German religious philosopher, Martin Buber, reminds us: “Humans are a promise-making, promise-keeping, promise-breaking, promise-renewing people.” We can look at ancient promises like the rainbow in the sky, which according to the story of Noah was God’s promise not to flood the world again. We can recall contemporary promises like the “I do” in a wedding … Continue reading Jonalu’s Journal – Oct 2020
Last year, I commented early in my report, “What a difference a year makes!” This year, I say it in a whole new way. We started the year with threats of serious flooding, exacerbated no doubt by climate change. Meanwhile, the national political climate feels poisonous. Then, coronavirus and its side-effects have multiplied the … Continue reading Developmental Minister 2020 Report
The Diversity and Inclusion Committee of USD383 (the Manhattan/Ogden school district) issued a memo about inclusion during December that blew up on social media and brought a response from the Manhattan Mercury, including an editorial. This is my response to their editorial, published on the 17th: To the editor: In response to Dec. 12’s editorial, … Continue reading Diversity in December Holidays
We support a variety of groups in the community and state, including, the Poor People’s Campaign, Kansas People’s Agenda, and Manhattan Alliance for Peace and Justice.
As we move into the holiday season, many of us will be visiting with family who we don’t see routinely. And sometimes, there are tensions and even clashes. How do we get through them? I came across a column by a colleague and friend, The Rev. Joanna Crawford, in Austin, TX, which gives a simple … Continue reading Navigating Life — and Holidays — with Feelings
“When To Call The Minister” is a piece that has circulated among UU’s — and before that Universalists — since 1957. Originally written by Universalist minister Peter Lee Scott for the Elm City Universalist Church in New Haven, CT, people have copied and recopied it. Because it has value. Today, we might change it to … Continue reading When to Call the Minister
On January 28, we participated in “The Promise and the Practice,” a UUA recommended service of reflection and commitment about the black experience of Unitarian Universalism. As part of that service, people wrote their hopes and fears. Reading them inspired me and I thought might speak to others. Maybe it will remind you of your … Continue reading The Promise and the Practice
Robert Fulghum, a UU minister best-known for “All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten,” speaks about that “funny feeling you get when you know that once again Christmas has come to you.” It comes in different ways. One year, I got it from Dr. Seuss’ Grinch. Other years, I’ve had it when … Continue reading A Holiday Message
I hate that I’m writing this. I hate that I feel like I have to. The unthinkable has become routine. Mass shootings occur so frequently that we hardly even let them into our consciousness. Which is tragic. We have witnessed too many family members and friends crying at the site of deadly mayhem. We have … Continue reading Lament on the Mass Shooting at First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, TX
Here is what I said to the Riley County Law Board (the group that oversees the Riley County Police Department) as a part of the testimony by the Coalition for Equal Justice on Monday, October 16: On behalf of the Coalition for Equal Justice, I want to thank the Law Board for your patience and … Continue reading Law Board Testimony
