Speaker: Rev. Paul Beckel
To BUF: What brought me? What did I bring? What will I take with me?
I’ll address these questions directly, but mostly all of this will be conveyed thru a collaborative feast of music, others’ reflections, and a ritual of leave-taking. It will mean so much to me to have you there!
Flower Communion / Mandala
Our annual Flower Communion ceremony will remind us of the beauty earth gifts to us thru its magnanimous variety of living shapes, colors, and purposes. Our ritual of creating a mandala with our flowers will remind us of the preciousness and transience of all that is. Please bring flowers to help with the creation of … Continue reading Flower Communion / Mandala
Songs Celebrating the Sun – BUF Chalice Choir Finale
Songs of Hope and Humanity
Tracy’s music will unite and renew us: “If our every act can ease some pain, then the hero has a thousand names. One act, one play, one step each day…of work, and hope.”
Betrayal, Erasure, and Moral Courage
On the fifth anniversary of George Floyd’s murder, we stop and ponder the fall-out from the 2024 election in the form of betrayal and erasure in the public and private sectors, and the courage we need to stand up against it.
Comfort the Afflicted/Afflict the Comfortable
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
May the Forest Be With You
Meditation and lamentation: an immersion into our grief and appreciation of our revered forests. Come dressed as you would to go hiking!
Expressing Our Values Publicly
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
Easter and Earth Day – To Rise Together
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.