Katie Green has loved stories ever since she could talk. She believes that storytelling brings people together and can change with world. Her fascination with Egyptian mythology began more than fifty years ago when she lived in Cleveland, Ohio, where she often visited the Egyptian wing with her small son on rainy days. Katie traveled … Continue reading “Thoughts on Egyptian Myths”
A story of love and understanding Pam’s love of the ancient oral art of storytelling was started at a local performance of tellers on a rainy afternoon on Long Island with her four new preadolescent step children. It was love at first hear. Over the next years she became a devoted listener, teller, then performer. … Continue reading “Cut from the Same Cloth”
Continuing to explore Unitarian Universalism’s sources, this service will consider the second source: “words and deeds of prophetic women and men which challenge us to confront powers and structures of evil with justice, compassion, and the transforming power of love.” https://youtu.be/eCjDhHDFpnI
In our congregations, we emphasize Unitarian Universalism’s Principles, but rarely talk about the six sources that inform and inspire our faith. As your speaker this Sunday and next, I will share some of what inspires me in the first two sources. This week, source 1: “direct experience of that transcending mystery and wonder, affirmed in … Continue reading “Mystery and Wonder: 1st Source”
In Buddha’s teachings, he addresses life as a continuum process. He describes this phenomenon as “samsara.” Samsara means there is a cyclical nature to our lives. Birth, existence, and death are just different progressions of the same continuum of life. Mindful observation of this phenomenon provides a deep understanding to stay away from a dualistic … Continue reading “The Cycle of Life in Buddhist Wisdom”
Irwin is a folksy heir to the humor of Mark Twain with some updated personalities that flavor his performances. That includes the adventures he relates about his 85-year-old-widowed-newly-minted physician-aunt, Marguerite Van Camp. She’s a woman who avoids curmudgeonship and keeps her finger on the pulse of the changing world around her in the “new” South. … Continue reading “Squeaky on the Roof”
The West lives in a world separated into two terms: subject and object, self and non-self, yes and no, good and evil, right and wrong, true and false. It is, therefore, more logical or scientific, where “yes” cannot be “no” and “no” cannot be “yes.” Shoson Miyamoto. Words reflect concepts. If words are fuzzy, it … Continue reading “Unitarian Universalist and Fuzzy Logic. When does a cucumber become a pickle?”
In our current society, we often blame “the other people” for our divisions. As a result our vision for the American democratic experiment is threatened. Rev. Nelsen will point to the importance of reaching out to people of diverse colors and faiths, finding the joyful results of living and serving together, and then calling on … Continue reading “Finding Joy in Diversity: How can we move from fear to tolerance, to appreciation, to joyful experiences with our diverse neighbors?”
We are a divided nation with differing ideas about the meaning of freedom and responsibility, individual rights and the meaning of the “beloved community.” Rev. Nelsen will set forth challenges and ideas as to how we can overcome narrow, often divisive thinking and tribal mindsets to learn to work together for the benefit of our … Continue reading “Accepting the Call to Embrace Diversity: What do vocation, freedom, and responsibility mean for each of us today as increasingly diverse Americans?”
Our nation will soon have a population with a majority of “minority racial groups.” Many people fear—rather than embrace—this growing diversity. Rev. Nelsen will discuss the current challenges we face and provide specific ideas as to how we can bridge our racial and cultural divides, including addressing the need to change the structures and policies … Continue reading “Embracing Racial Diversity: Can we love our neighbors of varying colors, without exception?”
