Singer and Songwriter Bob Dylan, born as Robert Allen Zimmerman in Minnesota, continues to intrigue and arouse the public imagination. The Oscar-nominated movie, “A Complete Unknown,” about the beginning of his career was recently in theaters, and he is still actively touring today at age 83. Throughout his 60+ year career, Dylan has let his music … Continue reading Bob Dylan: Minstrel and Messenger
In this sermon to conclude our Stewardship month, we’ll explore the lifeblood, the sinew, muscle and breath that animates this congregation. What can we learn from the fantastical tale of the Prophet Ezekiel in the valley of dry bones? How might we rise to meet our mission with confidence and fresh ideas? What are our … Continue reading Living Congregations
In the Old Testament story of the Tower of Babel, Yahweh observes a civilization which speaks a single language, enabling them to work together to build a tower. He worries that this commonality might unite them with too much power against him. So, he fractures their language and weakens them. They can no longer communicate. … Continue reading Speaking “Empathy” In an American Babel
As we launch into our 2025 Stewardship Campaign, “Our Open Door,” we’ll explore what brings come-outers from other religions and those who are unaffiliated to Eastrose UU, and how their lives have been expanded and enriched by belonging to this beloved and vibrant community. Did you find our free faith a long way from home, too? Are … Continue reading Stewardship Kickoff! “You Were Never Not Coming Here”
In recognition of Ramadan, the holy period of ritual fasting for Muslims between February 28 and March 25, we will celebrate the sacred essence of Islam, dispel damning myths, and explore the mystical core of this often misunderstood religion. The service includes poetic interludes by beloved Sufi poets, Rumi and Hafiz, whose words remain wise, … Continue reading The Rumi Prescription and the Sacred Heart of Islam
With Valentine’s Day upon us (heart-shaped candy boxes and all) we’ll explore what it might mean to be “devoted” to those we currently love and to those we might love in the future, especially in our “maybe-I-do” world. Is “unconditional” love really possible between humans? And when it comes to those we have loved in the … Continue reading Love Me Like a Rock: A Sermon Towards Devotion
In honor of Black History Month, we’ll explore the complicated, triumphant and tragic story of Phillis Wheatley, an African American, formerly enslaved young woman, who published a groundbreaking book of poetry in 1773. For decades, a white woman’s memoir shaped our understanding of America’s first Black woman poet. Recently, her legacy and her work have been … Continue reading Hang A Thousand Ribbons – The Legacy and Poetry of Phillis Wheatley
An inherent aspect of most of our human journeys is experiencing events, setbacks, glitches, and disappointments that require us to shift gears and adapt. As we consider how to move forward into this new year and new administration, how can we trust change when the road zigs where we thought (or hoped) it would zag? How … Continue reading Me and My Guitar: On Adaptation and Resilience
It’s New Year’s Resolution time! Again? (sigh). In 2025, rather than “resolve,” how might we reflect and cast intentions for our lives? Have we become more tender towards ourselves, more flexible with others? Can we muster the energy to fight the good fight? “Now, I become myself,” writes the poet May Sarton, “it’s taken time, … Continue reading Some Assembly Required: On Becoming A Self
For more than 50 years, a “Charlie Brown Christmas” has graced our TV screens. In it, Charlie falls in love with the most pathetic little tree on the lot. “This little green tree needs a home,” he says. “I think it will be perfect. I think it needs me.” The animated classic offers us the opportunity … Continue reading The Perfect Imperfection of Charlie Brown’s Christmas Tree
