Watch the service HERE. In the hit Netflix series, “Squid Game,” a group of desperate South Koreans risk their lives to pay off their crippling debts. The series reflects a real social problem in their country – too much money too easily borrowed. This week, the taxman cometh to our doors, and Americans find themselves … Continue reading “Squid Game” and the Death Knell of Debt
Watch the service HERE. Is it any wonder that the word “Evangelism,” which means literally “preaching of the good news,” has an uncomfortable ring to many religious liberals? For many reasons, some valid and some stereotypic, we tend to associate evangelism with religious bullying and intolerance, with corruption and hucksterism, with rigid creeds and finger-pointing. In some … Continue reading Evangelism in a Liberal Key
Watch the service HERE. As Easter and Ramadan converge (and with Passover on the horizon), 2024 offers us a valuable opportunity to practice a “free and responsible search for Holy Week.” What is the common thread in the Abrahamic faiths (and in our own tradition) that lifts up universal love and “salvation” in ways that … Continue reading The Paradoxical Commandments – Love Them Anyway
Watch the service HERE. Aside from being one of the summer’s boffo blockbusters, the film “Barbie” has sparked a robust and important conversation far beyond the iconic doll introduced by Mattel in 1959 as an alternative to baby dolls. The eye-popping production design, the memorable musical numbers and the snappy dialogue entertain. Yet, the film … Continue reading Let’s Talk About Barbie
Watch the service HERE. Many of us have been re-gifted a “keeper” item along the way (and yes, sometimes a clunker). Perhaps we’ve scored an actual treasure at a White Elephant or Yankee Holiday swap. Sometimes, good gifts do keep on giving, both the tangible and intangible kinds. As we launch our 2024-25 annual stewardship … Continue reading Good Gifts Keep on Giving – Stewardship Sunday
Watch the service HERE. A Reader’s Theater Service with Rev. Robin and the Worship Leaders. Music from Barbara Stevens. Brushing your teeth, sweeping the kitchen floor, a bedtime story, swimming, bringing in the mail, driving the car, meeting on Zoom (!) – when done mindfully, each of our “run-of-the-mill” daily activities can be small spiritual … Continue reading A Day In the Spiritual Life
Watch the service HERE. “We have to recognize that there cannot be relationships unless there is commitment, unless there is loyalty, unless there is love, patience, persistence.” – Cornel West. As a wedge is plunged deeper into our cultural, religious and political divides, to whom or to what are you loyal? Family? Friends? A cause? … Continue reading Your Loyalties Are Your Life
Watch the service HERE. During times when we are under extraordinary duress (the pandemic, for example), “putting on a happy face” seems almost suspicious, and yet, social media keeps churning out perky family holiday snapshots and “think positive thoughts” pep talks. Subscribing to the “positive psychology” gospel these days requires us to reject our so-called … Continue reading Happyish: The Upside of Negative Emotions
Watch the service HERE. You’ve seen them everywhere – at peace rallies and Pride marches, in our pulpit and on members of the choir, on our children and our elders, at General Assembly – those vivid gold T-shirts radiating the phrase: “Side With Love.” For Martin Luther King, Jr. Sunday, we’ll explore the origins and … Continue reading Here Come the Love People
Watch the service HERE. Letterboxing is a quirky hobby combining orienteering, puzzle solving, journaling, and treasure hunting, dating back to the 1850’s in Dartmoor, England. As we begin 2024 with our well-intentioned resolutions in tow, we’ll explore Letterboxing as a spiritual metaphor for getting “lost” (in healthy ways) — stepping off the well-worn paths of … Continue reading Letterboxing: Getting Lost and Found in the New Year
