Tuesday, 06 January 2009, 04:52 pm PST
Unitarian Universalism: The Institution of Spiritual Freedom
A 2008 501(c)3 nonprofit organization candidate
Featured Ministers
Day 5 - Study Leave, why?
Grapevine says that some folks are at a loss as to what study leave is and why I'm on it. That's an easy enough question to answer. Traditionally, UU ministers had summers off to study because t... [read more]
Auspicious Jots
The impossibility of Excellence in Ministry these Days
Check out this link for a very interesting article from Internetmonk on the contemporary pastorate. (Thanks Chutney, for pointing it out! )The author is an Evangelical Christian, but the first ha... [read more]
iMinister
Proposal 2009 redux
As I've asked in ever-widening circles for feedback about my idea to offer a gift to our local BGLT community, I've gotten a great deal of support and positive input about it. I've asked for th... [read more]
Ms. Kitty’s Saloon and Road Show
Car Idling
When I went out to the car yesterday to take my son to school, I realized I hadn't used it since I went to get groceries for our New Year's Eve celebration 5 days before. (I feel kind of weird a... [read more]
Carrots and Ginger
Can You Share This Responsive Reading for the Women of the Congo?
My colleague Katey Zeh has written this lovely responsive reading for congregations to use to pray for the women and the girls of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. A RESPONSIVE READING FOR T... [read more]
Sexuality and Religion: What’s the Connection?
See all blogs entries from Sexuality and Religion: What’s the Connection?
Think before you speak
I taught in a Catholic high school for eight years before becoming a UU minister. One of my biggest pet peeves was hearing students say something was “gay” when they meant they didn... [read more]
Sunflower Chalice
happier new year (homily 1/4/09)
Ellen Bass wrote in our first reading that our most basic impulse is to ensure the survival of our children, the next generation—-and “there’s never been a moment when we could count on it. â... [read more]
the yes church
Join the Impact
This Saturday, January 10, I’ll be headed up to Boston to attend a demonstration against the federal “Defense of Marriage Act” (DOMA). It’s one of dozens of demonstrations that ... [read more]
Yet Another Unitarian Universalist
See all blogs entries from Yet Another Unitarian Universalist
Leaving Home
Cripes, change is hard! That’s my really deep, original thought for the day. I just feel heartsick today. I’m making progress with my long pre-departure to-do list, and that’s ... [read more]
PeaceBang
Diligent Joy
I want to begin this morning by sharing a personal story that I am not particularly proud of. As with every personal story I share in this pulpit, it’s meant to invite you to reflect on similar s... [read more]
Thousand Voices
Reason for alarm
IDEAS: Books about reason in religion, environmentalism, and U. S. culture. [read more]
Ideas from UU World
Magical Thinking
In preparing for the upcoming sermon, I have found my thoughts swinging towards notions of magical thinking. Â Is Magical Thinking something that we can avoid or is it something that is hardwired ... [read more]
A Unitarian Universalist Minister in Mississippi
See all blogs entries from A Unitarian Universalist Minister in Mississippi
Ending the Silence, a Response to Philocrites
I have not had a chance to post here in a few weeks because of a combination of a family emergency and the craziness of the winter holidays. Now that everything is more-or-less back to nor... [read more]
The Latest Form of Infidelity
New Year's Prayer
Here's the prayer I spoke at church last Sunday to close our time or prayer and meditation:Great Spirit of Time, Master of our yesterdays, our today, and our tomorrows. We praise You and Thank You... [read more]
One More Step
The Joys and Sorrows of Joys and Sorrows [Coming Soon]
If you are coming to the blog in search of the essay on "Candlelighting" that I mentioned in the January newsletter, you have come to the right place. The essay, however, is currentl... [read more]
RevThom
Surprising Diagnosis
It's always tough to eat humble pie, but one does it for the benefit of self and others. So here goes:Last month, worrying that my ADD-type issues would jeapardize a wonderful new job, I... [read more]
PolityWonk
A Very UU Movie Disguised as a Catholic Movie.
