What Breaks your Heart? I first heard that story of the perfect heart told a couple of summers ago. It was shared by our UUA President, The Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray, as part of a worship service at a Unitarian Universalist General Assembly. Later in that service, during her sermon Rev. Susan reflected on her first year as President. She spoke of the gratitude she felt for having had the opportunity to serve. She also acknowledged the heartbreak and challenge and urgency she felt coming into...
Hope
“What are you waiting for?” by Rev. Wendy L. Bell – December 22, 2019
Happy Solstice to everyone! At 11:19 last night, we reached that astronomical moment when the noontime sun is at its lowest point in the sky. We have arrived at the shortest day of the year. We have been waiting for the return of the sun to the northern hemisphere for so long, and now that return trek has begun. Even though winter has just officially begun and the coldest days are yet to come, there is hope of longer, brighter days ahead! For many of us, this has also been a season of waiting...
“Radical Hope” by Rev. Wendy L. Bell – December 8, 2019
This morning is the second Sunday of Advent, which, in Christian churches, is the first season of a brand-new liturgical year. In congregations which traditionally light the candles of an Advent wreath on each of the four Sunday’s of Advent, last week’s candle would have been a candle of hope, and this morning’s candle would be a candle of love or faith. During this month of December, we, too, will begin to focus on the theme of hope, for hope is an integral part of this season. Those who...
Muscially Speaking – December 2019
Music and Hope. Perhaps there is always hope when there is music. I don’t think that there HAS to be music for there to be hope. Music just might make it easier. This makes me think of what it is like singing in a hospice choir. (Jean Gauthier started the Wayfare Singers, a hospice choir, and I am a member.) I have learned that hope is quality of life for a person in hospice. What is comforting is a small group of people coming into your room for a “SING”. We do a “SING” at least once per...
In the Interim – 12/6/2019
And so, December comes! Our Christian neighbors and friends have begun their celebration of Advent, the beginning of a new liturgical year, a season of waiting for the arrival of baby Jesus, born again in old stories and anew in hearts and minds. Meanwhile, as the darkness of winter deepens, we all wait for the return of the sun’s light. Everything about the natural world at this time of year in the northern hemisphere seems to say to us, “Slow down!” The dark, the cold, the snow, the ice, all...
“Finding Light in the Darkness” by Lauren Strauss – December 21, 2014
Finding Light in the Darkness by Lauren Strauss December 21, 2014 Ruby came into the world on Wednesday. Before she arrived, her parents knew that at 25 weeks and weighing only 350 grams, Wednesday would be her first and last day on earth. Her aunt Jennifer, who lives in Virginia, posted in my online knitting group to tell us about Ruby, and to ask a favor of the three members who live in Wisconsin. “Kristin, Marie, or Judith,” she wrote, “could I ask one of you a HUGE favor? My niece will be...
“Ample Abundance for All” by Mark W. Harris – March 30, 2014
“Ample Abundance for All” by Mark W. Harris March 30, 2014 - First Parish of Watertown Call to Worship - from Huston Smith Practice giving things away, not just things you don't care about, but things you do like. Remember, it is not the size of a gift, it is its quality and the amount of mental attachment you overcome that count. So don't bankrupt yourself on a momentary positive impulse, only to regret it later. Give thought to giving. Sermon - “Ample Abundance for All” Last...