An inherent aspect of most of our human journeys is experiencing events, setbacks, glitches, and disappointments that require us to shift gears and adapt. As we consider how to move forward into this new year and new administration, how can we trust change when the road zigs where we thought (or hoped) it would zag? How … Continue reading Me and My Guitar: On Adaptation and Resilience
Guest speaker Emily Bostian reflects on representations of race and gender in the children’s and young adult books of her own youth and those of today. Using stories from her own life as well as research by Dr. Rudine Sims Bishop and Dr. Anjali Adukia, she discusses what has changed and what remains unchanged. She … Continue reading Reflections – Why Books Hold the Key to the Future
It’s New Year’s Resolution time! Again? (sigh). In 2025, rather than “resolve,” how might we reflect and cast intentions for our lives? Have we become more tender towards ourselves, more flexible with others? Can we muster the energy to fight the good fight? “Now, I become myself,” writes the poet May Sarton, “it’s taken time, … Continue reading Some Assembly Required: On Becoming A Self
In this sermon, poised between Christmas and Epiphany, we’ll follow the journey of the Magi in exploring what it means to choose the way of integrity, hope and personal accountability in an increasingly compromised world. Has integrity become so eroded in our culture that we are bereft of role models? What does integrity mean to you? … Continue reading Choose Something Like a Star: A Sermon Towards Integrity
For more than 50 years, a “Charlie Brown Christmas” has graced our TV screens. In it, Charlie falls in love with the most pathetic little tree on the lot. “This little green tree needs a home,” he says. “I think it will be perfect. I think it needs me.” The animated classic offers us the opportunity … Continue reading The Perfect Imperfection of Charlie Brown’s Christmas Tree
In this sermon, honoring the Jewish festival of Chanukah, we’ll explore the universal appeal of the 23rd Psalm and the ways in which it serves as a portable shrine and touchstone of comfort for people of all beliefs, including UUs. Rev. Robin Landerman Zucker preaching, with Worship Leader Eric Tschuy. A Time for All Ages … Continue reading Psalm 23: I Shall Not Want
Rev. Robin and Therese Langevin invite you to celebrate the Solstice at Eastrose from 3 – 5pm. We’ll enjoy treats, exchange books and share crafts, and cast a circle after sundown to honor the rebirth of the sun.
What does it mean to be a gift to others? How can we notice the moments when we, and we alone, can see and meet others’ needs? It doesn’t require special powers or the character of a saint. It means recognizing the times when you can give something that nobody else can. How can we … Continue reading Be The Gift
Famed Unitarian minister Ralph Waldo Emerson once remarked “A great man is always willing to be little.” This morning, we will explore the topic of “humility.” What does it mean, or might it mean, to be a “somebody” and a “nobody” in the age of YouTube channels, suspect news, reality TV, AI fakes, and salacious political … Continue reading I’m Nobody, Who Are You? Fame and Fakery in the Social Media Age
Rev. John Hasenjaeger, a liberal Presbyterian minister and former teacher of Philosophy and Religion at Mt. Hood Community College, has spoken at Eastrose several times since 2007. He has often introduced us to ideas and figures from his studies that enrich and challenge us in our spiritual journeys. But as he approaches his 80th birthday … Continue reading What I Really Think [This Week Anyway]
