“Simplicity…I know that nothing flows from where I think too much.” Canadian singer/songwriter Corey Hart wants us to simplify. Focus on the essential, make a spiritual practice of letting go of the rest. Trust in the basics. Many years ago, I attended an interim ministry training in leading from simplicity. Great concept, but we weren’t … Continue reading From the Interim

Early holiday greetings, everyone! This week’s blog is one of those two-parters: one blog on two subjects. The first has to do with my schedule for the rest of our virtual, half-time ministry. Through no fault on your end, my weekly hours have far exceeded the contracted twenty. The idea was to get to know … Continue reading From the Interim

Many years ago, my then wife and I left southeastern Ohio for northern California. Enough with the conservatism and humid summers. So, we sold everything but two guitars and two Army duffle bags, and hopped on a Greyhound to San Francisco…just in time for the San Francisco Gay Pride Parade. We’d known a few friends … Continue reading From the Interim

Some people are funny. They just are. They carry the same burdens, feel the same pain, and regret the same decisions. And yet they make us laugh. It’s as though they’re watching a different movie. They go through their days seemingly unfazed by lower back pain, or who’s in the White House. They have a … Continue reading From the Interim

Season Affective Disorder (SAD) is a thing. It’s when body, mind, and spirit are burdened by a sun that’s left town, only to return at a later date. SAD isn’t a bad week, it’s the brain telling us the light is slipping away. That gray is not its favorite color. As Mary and I make … Continue reading From the Interim

There is a fearless Zen saying for these chaotic, brutal times: “Fall down seven times, rise up eight.” When we think about it, the current administration thrives on our staying down for the count. On our awe that in less than a year, the nation it took centuries to build is being dismantled, right down … Continue reading From the Interim

These are mighty busy days at QUUF. The new(ish) program year is up and running. Just ask the good folx serving the congregation in Family Ministry, Pastoral Care, Music, and Advanced Learning and Spiritual Opportunities (ALSO). And these a but a few of the amazing ministries going on with your fellowship. Same with your dedicated, … Continue reading From the Interim

Being a Unitarian Universalist of depth is not a casual commitment. The values we hold nonnegotiable – newly voiced within our Association as pluralism, generosity, transformation, justice, equity and interdependence – make for a very tall order in the best of times. But these are by no means the best of times. A duly elected … Continue reading From the Interim

Having spent almost forty-five years with our UU congregations, I’ve seen my share of generosity (stewardship) campaigns, fundraisers, endowment reviews, and finance committee meetings. I’ve racked up all those hours because money isn’t a dirty word when it comes to supporting not just a mission, but a way of being in the world. What our … Continue reading From the Interim

Earlier this week I had the opportunity to hang with some ministry colleagues from the area. (Thanks, Bruce Bode for letting me know about the gathering!) We talked of our joys and sorrows, our ministries and ourselves. Some of us are starting out, some mid-career, and some at or near retirement. We come from different … Continue reading From the Interim