Rev. Elaine Gehrmann and Worship Associate Sue Ellen Stringer   One type of grief that many of us have experienced in the course of our lives is that of isolation and loneliness. A church community is a great place to help alleviate that grief, even in the midst of a pandemic. This morning we will … Continue reading “Knowing Me, Knowing You”

Intern Minister Susan Panttaja and Worship Associate Kathleen Craig In the aftermath of loss, whether of a loved one, property, a job, or a dream, we humans seek comfort and meaning through performing rituals and by sharing memories and stories about times gone by. Through examining and sharing our memories, we may even be able … Continue reading “Rituals, Memories, and Stories”

Rev. Axel Gehrmann and Worship Associate Bob Sadler Grief is not an experience anyone would seek out intentionally. Suffering a loss is painful. If we could, we would surely do our best to avoid sorrow. However, grief is an inescapable part of life. Does this mean we must simply be resigned to this difficult reality? … Continue reading “Good Grief?”

Rev. Elaine Gehrmann and Worship Associate Ken Cuneo Many writers, artists, and filmmakers have portrayed compelling visions of utopia – an ideal place, a future perfect world.  How might some of these visions help up to move closer to our goal of imagining and creating the world we dream of living in?

Rev. Axel Gehrmann and Worship Associate Kathleen Craig Of the countless names humans have used to describe God, one of the most universal and ancient is “Creator.”  Making something from nothing, changing this into that, making old things new, transforming death to new life – these are the seemingly miraculous powers associated with the divine.  … Continue reading “The Act of Creation”

Susan Holland and Worship Associate Sue Ellen Stringer “Children see the world differently from us grown-ups, because their expectations about how things ‘should’ be have not solidified yet!” – LEGO Build Yourself Happy – The Joy of LEGO Play Are you stuck in “adult” thinking that play is unproductive and a waste of time? Maybe … Continue reading “Play Like a Four-Year-Old”

Rev. Axel Gehrmann and Intern Susan Panttaja In the course of recent months, we have learned the value of wearing masks, washing hands, and maintaining physical distance – for the sake of everyone’s safety and to avoid spreading a dangerous disease. Many of our physical, face-to-face meetings have been replaced by virtual meetings via computer … Continue reading “Virtues of a Virtual Life”

Rev. Elaine Gehrmann and Worship Associate Sue Ellen Stringer The spiritual practice of joy is one that may not come naturally to you, especially in challenging times, but there is much to be gained by intentionally welcoming more joy into your life. Smiling, dancing, singing and service are all ways to bring more joy and … Continue reading “Practicing Joy”

Rev. Axel Gehrmann and Worship Associate Robin Jensen There’s an old joke that Unitarian Universalists begin their prayers with the words “To Whom It May Concern.”  Of course, this isn’t actually true.  But the joke points to an important truth about us, and our beliefs.  According to an informal survey Rev. Elaine conducted during a … Continue reading “To Whom It May Concern”

Revs. Elaine and Axel Gehrmann Every year we kick off our new church year with a water communion ritual. While we will not be able to join our waters in our sanctuary as usual, we will still practice some water rituals and share them visually. Have your cup of water and an empty bowl ready!