On the way home from the movie theatre, our exchange student from Germany commented that there are way too many fat people in movies and TV shows and even cartoons who happen to be German. Add that... [read more]
Isten Aldjon
Authenticity, Excellence, and Sexism in Ministry
Since my journey in ministry started, I've known at least two amazing people who have left the Unitarian Universalist ministry rather than accept pressures to be inauthentic to themselves. ... [read more]
The Arc of the Universe
Odds & Ends
Foot Washing
I think this is so cool:St. John's volunteers offer a scrub — like Christ once did — and provide simple toiletries for the homeless in Houston No surprise to me that it's been doing at the ch... [read more]
The Journey
The Poet Speaks …
Today I have to “cheat” - the day is almost over and I need to post … something. Why not one of my favorite GarcÃa Lorca poems? The Poet Speaks with His Beloved on the Telephone... [read more]
Never Say Never to Your Traveling Self
See all blogs entries from Never Say Never to Your Traveling Self
Assessment Techniques
Federal employees do have a sense of humor. They realize that many people believe that the third great lie (after the two others about "checks in the mail" and "respect in the... [read more]
Calling Ministers - Examining and interviewing for UU ministry
See all blogs entries from Calling Ministers - Examining and interviewing for UU ministry
What's Your Real Religion?
Take the Test
UU News
Macworld 2009 Brings Bigger, More Environmentally Friendly Laptops
My favorite apple computer ever was my 12 inch Powerbook. Â I know many folks who feel the same way. Â All we wish is that at a Macworld keynote address there would be an announcement of a new 12... [read more]
TakePart.com
Bipartisan Interfaith Prayer Service: Praying with Pelosi
This morning, I joined Shelley Moskowitz of the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC) in attending the 111th Congress Bipartisan Interfaith Prayer Service at the Capitol Hill Presbyterian... [read more]
Inspired Faith, Effective Action
A sad day for the Fenway
One of the great things about working at the Boston Phoenix was its proximity to cheap, good, independent restaurants on Peterborough Street. Those restaurants were only slightly less accessible fr... [read more]
Media Nation
California Church Loses Challenge To Rezoning Denial
In International Church of the Foursquare Gospel v. City of San Leandro, 2008 U. S. Dist. LEXIS 105525 (ND CA, Dec. 22, 2008), a California federal district court rejected RLUIPA, First Amendment, ... [read more]
Religion Clause
An Open Letter to the President Elect Regarding Gaza
Laila Halaby, author of Once in a Promised Land, asks President Elect Obama to look at the history of the people of Gaza and how it bears on the conflict there today. [read more]
Beacon Broadside
Featured Podcasts
It Matters What We Believe
These are words Sophia Fahs spoke some years ago and they are apropos even today. Some beliefs lift us and others up while others depress and diminish us and others. It does matter wh... [listen to the episode]
Sermons by Rev. John T. Crestwell, Jr.
See all podcast episodes from Sermons by Rev. John T. Crestwell, Jr.
Home By Another Way, Leon Dunkley, December 28, 2008
There is a challenging passage in the Gospel of Matthew (2:16-18) to which we return, year after year. We ask what scared King Herod so much that he unleashed such violence upon the world. What str... [listen to the episode]
Unity Church-Unitarian of Saint Paul, MN
See all podcast episodes from Unity Church-Unitarian of Saint Paul, MN
Deadly Sins For Lively Liberals: Gluttony
Deadly Sins For Lively Liberals: Gluttony -- Sermon delivered by Rev. Greg Stewart, December 14, 2008 [listen to the episode]
First Unitarian Universalist Society of San Francisco Podcast
See all podcast episodes from First Unitarian Universalist Society of San Francisco Podcast
Creative Poverty
When all feels lost and life is thin, there are those amongst us who can turn a downturn in an upturn, a place of scarcity into abundance, potential anxiety into opportunity. Join host Kaaren Ande... [listen to the episode]
Lifenow! Radio
What Is Essential
Sunday Morning Worship at All Souls
See all podcast episodes from Sunday Morning Worship at All Souls
“Tear Soup"
Sermons from First Unitarian Society of Madison
See all podcast episodes from Sermons from First Unitarian Society of Madison
Disciples of Hope
Sunday Morning Worship at All Souls
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Church Economics
Sunday Morning Worship at All Souls
See all podcast episodes from Sunday Morning Worship at All Souls
"Hunger in Our Midst" - November 16, 2008
