Ah, mystery. I think of mystery novels and movies. I think of the Mysteries ofScripture. There are all kinds of mysteries…..but mostly, this year, at thiscongregation, I think of the Mystery of The Search. Who will apply to be the next minister? Who will become a pre-candidate andthen the candidate? Who will UU berks vote on ...

Happy Autumn, friends! The very first Sunday of November is when we experience a time change. (Fallback) At least with this kind of change that we all experience together, we know itis coming. So many changes that occur in our lives (like the Pandemic) happensuddenly, without our permission, or even a friendly heads up. Being a pastor ...

These days, I approach the word “heritage” very carefully.  So many traditions and customs, when carefully inspected through our 21st century lens do not hold up.  They were charming at one time, but only accessible to a privileged few.  As we see things through more of a global, multi-cultural, anti-racism lens that is more realistic ...

I have thoughts to share on the verb and adjective, welcome. When you walk into my house there is a Cross-Stitch that says Witamy.  In Polish, it means welcome.  I got the cross stitch from my dad’s house after he died and I do not know of its origin;  it was just always there. In the musical, ...

In July and August, the Soul Matters group encourages us choose our own theme,or even forego the thematic schedule. We decided to have a summer theme, forJuly and August—Our Stories. Even as we welcome guests to the pulpit, storieswill abound. The act of coming together to hear the goings-on of other people,other places, is a ...

Of course June would contain delight. Not only is it the month when we gathertogether for General Assembly, but the weather in most areas is getting luscious.There are the June celebrations of Juneteenth and Father’s Day and PRIDE, plus,for some, graduations and the June wedding.Delight is, in my understanding, a very specific happiness. It is ...

Friends, the time for submitting an article has come while I am simultaneouslyparticipating in a weeklong meeting (online) of Interim Ministers AND packing upmy life from Elkhart IN. I hope that you will enjoy this link, or the printed lyricsof my favorite song for May. Recorded by 10000 Maniacs, sung by NatalieMerchant, These are Days.Written ...

“The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.”  (There is argument over who gets the attribution for this quote, but it is a good thought, eloquently stated) Being involved in resistance against evil simply means doing something instead of nothing.  Resistance against evil might take some of us ...

Truth can be shared with anybody, and honesty is good.  Most of philosophy involves pondering if Truth is an objective value, or subjective.  People tell THE truth and that is called honesty.  But when people share THEIR truth, expressing their innermost, private truths, well, that is vulnerability. While telling the truth can lead to trouble, typically ...

Our theme is love. Even though February is all about hearts and Valentines Day,the love on my mind is not flowery or romantic. The love on my mind is an actionmore than a feeling, and sometimes it looks more like hard work than pleasure.When we say to someone dear, “I love you” it is not ...