The View From Here – January 2018

It occurs to me that after asking everyone to write a sentence or two about what they were grateful for in the weeks leading to Thanksgiving, we never talked about what people wrote. Of the 40 plus “gratitude leaves”, the vast majority described families. Grandchildren, both the … read more.

The View From Here – December 2017

We are so lucky this month! December is jam packed with holidays, and the holidays offer the accumulated wisdom of 1000s of years. Hanukah reinforces an eternal truth: Every single person can do something on behalf of community .  Every single person can do something to make the world a better … read more.

The View From Here – November 2017

November is the time when our congregation gathers for its Annual Meeting. At this meeting, there are written reports from the staff and all of the Committee chairs available (please read them!), the budget for the next fiscal year is approved or amended, and Officers … read more.

The View From Here – October 2017

It occurs to me that the paradigm of either/or is quite useless. It sets up a false sense of only two choices in this world: You are either right or wrong. You are either a winner or a loser, liberal or conservative, a city slicker or a country bumpkin. You are … read more.

The View From Here – September 2017

Transitions are hard. Every year about this time, I find myself sliding towards Daylight Savings Time-onset depression. The nights are darker by dinner time, the weather is cool enough for long pants and sweaters, and I feel burdened by the knowledge that summer is not … read more.

The View From Here – August 2017

Some of you know that on a Sunday this past July, I answered questions that members of the congregation wrote down on index cards. Time didn’t allow me to answer all of the questions so I will address a few of the questions in my monthly … read more.

The View From Here – July 2017

On June 26th, the New York Times reported that “the Supreme Court… agreed to hear an appeal from a Colorado baker with religious objections to same-sex marriage who had lost a discrimination case for refusing to create a cake to celebrate such a union.

The case … read more.

The View From Here – June 2017

I have seen some of you when I have snuck into the back pews after worship has formally begun, but I wanted to officially say HELLO! And THANK YOU! My sabbatical was amazing! I was with cherished friends and family, I was in the midst … read more.

The View From Here – March 2017

For those of you who were in the sanctuary this past Sunday, you know that I have been reading Becoming Wise, by Krista Tippett. The subtitle is An Inquiry into the Mystery and Art of Living, and includes wonderful conversations with a variety of interesting … read more.

The View From Here – February 2017

Someone close to my heart is having a hard time. His family is fine, his health is excellent, he has a great job. But his busyness isn’t satisfying and he feels a need for something he can’t name. Is it therapy? A religious community?  A consistent spiritual … read more.