This season of Thanksgiving and abundance marks an opportunity for all of us to reflect not only on our many gifts, but on the fact that here in our own town and our own congregation, neighbors and... [listen to the episode]
Bull Run Unitarian Universalists
See all podcast episodes from Bull Run Unitarian Universalists
UUA Presidential Race
John Sanders
Change is coming. Our association of congregations and our Unitarian Universalist movement will change in fundamental ways, regardless of which candidate we elect next June. However, the candid... [read more]
Laurel Hallman for UUA President
Closing Statement by Rev. Peter Morales, UUA presidential candidate
Rev. Peter Morales delivers his closing statement at the UUA Presidential candidate forum; General Assembly, Ft. Lauderdale, June 28, 2008. [read more]
UUA Presidential Debate 2009
"Major donors" - Along the Campaign Trail
Sadly, being a candidate for UUA president is very expensive. The last two successful candidates spent over $100,000. The effect of this is that, just as in our national politics, money plays far... [read more]
Peter Morales for UUA President
Featured Blog Posts
In Case of LiveJournal Failure
Many of my regular readers also happen to subscribe to this site via a Live Journal syndication feed. Today the Valleywag blog brought the news that Sup, the Russian Internet startup that owns Live... [read more]
The Wild Hunt
Blue Shield Restores Coverage
You may recall that I hate individualized health plans. It is by far the worst part of being self-employed. You can’t get health insurance like everyone on a group plan. You have to buy one o... [read more]
Surviving the Workday: Spirituality at Work
See all blog entries from Surviving the Workday: Spirituality at Work
The constant failure of ministry
Internet Monk on the modern state of ministry. (Comment thread is here. ) The skills of the pastorate have always been exaggerated beyond the merely mortal. In Elizabethan times, one only neede... [read more]
Making Chutney
Universalist Quote of the Day #132
“If I am to be a minister of religion, I must teach the poor people that they have a Father in heaven, not a tyrant; one who loves them beyond all power of heart to conceive; who is sorry whe... [read more]
Transient and Permanent
Irrational
Ours is not a rational illness. These words were spoken by a fellow patient in conversation the other day. They could not be truer. Trying to superimpose rationality and logic upon an illness whi... [read more]
Comrade Kevin’s Chrestomathy
2008 PopPhoto Reader's Photo Contest winners
Some truly inspiring shots! Including a runner-up from the Philippines. I just have to join this soon! Click on the link and click to run the slide show. [read more]
Uncle SpongBob's Country and Western Reality Show and Sports Bar
See all blog entries from Uncle SpongBob's Country and Western Reality Show and Sports Bar
Ask Momâ„¢
Many of the posts about my and Pixie's Mom seem to get quite a following, so I figured it was about time to give Mom her own regular feature here at Educated & Poor: Ask Momâ„¢. In this week... [read more]
Educated & Poor
Hating Conflict Too Much
When I was a little girl and teenager, I fancied myself tough, willing to tell you what you need to know. Somehow in my mind, this was what it meant to be smart or good or the best. Or something. ... [read more]
Elizabeth’s Little Blog
Yet another meme
This one is from The Chaliceblog, and yes it's a couple weeks late; I've been busy. Yeah, that's a lame excuse, especially since two answers are pretty much the same as hers 1. Aside from readin... [read more]
Cuumbaya
Membership Moment
Since I posted my January article, I thought I would also post some of my past articles. The following is December:Membership Moment Are you fully a member at F. ? I don’t mean if you have sign... [read more]
Everyday Unitarian
A FOOL SUCH AS I
Your Higher Self? Test at Hello Quizzy</div> [read more]
Heretic, Rebel, a Thing to Flout
Google's Quote of the Day
is from CC's hero Robertson Davies:Happiness is always a by-product. It is probably a matter of temperament, and for anything I know it may be glandular. But it is not something that can be demand... [read more]
The Chaliceblog
alaska wisdom learned the hard way
When you’ve just retrieved your retainers from the -50 car, where they have been all day, don’t put them in your mouth until you have warmed them up. ... [read more]
Discontinuous Permafrost
SUNDAY PROGRAM: Speaking our Truths: Stories from a Chalice Circle
January 4, 2009 Speakers from the Fall 2008 Chalice Circle group How can the bringing together of a group of relative strangers for serious reflection build individual strengths? Fall Chalice Circl... [read more]