Endings and Beginnings Summer is lovely for many of us who get a break from regular school-year obligations.  The days are longer and there are more opportunities to do things for pure fun. We’re as far away as possible from the “winter blues.”  And yet even in the summer, people may be feeling isolated.  Perhaps … Continue reading Note From Pastor Isa – August 2022

Rejuvenation Our summer theme is Rejuvenation.  When asked mid-June to reflect on what their personal themes were this summer, the Sunday Service conveners shared these words: Healing, Recovery, Renewal, Hope, Rest, Setting intentions, Becoming, Self Care When we came upon the word REJUVENATION, we shared a sigh of relief.   We want the summer to be … Continue reading Note From Pastor Isa – July 2022

We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. This phrase has become a part of my inner soundtrack, but I recently got curious about where it came from.  What I learned:  though it expanded within American consciousness in 2008 when spoken by then Senator Obama, he probably read it in a 2006 book so-titled by … Continue reading Note From Pastor Isa – June 2022

What’s in a name? I’ve been with you all now for six months and I’m feeling like I’m getting to know you!  From Sunday Services, Action Wednesday, and one-on-one conversations, I’m learning your stories, your hopes, your dreams, and … your names!  I know a lot of people dread it, but I personally enjoy the … Continue reading Note From Pastor Isa – May 2022

Waking up this morning I smile. A full, fresh, new day is before me. I vow to live fully in each moment and look upon all beings with eyes of compassion. These words have been with me since childhood, when I read a version of them in Thich Nhat Hanh’s The Heart of the Buddha’s … Continue reading Note From Pastor Isa – April 2022

Dear Ones, There are many glorious exciting things on the horizon and just beyond:  spring, being together in-person, what else?  Still being relatively new to the Fellowship, I’m eager for maskless conversations with you in the sunshine–with snacks–and the opportunity to dream together about all we can do and be as a community.  Before I … Continue reading Note From Pastor Isa – March 2022

Dear Ones, Happy Groundhog Day!  It’s always such good timing.  Right when I’ve started to accept the reality of winter, I’m reminded of the suggestion of spring.  It will come, sooner or later.  How are you handling the long wait for spring?  And the long wait for being back in-person?  I know it’s hard for … Continue reading Note From Pastor Isa – Feb 2022

Dear ones, My first full month among you here in Manhattan has been a joyous whirlwind!  Thank you for your warm welcome.  I’ve enjoyed meeting you as a group and as individuals.  Please continue to reach out with introductory emails and schedule visits to get to know me or request pastoral support. It was perfect … Continue reading Note From Pastor Isa – Dec 2021

Dear ones, Happy New Year!  We replace our calendars in winter, just as the days are beginning to lengthen, but the weather is nowhere near warming up.  The practice–and the cultural and legal norms dependent on it–arose out of the Roman feast of Janus, the god of doorways and thresholds.  Janus is a two-faced God, … Continue reading Note From Pastor Isa — Jan 2022

Dear ones, Happy New Year! We replace our calendars in winter, just as the days are beginning to lengthen, but the weather is nowhere near warming up. The practice – and the cultural and legal norms dependent on it – arose out of the Roman feast of Janus, the god of doorways and thresholds. Janus … Continue reading Note From Pastor Isa – Jan 2022