As we near the end of the church year, many Unitarian Universalists across the country (and in the Philippines!) are making preparations for General Assembly. One of the most important lessons I learned about congregational polity in seminary is that it was designed to involve congregations working together in a covenantal relationship (much as we
Read More →A couple of weeks ago, I preached about the more disturbing aspects of Unitarian and Universalist involvement with progressive causes in the early 1900s, including sex education and the birth control movement. However, although our motives were complex and bear examination, it is also true that even at that time, Unitarians and Universalists were committed
Read More →Rev. Clyde wrote about covenant in last month’s newsletter, and now it’s my turn! One reason we’re focusing on covenant this year is the recently-released report of the Article II Commission, which is taking a look at our Principles and Purposes to help us think about the denominational covenant we all share. The other is
Read More →As we enter this new year, I’d like to take a little time to consider our spiritual journeys together. When people encounter the phrase “religious education,” they often automatically assume we are talking about Sunday School classes for children. And although this is an important part of our mission, religious education encompasses so much more.
Read More →I am so pleased to be starting my third month with you all at First Parish! As part of every UUA internship, the Ministerial Intern is advised by an Intern Committee, and I’m happy to announce that after meeting with several of you, we now have an official committee put together. I look forward to
Read More →Displayed on the meetinghouse at First Parish Unitarian Universalist-Canton on Washington Street are two flags: the Progressive Pride flag and the Black Lives Matter flag. Says Diana Levy, chair of the Welcoming Congregation Committee, “Our denomination has a long history of support for justice and equality and recognizes the inherent worth of each person and
Read More →FPUU Canton has again been designated by the UUA as a Welcoming Congregation due to our renewal efforts. Part of the renewal process includes continuing to increase our awareness of issues impacting the GLBTQ community so that we can truly become a more welcoming place of worship and spiritual renewal. One aspect of this learning
Read More →During this time of isolation and virtual gatherings with little or no informal in-person connections, we need to be even more intentional in showing our appreciation. Have you read an inspiring article in the First Parish newsletter? Did the article give you a new perspective, a smile, something valuable to do as you isolate? Did
Read More →Lots of great ideas come up at meetings and in conversations. Now is the time to take the next step, and here are some tips from your Interpersonal Relations team. Come up with an idea! Decide if you want to spend some time getting this idea to become a reality. Just raising an idea and
Read More →The other day a co-worker recommended I check out this TED Talk by Celeste Headlee: 10 ways to have a better conversation: https://www.ted.com/talks/celeste_headlee_10_ways_to_have_a_better_conversation I liked the way Celeste summarized the topic by saying “Be prepared to be amazed.” Very often when I have been in conversation with someone, another thought enters my mind, and I
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