This Sunday's service was extremely well received. Probably the most enthusiastic, positive response I've ever had to a sermon. It was, honestly, a little overwhelming. It was also very satisfying. I've received quite a few requests for a copy of the sermon. the service was recorded so CDs are available from the book table at FUS-Milwaukee. Also, assuming we conquer the issues plaguing our podcasts, the service will be available on-line as well. I don't make a habit of publishing my sermons off-line or on-line-- though I am slowly being persuaded by some colleagues and friends that I'm wrong in my reasoning. (Not there yet-- but I'm less adamant then before.) Until that time, here's some notes on sources I used for this sermon:
I used an edited version of this blog post from the Huffington Post for the opening reading. (It was sent to me by a congregant.)
In addition to editing for length, I also took some creative license and edited for content. I'd say more, but then that would give away the twist ending.
[Since writing and delivering the sermon, more information about Governor Palin's church have come out. As much as I don't like judging a candidate for their choice of religion or choice, I'm with Dan in being a tad worried about this connection--if there is a connection.]
Recordings of Rev. Jeremiah Wright's sermons can be found on the Trinity United Church of Christ website or on their YouTube page.
At one point, I mentioned Barack Obama's role as a community organizer. I was tempted to do an aside on that point and share a joke sent to me by a colleague, but I thought it would be too biased to use from the pulpit. No reason I can't share it here, though. A proposed bumper sticker: "Jesus was a community organizer; Pontius Pilot was a governor."
I'd love to link to Rev. Wright's keynote address at the 2007 UUMA Ministry Days-- but no recording or transcript is available for that year. (sigh)
The "Race and Unity" speech can be viewed at the Barack Obama YouTube page but they entitle it "A More Perfect Union" speech.
Rev. Wright's appearance with Billy Moyers is available on line in video, audio, or text format.
The transcript of Rev. Wright's appearance at the National Press Club, including both the speech and the question and answer session afterwards, is available from the New York Times.
I should admit I made an error here. Many of the objectionable comments were actually lifted out of Rev. Wright's appearance at the NAACP. I didn't realize this until after I wrote and delivered the sermon. To be fair, that transcript is also available from CNN.
Senator Obama's speech where he denounces Rev. Wright is also available on YouTube in three parts.
Even with the added speech from the NAACP, I still stand by my points in my sermon. Namely, Freedom of the Pulpit and Freedom of the Pew allow for people of conscience to stay in relationship, to stay engaged.
Monday, September 15, 2008
Friday, September 05, 2008
The Practice of Happiness - Prologue
For the last service of the summer, in honor of Labor Day weekend, I chose to preach on the practice of happiness.
Our first reading was "Hay for Horses" by Gary Snyder (a taste of work and regret)
Our second reading was "So Much Happiness" by Naomi Shihab Nye (a celebration of all happiness)
Our third reading was "My Last Nail" by Don Kennington (a poignant picture of work, meaning, happiness, and sadness) [The earlier link will take you to the text if you scroll down. This link will take you to an audio of Don reading his poem, courtesy of one of my favorite podcasts, Morning Stories.]
The sermon itself was based mostly on the book, "Happier: Learn the Secrets of Daily Joy and Lasting Fulfillment" by Tal Ben-Shahar.
The service was recorded and should be available on-line soon (if it isn't already.)
Our first reading was "Hay for Horses" by Gary Snyder (a taste of work and regret)
Our second reading was "So Much Happiness" by Naomi Shihab Nye (a celebration of all happiness)
Our third reading was "My Last Nail" by Don Kennington (a poignant picture of work, meaning, happiness, and sadness) [The earlier link will take you to the text if you scroll down. This link will take you to an audio of Don reading his poem, courtesy of one of my favorite podcasts, Morning Stories.]
The sermon itself was based mostly on the book, "Happier: Learn the Secrets of Daily Joy and Lasting Fulfillment" by Tal Ben-Shahar.
The service was recorded and should be available on-line soon (if it isn't already.)
Sunday, August 17, 2008
You're a What? - Sermon Prologue
Many thanks to Jess Cullinan for graciously allowing me to use her post as a part of the sermon.
