Just before this ceremony, we told the story, “Red: A Crayon’s Story” by Michael Hall (which ends with the phrase that this text begins with). We also handed out small vials of bubbles to be used for the joyful bubble blessing at the end. We have someone here, among us, who is reaching for the …
Just who were the Lost Souls? They were real people leading real lives. Real people leading real lives who one day or one evening did not arrive home. Some were free. Most were enslaved. Some of the enslaved were slated to gain their freedom when they turned 21 years of age or 25. Yet, through …
These are the gifts of this season, let us open our hearts to them: A joyful, hopeful conclusion to waiting and yearning A welcoming of the refugee seeking shelter amongst us Unexpected light in darkness May these be the presents we give and receive May love among all the people and all of nature be …
(At my current seminary, Andover Newton Theological School, it is tradition that at the last UU worship before graduation, we recognize those of us who are graduating. Each graduating senior is blessed by someone else. My friend asked me if I would bless her. Shared today, May 4, 2015.) Blessings of courage and failure, for …
For my new Teaching Parish Committee We are artists, not evaluators… Though there are tools that will be offered, carefully crafted grids for assessment and measurement, guidance for feedback and evaluation, do not be deceived: your task here is not technical. Think guideposts, not guidelines. Think cairns, not cautions. This is …
A Blessing at the Start of a Ministerial Internship Read More »
The deacons and minister stand at the front. The deacons stand on either side, balanced. They speak. The water in this vessel was first gathered in January, 2013, filled with the good wishes and hopes for the future by those gathered for worship here at Village Church. It has been used to bless new members …
Rituals of This Day: Blessing the Departing Minister Read More »
I stand before you, in the fullness of this church, in the presence of this community. I am both humbled and emboldened. For all the gifts you have given me, I thank you. For all the gifts you have allowed me to offer, I thank you. For all the moments when I bumbled, brought awkward …
Rituals of This Day: Blessing for the Congregation Read More »
As one of my colleagues introduced himself on the first day of class, he said he pastors a church in…my hometown! This is a surprise to me on many levels, primarily because he, and his church, are African American Pentecostal. If you have ever been to Northampton, you know how few people of color, particularly …