October 28, 2018 The Unitarian Society East Brunswick, NJ Here is what I have been learning as we face the new normal of increased violence in our midst. First: Of the emergencies that happen at houses of worship – the violence that erupts – only 1% are about an active shooter. So many more …
The Unitarian Society East Brunswick, NJ February 4, 2018 It is essential to read between the lines. I had already learned this, but when I was in seminary, I had the chance to learn it again. For instance, in Christian scripture, when Paul writes that women should be silent, he is doing so because women …
Torda 450: Our Roots in Unexpected Ground (sermon) Read More »
The Unitarian Society, East Brunswick, NJ February 5, 2017 (written text does not match delivered sermon exactly) Our Time For All Ages story: click here. Our reading: click here. We all want to be loved. We — likely all people of conscience and faith — wish to be Love. Capital “L” Love. In general, Unitarian …
Today, along with 999 other faith leaders (there would have been more, but the conference call capacity tapped out even before the call began), I spent an hour on listening to the leaders of the Groundswell movement, the Moral Resistance Movement, the Revolutionary Love movement, the Shoulder to Shoulder movement: Valarie Kaur, a Sikh woman, …
The Unitarian Society East Brunswick, NJ December 3, 2016 Let me begin in gratitude: for the universe, that conspired with fate, providence, and chaos that you might be part of this good company we are creating together tonight. Gratitude for all who collaborated to make this event possible: our co-sponsors, Temple B’nai Tikvah, whose Rabbi, …
Defying the Nazis: The Sharps War: Introduction to Community Screening Read More »
Interfaith Thanksgiving Service Hosted by Temple B’nai Shalom East Brunswick, New Jersey November 22, 2016 to see video click here GaHave any of you, say, in the past month been in an airport? Let’s see a raise of hands. How about plans to be in an airport in the coming month? In early November, I …
The Unitarian Society East Brunswick, NJ a multi-generational service Would you do something others might think foolish, or silly, or wild, if you thought it might bring about more fairness in our world? If, like Benny and his bagels, it would please the god of your understanding? Would you attempt something untried, something totally new, …
Wild & Impracticable Ideas to Send You Over the River (sermon) Read More »
delivered at The Unitarian Society This sermon was preceded by a reading of Marge Piercy’s For Strong Women. Let’s be clear from the start. That was not locker room talk. It was not just banter among the guys, somehow normal and acceptable. That was not even sex talk: it was sexual assault talk. Like many …
Between Hope & Fear: A Sermon During a Hellish Election Cycle (sermon) Read More »
My grief — at the Orlando massacre and the barely imaginable loss of life, and its intentional targeting of the gay community — is not separate from my fear. I fear that in the aftermath of this intentional act of violence, especially when heaped upon the constant stream of new, real other tragedies, we will …
Fear of Fueling Islamophobia: A Few Days Out From the Orlando Read More »
Here is what can happen when we reach out across divides with solidarity, generosity, and integrity to bridge the distances. Here is what can happen when you follow through on good works. Inspired by a letter written by a Unitarian Universalist minster and endorsed by many UUs and others representing multiple faiths in Utah, the …
Undeniable Reality of Connection: An Interfaith Letter Gets a Response Read More »