The Center for the New American Dream is issuing a 2011 “Simplify the Holidays” challenge, noting “too often, the holidays seem to exhaust rather than uplift us.” The challenge invites us to commit to taking five actions in support of a simpler holiday season. I’m in! Won’t you join me? …
The number one question I am asked in my work as a chaplain to people struggling with thought and mood disorders is some version of “Why does God let me suffer?” What I affirm again and again is that it’s a good question, that it’s okay to feel angry with …
October 2-8 is Mental Illness Awareness Week (sponsored by the National Alliance on Mental Illness), and today is National Depression Screening Day. You can screen yourself or a loved one online here.
I’ve spent the last year reading the 68 books and documents on the required reading list for the Ministerial Fellowship Committee. This is the list of readings everyone preparing for the UU ministry must read before interviewing with the committee. Although the required readings have provided me a powerful grounding …
Now that I’m working as a hospital chaplain, I’m able to attend (rather than lead) worship on Sundays. My partner, Peter, and I have begun regularly attending church again. The experience has reminded me how hard it is for introverts to ease into church life. At the vast majority of …
The first time I attended Sunday worship at a Unitarian Universalist congregation was, I believe, in 1997. My partner and I went one time, for Easter Sunday I think, and nothing particularly special happened. I don’t recall being turned OFF in any meaningful way, but neither did I feel compelled …
This article from the Center for Congregational Health outlines the marks of a healthy faith community (with scriptural support, if you need it): Constructive conflict resolution Adaptation to change Authentic community (i.e., real relationships) Ministry that reaches out as well as in Good communication A balance between clergy authority and …
After leading a worship service about prayer, I was inspired by a congregant to think about developing a UU prayer bead practice. A quick google search reveals we are not the first to think about such things: Erik Walker Wikstrom describes a UU prayer bead practice in his “Spirit in …
From the National Immigrant Justice Center: “The Obama administration confirmed today that it will force all local law enforcement agencies in the United States to participate in the controversial Secure Communities immigration enforcement program and announced it had unilaterally terminated all existing memoranda of understanding (MOUs) previously signed by state …
I am often asked for tea-related advice, so I thought it appropriate to share here some of my favorite tea paraphernalia. Tea Kettle It’s important to heat tea to the correct temperature, which is LESS than boiling for green and white teas. It is worth seeking out an electric tea …
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