Opens with a reading of “Thresholds” by Arlen Goff. Then Rev. Nancy reflects on: How do you move through doors? Have you ever pondered this question? Thresholds and doors are very symbolic about how we move through life and how we enter new times in our life. This week’s sermon will focus on how we deal with the in-between moments of our lives that can offer the most insight and growth potential.
An Earth Day celebration developed by our Climate Action Team (CAT). John P reads “Earth” written By Rev. Mark L. Belletini. A video created by CAT members, sharing something they have committed to doing in light of the current climate crisis. Piano – For the Beauty of the Earth. Video on carbon footprint by Des. A Guided Meditation from Nancy. Greg Smith reads A Prayer of Healing, written by The United Nations Environmental Sabbath Program. Podcast ends with Blue Boat Home performed by our choir.
Opens with a reading of from The Soul of Money by Lynne Twist. Sermon by Nancy: “Society messages make us feel we never have enough- we need more things, better cars, bigger homes… and we are left with a sense of scarcity and that we ourselves are insufficient. We can change the framing to realize we have what we need, and we can make a difference by choosing what we invest or time and resources in.”
Opens with “All That We Share Is Sacred” By Andrée Mol. Rev. Reid-McKee explores compassion and what distinguishes this from empathy. So often we are unsure how to respond to others as they suffer in some way. It may be that we can learn to create spontaneous, compassion within ourselves, and how to respond to others with care.
At the end of your life, will you be able to reflect back and know you have lived the life you wanted? Or are you urgently attending to one thing after another, without the time to take care of your basic needs? And what are those basic needs? These questions help give each of us clarity about whether we are doing the works that brings us alive and gives us meaning. We will explore how we prioritize our lives.
Time For All Ages: “Why Are There Protests?” Prayer from Rev. Joan Javier-Duval. Reading: “Love Is Calling” from Jess Reynolds. Reflection/Sermon: Riot is the Language of the Unheard by Rev. Nancy Reid-McKee – “What is it that America has failed to hear? We will explore the message we need to attend to. We will reflect on our response that shifts the focus from our fear and discomfort and centers on what and who have been silenced.”
Hard times come around for all of us. Some people get knocked down by challenges and never recover. Some are more resilient, and can bounce back to where they started. Some rise like a phoenix from the ashes – stronger than ever before. How can we build resilience in ourselves, each other, and our communities? What protective factors create the safety nets that catch us when we fall, and launch us back up onto our feet? Speaker: Janelle Durham
