Author: Rev. Jonalu Johnstone

Jonalu’s Journal – Oct 2020

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. … read more.

Developmental Minister 2020 Report

 

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. … read more.

Diversity in December Holidays

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 … read more.

Partners in Social Justice Work

On the way to the Capitol to lobby with Kansas People’s Agenda.

Protesting gun violence at the March for Our Lives.

Tabling at Juneteenth, commemorating the freeing of slaves in Texas.

Rev. Jonalu Johnstone, along with several other of our members, was arrested during the Poor People’s Campaign, … read more.

When to Call the Minister

“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. … read more.

The Promise and the Practice

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 … read more.

A Holiday Message

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 … read more.

Law Board Testimony

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 … read more.