Note from Pastor Isa
November, 2015 Dear Members and Friends of UUFM, Warm regards and best wishes to all. Over the last few weeks, having corresponded productively with several UUFM congregants to discuss their concerns regarding my references to autism in my sermon of Oct 25th, I now believe that additional good will come from my sharing with the … Continue reading Letter from Rev. David Carter
I promised during the sermon on religious language a few weeks ago to investigate the word “sermon.” I didn’t like what I found. Indeed, the negative connotations of the word have been built into the current dictionary definitions. Words like “reproof,” “exhortation,” and even “tedious” come up. Sermons, indeed, seem to be about making judgments … Continue reading Religious Language Update
Several times lately as I have sat at Radina’s or The Chef, nursing a cup of decaf, I have noticed that people near me were talking about religion. I was not trying to eavesdrop, and didn’t catch the details of the conversation, but I did notice intensity and sincerity. There was no question that they … Continue reading What Should We Do?
A major thrust of my efforts in the last few weeks has been to try to get to know you as a congregation and as individuals and to try to get to know Manhattan. As I’ve said before, the notebook full of summaries about members, friends, and children and youth has been a tremendous help. … Continue reading Getting to Know You
There are so many things I want to share with you! I struggled to come up with what my first newsletter column should address. We have much to share to really get to know one another and to find the ways to work best together. Upon reflection, it seems fitting to start with the Top … Continue reading Top Ten Reasons I Came to UUFM
WORDS FROM OUR CHAIR — KATIE KINGERY-PAGE Dear Fellow UUs and Friends, There is much to be somber about this summer, particularly the recent, racially and religiously motivated violence in our nation. The UU message of love is needed now more than ever. I spent the past week at UU Mid-America Region’s Midwest Leadership School. … Continue reading Words from our Chair and our new Minister…
I am pleased to announce that the Reverend Jonalu Johnstone has accepted our position for Developmental Minister. Rev Johnstone was matched through the Developmental Ministry program through the UUA. Our search committee, headed by Katie Kingery-Page, interviewed Johnstone May 7th. The committee unanimously recommended Rev Johnstone to the Board on May 12th. The Board accepted … Continue reading Reverend Jonalu Johnstone has accepted our position…
What we call a beginning is often the end and to make an end is to make a beginning. The end is where we start from. We shall not cease from exploration and the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started and know the place for the first time. I … Continue reading We shall not cease from exploration…
In the morning a four-foot black rat snake crossed the drive from the prairie. I thought there he goes–he’ll be in the chicken house soon. That afternoon I found him looped in a nesting box with an egg three inches down from his hinged jaw. I lifted him up and out with a pitchfork, and … Continue reading In the morning a four-foot black rat snake…
One should be light like a bird, and not like a feather. — Paul Valéry Our culture often condemns us to heaviness. The news media can weigh on our psyches with such force that life becomes a burden. Last night I dreamt that I had a lead role in a modern dance company production. I … Continue reading One should be light like a bird, and not like a feather.
