In his 2013 book, Regaining Balance, Michael Werner, a Unitarian Universalist and past President of the American Humanist Association, writes, “Unitarian Universalism has been taken over by a narrow ideology of toleration, the historical focus on rational religion has been abandoned, and the lack of purpose and focus is resulting in a sharp decline in … Continued
We recently postponed a special congregational meeting to decide whether or not to show a controversial film, “Occupation of the American Mind,” that some in our local Jewish community considered anti-Semitic. We did so, out of respect, given our meeting was supposed to occur only hours after the terrible mass shooting at a synagogue in … Continued
April not only marks the beginning of Spring, but also our annual generosity campaign, during which we ask our members to commit a specific amount to help support next year’s budget. This year we’re trying something a little different. Firstly, we’re asking you to consider making your pledge ongoing, meaning we can expect it to … Continued
Folks have been curious about what I did during my month-long sabbatical, so I though I’d take this opportunity to give you all the juicy details. Peggy and I spent the first weekend in Leavenworth, WA, a small Bavarian style village. We were able to stay in a quaint hotel in the heart of the … Continued
Beginning January 21st, I’ll be taking a brief, month long sabbatical. This is a common practice in the Unitarian Universalist churches. In general, UU ministers take a 4-6 month sabbatical every five years. I’ve been at UUCS more than seven years and have opted not to take an extended leave until now. This is so … Continued
When I was a child the Internet was called the “Sears Roebuck Catalog,” and I couldn’t wait for it to arrive free each year just in time for Christmas. Mom used it to pick new school clothes for my siblings and me, to replace those she’d ordered the year before that had become too small—“floods,” … Continued
Fall is upon us and the mornings already greet us with a chill. The political and social situation in our country also gives us chills. So does climate change, and the rise of authoritarian leaders around the world. It light of such big concerns, it’s difficult to think about Thanksgiving, about giving thanks during these … Continued
Our Unitarian Universalists for Justice in the Middle East team is planning to host a public showing of the 2016 documentary, The Occupation of the American Mind, about how the Israeli and U.S. government, along with the pro-Israel lobby shape American media coverage of the Middle East conflict in Israel’s favor. Having screened the film … Continued
As I write this article, I’ve only just returned from my second trip to visit our Partner Church in Felsorakos, Romania. I saw old friends and made some new. I visited familiar sites and some places I’d never been, including the fortress where Unitarian founder, Francis David died in prison, the church that Unitarian Prince … Continued
The instruction to “love everyone,” seems like a tall order. I won’t name names, but there are some people in this world it seems nearly impossible to love. Yet there’s a difference between loving and liking. It’s possible to love those we don’t like, and to even like those we don’t love. Liking others depends … Continued
