This juxtaposition is most frequently expressed in reference to the pastoral vs justice functions of a congregation’s mission. Today, since we will hold our Annual Congregational Meeting following the service, I’ll offer some reflections on the phrase related to interpersonal skills, and group dynamics, that I will encourage you to consider in the coming months—when … Continue reading Comfort the Afflicted/Afflict the Comfortable

Rev Stephen Fritchman, subpoenaed to testify before the House Unamerican Activities Committee in 1951, answered with a fiery explanation of why he would not do so. He was subpoenaed again in 1956 for simply opposing legislation aimed at restricting immigration. Today we’re called once again to uphold our values not just in private but in … Continue reading Expressing Our Values Publicly

Our interdependence with one another calls us to lift each other up. Since interpretations of the meaning of Easter vary widely—with some emphasizing punishment instead of reconciliation—it’s important to lift up the latter. Likewise, a naturalistic approach to Easter fits with  honoring our interdependence with Mother Earth.

We’re carrying such scattered energies in our varying desires to face the current crisis — and to maintain our personal equilibrium.