Category: minister-note

Note from Pastor Isa

Jonalu’s Journal – April 2021

Across cultures, religions and traditions, human beings celebrate.

We have seen many holiday opportunities pass without our traditional celebrations in the last year.  As vaccinations increase, we may be peaking out and trying to do it a little differently, with small, safe family groupings.  Still not … read more.

Jonalu’s Journal – March 2021

As I write, we are coming out of the deepest freeze I have been through since I moved away from Wisconsin in 2000.  The sun is shining, and I am ready to believe that spring is coming.

In the sunshine, we can imagine springtime returning to … read more.

Jonalu’s Journal – Feb 2021

Of all the places that we exist–in our neighborhoods, our city, our nation, even our families–the groups we may have highest expectations of may be our religious communities.  This is only natural because it is in religious community that we proclaim our highest values, that … read more.

Jonalu’s Journal – Jan 2021

Never, ever has there been a year I was more ready to say good-bye to than 2020!

There’s no need to review all that has been wrong about the last year as we welcome 2021.  Still, we have to recognize that these divisions into years are … read more.

Jonalu’s Journal – Dec 2020

As this year moves into its final month, we face a holiday season unlike any we have ever known.  We had a warm-up with Thanksgiving, setting aside family gatherings, or limiting them, or risking them with a combination of testing and quarantining and whatever other … read more.

Jonalu’s Journal – Nov 2020

Only a few more days until the election is over!

Except, probably, not really.  Our nation is so deeply divided that it’s a good bet that there will be recounts and court appeals and who knows what else.  Remarkably, the idea of a peaceful transition of … read more.

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.

Jonalu’s Journal – Sept 2020

Did you have a chance for renewal this summer?

I did.  My partner Jane and I took a camping vacation and though some of my behavior may have been riskier than what I had gotten used to, I kept my mask on when around others and … read more.

Jonalu’s Journal – August 2020

For some years now, the warnings about fascism have increased.  Now, we witness federal troops taking protesters from the streets of Portland, Oregon, and expanding their presence to other cities.  Who knows what will happen between the time I write this column and … read more.