“In God We Trust.” The official motto of the United States of America since 1957, this phrase is printed on our currency and has been consistently debated in conversations on the separation of church and state ever since. But all debate aside, what does this statement mean? What does it mean for an entire country Read more
On most days I feel like I have a pretty good understanding of where babies come from. I know the science: the anatomy and the biology. I also know how other animals, insects, plants, and flowers reproduce. But if I sit and think about it long enough, I eventually reach the edge of all I […]Read more
The month of November begins every year with an opportunity to remember our ancestors and this year is no different. Around the world people are heading into the coldest, darkest part of the year celebrating and honoring Samhain, Halloween, All Saints Day, All Souls Day, and Day of the Dead. In addition to these Read more
Ancient Hawaiian society was ruled by Kapu, or sacred laws. Anyone who broke or violated the law, no matter how small, faced very serious consequences, usually death! The only way for a criminal to escape and ensure their own survival was to travel to a puuhonua. Puuhonua, sacred sites of refuge established by Read more
Everyone is welcome at Peoples Church! We announce this good news every week during worship, we share it with our friends and neighbors when we talk about our church, and it is time now to demonstrate it to our children. For children to grow up into well-grounded Unitarian Universalists and lifelong seekers, they Read more
A few weeks ago, Casey and I spent some vacation time in Minnesota. While staying with friends in the Cooper neighborhood of Minneapolis we were invited into a charming, annual neighborhood ritual: waiting for the baby bald eagles to leave their nest. “Did you see the eagles today? Do you think the babies are Read more
Have you ever paid $12 to see a two-hour movie in the theater and had a spiritual experience? What made this experience so powerful? Did you even realize how much time went by? I am willing to bet you were completely immersed in the experience, never once taken out of the moment to notice what time it was. You Read more
Finally the seasons have changed and spring is here! It was a long, slow journey out of winter this year, but as I write now the sun is out, the birds are chirping, and the warm air smells of dirt and new life. Everything is changing, and I couldn’t be happier. Some changes, like the […]Read more
In mid-March I sat on a panel hosted by the Inter-Religious Council of Linn County as part of a series called “Know Your Neighbors.” Throughout the series all of the panelists made it clear that we were not speaking on behalf of everyone in our entire faith tradition. I made sure to emphasize that not […]Read more
What does it mean to live “the good life?” Perhaps it is a little different for everyone but I suspect we all want basically the same things: love, time with family, good food, good friends, a fair society, meaningful work, and a sense of purpose. It sounds so simple, doesn’t it? But these things don’t just happen Read more