How does a world in turmoil cope with fear, embrace uncertainty, and grow wings of hope and courage? As one psychologist noted: “A nation that is terrified of uncertainty is in big trouble. We can’t be terrified.” Some say we should “keep busy,” but I tend to agree with Buddhist nun Pema Chodron, who counsels … Continue reading Learning to Fly, Learning to Fall
Three days after International Worker’s Day, we’ll explore the current reality of the workplace. Back in 1884, in his essay entitled “Estranged Labor,” Karl Marx argued that workers are objectified and made into miserable shells. Whether or not you agree with this assessment, in our current world of work, too many people who strive for success … Continue reading A Profession Is Not a Personality
Blind faith? Leap of faith? Free faith? How does the word “faith” strike you? For some, it is a poke in the eye, an uncomfortable vestige of a rigid religious past. For others, it remains a positive, re-imagined resource for moving through the joys and sorrows of life. What does it mean to be “faithful?” … Continue reading Easter – Faithful over a Few Things
How do we move from scarcity thinking to abundance thinking when our lives feel stuck, we are ill or under duress, when we’re alarmed by the present, or the future looks murky? In this sermon during the blossoming of Spring, the celebration of Passover and the observance of Palm Sunday (and during the week of … Continue reading Palm Sunday/Passover – The Answer is “Everything”
Singer and Songwriter Bob Dylan, born as Robert Allen Zimmerman in Minnesota, continues to intrigue and arouse the public imagination. The Oscar-nominated movie, “A Complete Unknown,” about the beginning of his career was recently in theaters, and he is still actively touring today at age 83. Throughout his 60+ year career, Dylan has let his music … Continue reading Bob Dylan: Minstrel and Messenger
In this sermon to conclude our Stewardship month, we’ll explore the lifeblood, the sinew, muscle and breath that animates this congregation. What can we learn from the fantastical tale of the Prophet Ezekiel in the valley of dry bones? How might we rise to meet our mission with confidence and fresh ideas? What are our … Continue reading Living Congregations
In the Old Testament story of the Tower of Babel, Yahweh observes a civilization which speaks a single language, enabling them to work together to build a tower. He worries that this commonality might unite them with too much power against him. So, he fractures their language and weakens them. They can no longer communicate. … Continue reading Speaking “Empathy” In an American Babel
As we launch into our 2025 Stewardship Campaign, “Our Open Door,” we’ll explore what brings come-outers from other religions and those who are unaffiliated to Eastrose UU, and how their lives have been expanded and enriched by belonging to this beloved and vibrant community. Did you find our free faith a long way from home, too? Are … Continue reading Stewardship Kickoff! “You Were Never Not Coming Here”
In recognition of Ramadan, the holy period of ritual fasting for Muslims between February 28 and March 25, we will celebrate the sacred essence of Islam, dispel damning myths, and explore the mystical core of this often misunderstood religion. The service includes poetic interludes by beloved Sufi poets, Rumi and Hafiz, whose words remain wise, … Continue reading The Rumi Prescription and the Sacred Heart of Islam
With Valentine’s Day upon us (heart-shaped candy boxes and all) we’ll explore what it might mean to be “devoted” to those we currently love and to those we might love in the future, especially in our “maybe-I-do” world. Is “unconditional” love really possible between humans? And when it comes to those we have loved in the … Continue reading Love Me Like a Rock: A Sermon Towards Devotion
