … Continue reading The Heartbeat of Trees: A Sermon for Earth Day
There is an old saying: “The only thing constant in life is change.” During times when the world shifts profoundly in personal and collective life the world’s oldest stories can provide insights into navigating the challenges of inner and outer transformation. Change is at the very heart of a story and many stories offer strategies for “shape-shifting” our … Continue reading The Art of Transformation: Myths and Poems of Transition and Change
In the Parable of the Widow’s Mite, an impoverished woman tosses two copper coins into the Treasury. Is this meager or substantial? Can we applaud her contribution or do we view it as insufficient? Is it enough to create a feeling of abundance and gratitude? This morning, as we launch our annual Stewardship campaign “Be … Continue reading Stewardship Sunday – Two Copper Coins: The Effort is The Standard
In the Exodus story, Yahweh makes four promises to the Israelites. Yet, when Moses ascends Mount Sinai, the Passover pilgrims falter and construct a golden calf (a forbidden idol), causing their leader to smash the 10 commandments against the rocks. These shards were placed in the ark of the covenant along with the second intact … Continue reading Shards in the Ark: A Sermon for Passover and Easter
Growing up, many of us were told to be good little boys and girls. Goodness, however, may not be the best spiritual goal. Perhaps we should aim for health in our spiritual lives, our bodies, our families, our communities, and our national democratic institutions. Rev. Katie Larsell preaching with Worship Leader Patty W. Music by … Continue reading Good or Healthy?
