In a Memorial Day article published in the Los Angeles Times circa 1993, essayist and Vietnam combat veteran, John Samuel Tieman realizes his enemy is not just the Viet Cong. He’s also fighting the militarism that invades – sometimes takes – the lives of children. Tieman tells us we should have a separate day of … Continue reading From the Interim

From the Minister   Here’s a three-part blog, friends. Part 1: Earlier this week I joined the interfaith group planning a protest vigil for later in May. The goal is to “make witness” – to represent our individual congregations, but more importantly, to show the Port Townsend area that unity is the antidote to isolation. … Continue reading From the Interim

“Time is short” my good friend reminded me the other day. I was my turn to call…three weeks ago. Message received. As always, there was a lot to cover. But no politics or religion. Just two old friends who know there are things far more important than being right. And as always, we touched on … Continue reading From the Interim

The particularly nasty cold being passed around Port Townsend came my way earlier this week. Nothing unique or long-term. I’ll be fine. But being sick has me thinking about those of you who live with much more serious pain, conditions and limitations. You share with me your fears about the state of this uncertain world; … Continue reading From the Interim

One of the best things about being a UU transitional minister is time spent with colleagues. It’s lifegiving to hang with people whose journey and call have led them to this stripe of ministry. Earlier this week I joined fifteen or so interim colleagues for a primer on our new online hymnal, “Sing Out Love.” … Continue reading From the Interim

I’ve often mentioned the Five Focus Points of Transitional Ministry as we go about our shared work at QUUF – touchstones for our good but often demanding work. As we begin our eighth month together (total virtual plus in-person) let’s review a bit, Here they are again in order: Heritage: Reviewing how the Congregation has … Continue reading From the Interim

The Six Values that now express Unitarian Universalist are for real. It’s taking time to make the transition from a narrative-based description (the Seven Principles, circa 1985) to a distilled list of core values, but it’s happening. The struggle surrounding the change is also real. Not so long ago your congregation mirrored that struggle, as … Continue reading From the Interim

Thanks so much to those who were able to be with us for Rev. Sarah Millspaugh’s workshop and service last weekend. Facilitated by our UU Association’s Pacific Northwest Region staff, Rev. Sarah Gibb Millspaugh, we took a deep dive into this unique form of ministry. And more. The takeaways were many, none more important than … Continue reading From the Interim

It’s become a very busy January at QUUF. See the long list of events elsewhere in this edition of the Weekly Update, sure signs of an active and engaged congregation. (And by the way, thanks as always to Holly for making the Weekly Update happen!) But it’s a good busy, from family ministries to covenant … Continue reading From the Interim

Well, we’ve finally moved from online to in-person ministry! Mary and I are here, in Port Townsend. We’re going to do this – we really are. I’ll be leading my first hybrid service with you this Sunday, and we’re going to talk about the place of stories in all that we do. Including the stories … Continue reading In the Interim