I recently officiated a memorial service for someone who died by suicide. I was moved by this family’s decision to be transparent that their loved one died by suicide – in the obituary and in the service. With the permission of the family, I am publishing an excerpt from the eulogy that speaks to choosing …
Today is a gift. It is my day off from my job (which I love already). And since my job (which I already love) is new ~ like, really new, like I started four days ago ~ the timing is great because my brain needed a rest from all the new, NEW, NEW that has …
Originally titled, TBD – to be determined – this wasn’t exactly false – it did get determined before the title was formally announced in the monthly news. In the writing of last week’s sermon, which was ending up clocking in at close to a half hour, it became clear that this morning’s sermon would need …
The Unitarian Society, East Brunswick, NJ May 28, 2023 When I was in search to become your minister, I received two pieces of advice. Love you as a congregation. And the best thing I could do, no matter how long my ministry with you, was to leave you well. I think the latter advice was …
Teaching & Learning Goodbye – Parts I & II (sermon) Read More »
March 12, 2023 The Unitarian Society, East Brunswick, NJ Reverend Karen G. Johnston When Tony, my partner, wrote and published his first novel, he fantasized about who would play the lead should it ever become a movie. In his mind, it was the British actor, Clive Owen. Here is a photo of Clive from that …
Better poets and theologians have made their offerings. Who am I to attempt to join them? Yet, because Universalism tells us we are all loved and since Universalism tells us we all have a role in collective liberation: who am I not to? So, I humbly offer this hoping it yet is enough. Near the …
How might we surrender to our place in the vast cosmos, the strange mix that does not reveal the depths and breadths of its true nature to mere mortals such as we are, yet begs us choose to see angels and generosity, beloveds in the midst of the unknown, and life singing its song of …
All over the plantation, there are artifacts and there is art. Artifacts include whole buildings, some from this particular plantation, some preserved and brought from other areas; smaller items used in daily life; HUGE metal kettles used for boiling the cane to make sugar. And there is art created by a number of modern artists, …
Part I I have some challenging questions for us, which I pose with love for you, for us, and for this aching world. I cannot promise you hope in this sermon, but as a good modern Universalist, I can promise you love. If this morning is a morning when you just cannot bear a heavy …
This prayer was inspired by the prayer at the end of this blogpost by Pastor Nadia Bolz Weber.