Category: minister-note

Note from Pastor Isa

Beatitudes for Today

Rev Jonalu Johnstone offers a summary of Beatitudes for Today, drawn from her reflections on Sunday, June 17: Blessed are black lives because they matter. Blessed are indigenous people because their connection to the earth leads us to redemption from our environmental sins. Blessed are queer people because they celebrate their pride and build their … Continue reading Beatitudes for Today

Jonalu’s Journal – May 2018

The image I found for this month’s theme of creativity shows a brick wall with graffiti proclaiming, “Together, We Create!”  This is true in many aspects of our congregational life, perhaps nowhere more than in Sunday morning worship services.  We create on Sunday mornings with our music and with the weaving of words.  More, though, … Continue reading Jonalu’s Journal – May 2018

Jonalu’s Journal – April 2018

What might UUFM emerge into? The world of religion today is different from the world many of us grew up with.  Church–or any religious institution–feels optional to most people.  More and more people define themselves as “spiritual but not religious,” or as “nones,” having no particular affiliation.  A lot of people find themselves moving from … Continue reading Jonalu’s Journal – April 2018

Jonalu’s Journal – March 2018

Throughout March, Christians are celebrating Lent, a season that most UU’s are not very clued in to.  We struggle enough with how to celebrate Easter, with its incredible central story of resurrection.  What are we to do with Lent, a time of preparation for Easter that features self-denial, repentance and introspection? Facebook reports to me … Continue reading Jonalu’s Journal – March 2018

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 from Dr. Seuss’ Grinch. Other years, I’ve had it when … Continue reading A Holiday Message