Competition has long been thought to be a response to scarcity of resources, and one of the drivers of natural selection. What if our survival actually depended on kindness and collaboration? This morning’s explorations are inspired by Darwin Day, Valentine’s Day, and National Random Acts of Kindness Day. Worship Associate: Virginia Harrison Share the Plate … Continue reading Survival of the Fittest?
The Golden rule helps us remember that all of us have the same basic needs for food and shelter and safety, to love and be loved. But in this world of tremendous diversity, and among the diversity of this our beloved community, let’s also remember the Platinum Rule: “do unto others as they would do … Continue reading The Platinum Rule
One of many possible responses to challenging times is to self-isolate. It can sometimes be hard to seek community when we’re feeling low, and yet, feeling part of something can lift us up. This morning, we’ll explore how the experiences we all bring can help us live love through the practice of inclusion. [Image: itoldya] … Continue reading All of Us Need All of Us
Stories can offer us ways to strengthen our resilience and build community in challenging times. This morning, we’ll come together to tell some of the stories of our ancestors and our lives, and share the wisdom we’ve learned from them. [Photo by Karen Armina] Worship Associate: Michael Nunley Share the Plate – click here to … Continue reading The Ties That Bind Us
Laura Hershey wrote “…Those with power can afford to tell their story or not. Those without power risk everything to tell their story and must. Someone, somewhere will hear your story and decide to fight, to live and refuse compromise.” This Sunday, as we honor Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and ready ourselves for … Continue reading The Power of Story
What does “Turn the Other Cheek” really mean? Or other of the aphorisms that Jesus is recorded as having told his followers two thousand years ago? Erik Gunn draws on the work of Methodist theologian and anti-apartheid activist Walter Wink in today’s service. [Image Credit: Wikipedia] Worship Associate: Stephen Rich Click here to join us … Continue reading Stories of Resistance
This first Sunday of the New Year, we gather in community to reflect on our stories – those we wish to begin, and those we wish to change. This is our annual burning bowl service, in which we seal our intentions in the ritual of the fire communion. (Image Credit: Flickr) Worships Associate: Liz Chapa … Continue reading From the Stories of Our Living
During today’s multigenerational service, we will explore ways to be present together mindfully. We will have a few break out sessions for different means of coming home to ourselves in the present moment and offering the gift of presence to each other. [Recording includes a portion of the reflection and the reading of the cumulative … Continue reading Mindfully Together
Many of the Winter Holy Days encourage us to notice the presence of the sacred in everyday life: sunlight, abundance, incarnation, community. This morning, we’ll explore the possibility that the Holy is always present, woven into all moments and all things. Image from creazilla.com Click here to join us online via Zoom Share the Plate … Continue reading Holy Presence
Parker Palmer once wrote, “The human soul doesn’t want to be advised or fixed or saved. It simply wants to be witnessed — to be seen, heard and companioned exactly as it is.” To witness a human soul is to keep one’s own heart open to being moved, even when it’s hard. This morning, we’ll … Continue reading Heart Wide Open
