First Unitarian Universalist Society Burlington November 12, 2023 “Tengo miedo.” I was just about to go on the down escalator when I heard those words. “Tengo miedo.” This is a true story. I was at Chicago O’Hare. I was heading to baggage and I heard these Spanish words. I looked and saw a woman at …
The Unitarian Society, a Unitarian Universalist Congregation East Brunswick, New Jersey audio version here Let me begin in gratitude. Gratitude to be with you today. Gratitude for the air we breathe, the land upon which we find shelter. Let me offer deep thanks to all those who have lived out their lives on this land, …
I’m pretty sure no one calls New Jersey a wilderness, but given that it will be new to me, given that it will be my personal next Unknown, at least for awhile, this piece of wisdom from beloved Wendell Berry has caught my attention: By the time this is posted, I will haven driven away …
As Unitarian Universalists and liberal religionists, we are not a people who tend to read the Bible literally. We understand that there is a historical context that helps us make sense of what might have been necessary, perhaps even life-saving, several millennia ago, but what no longer holds much water now. The prohibition against mixing …
Practicing Resurrection – Easter Sunrise (sermon) Read More »
At the meditation center – the Mothership I like to call it – Noble Silence is observed, even if one goes on Self Retreat, which is what I just did for three days: time on my own at the center when there is no specific teacher or course being offered, very little structure imposed from …
First Parish Church of Groton, April 26, 2015 Audio version here. Perhaps you know this parable, which invites us to see with new eyes, or eyes that are willing to see newly: There once was a simple farmer who lived and struggled alongside his neighbors and friends, trying to exist and fulfill a peaceful life. …
How of Now: Holding this Earth, Our Gratitude, Our Pain (sermon) Read More »
Chapel Service Baystate Medical Center July 28, 2014 These books on the altar represent the chapel services I did not give and will not have a chance to give: God Got a Dog – about our opportunity and responsibility to embody divine love Song and Dance Man – one of my learning goals was to give a …
Village Church, Cummington, MA May 19, 2013 Karen G. Johnston Candidate for the Unitarian Universalist Ministry Readings A Stone Jug A bulldozer digging a pond on my mother’s family’s land unearths two stoneware jugs buried four feet in the ground, one broken and one intact. Who put them there? When? Why? We suppose, but can’t …
Me: [I post one of about a thousand pro-immigrant rights/justice items on my profile] FB Friend: Illegal is illegal // Call thieves Robin Hoods? // Murderers, life exchangers // Rapists, can’t even say it…// Karen, why is it wrong to say what is true? Me: Are we talking “illegal” related to the immigration debate? Because …