My old "elevator speech":
Unitarian Universalists believe everyone has the right to their own spiritual path
AND
the responsibility to help one another find those paths and live them with authenticity and integrity.
My new answers to the questions:
We’re a what?
We are Unitarian Universalists,
and we are saving lives, deepening our spirits,
healing the world,
and building the beloved community
we all hope, dream, and long for.
What do we believe?
We believe in people, ALL people.
We believe in freedom AND responsibility.
We believe in faith AND reason.l
We believe in the rights and the wisdom the individual (the still small voce within)
and in the larger whole to which we each belong (beyond our knowing.)
And we believe that learning to be comfortable
in the space between the apparent opposites
is the secret to peace on earth,
and good will towards all.
So… You’re a what?
We’re Unitarian Universalists.
What’s that?
It’s a religion I’m proud to be a part of.
It’s a faith that brings people together and inspires us to be better.
It’s a belief in the family of all living things, and a hope for a world made healthy and whole.
It’s my religious home, and I’d be happy to tell you why, what it means to me—if you’d like to know.
My old "elevator speech":
Unitarian Universalists believe everyone has the right to their own spiritual path
AND
the responsibility to help one another find those paths and live them with authenticity and integrity.
My new answers to the questions:
We’re a what?
We are Unitarian Universalists,
and we are saving lives, deepening our spirits,
healing the world,
and building the beloved community
we all hope, dream, and long for.
What do we believe?
We believe in people, ALL people.
We believe in freedom AND responsibility.
We believe in faith AND reason.l
We believe in the rights and the wisdom the individual (the still small voce within)
and in the larger whole to which we each belong (beyond our knowing.)
And we believe that learning to be comfortable
in the space between the apparent opposites
is the secret to peace on earth,
and good will towards all.
So… You’re a what?
We’re Unitarian Universalists.
What’s that?
It’s a religion I’m proud to be a part of.
It’s a faith that brings people together and inspires us to be better.
It’s a belief in the family of all living things, and a hope for a world made healthy and whole.
It’s my religious home, and I’d be happy to tell you why, what it means to me—if you’d like to know.
Friday, August 15, 2008
The Answers My Friends - Prologue
Between the subject of the last post, being on vacation for a long week, and the joy of re-entry, I haven't had a chance to post a prologue from the last service, this year's question box sermon.
Here are the questions I received along with some very, very short answers.
(In no particular order)
Q: Describe the idea UU community. To what extent does this community meet or fall short of this ideal?
A: A community that cares for one another, cares for the wider community through social justice work, and does the hard work of spiritual deepening. On top of that, they also have to be sharing the good news of our liberal faith--inviting people to join us along with welcoming those who find us. I think our community is better than average and considerably short of where it could be.
Q: Is it OK to torture in time of emergency and then return one's "core values" after the emergency has passed?
A: No.
Q: When dealing with grief on the death of a loved one, is there a way to find comfort as a Unitarian?
A: Yes. While other faiths offer comfort in the form of promises of an after-life, UUism offers comfort in two different ways.
1. Reminding us that all of us face such grief. None of us are alone.
2. Focusing on the life here and now. Celebrating the life and the memories of the ones we've loved.
(When I was dealing with grief, I found Bill Murry's book "A Faith for All Seasons" to be very helpful with these questions.)
Q: What regions of the country are you considering for a new position?
A: We've ruled out Australia.
Q: Jefferson & his fellow deists believed that God created rules of both physical and human nature, and that any human being by observing these rules, can see God's will revealed without the intermediation of churches, bibles, or ministers. Your views please?
A: Deists did not believe in a personified god. Transcendentalists believed one could find "truth" through direct experience.
I'm partial to transcendentalists. For more on the topic, check out our upcoming sermon series. ("Transcendentalism: Part or Parcel of God" on January 18th)
Q: Why aren't people more open to new experiences?
A: We aren't trained to notice the constant change that is life, so obvious changes make us nervous.
Q: What is the most entertaining thing you have done from the pulpit and how did it fit into the service (why did you do it?)
A: My juggling service preached at the UUSG while I was a ministerial intern. The service as called "The Tao of Juggling" and it was all about the concept of balance in life. Juggling was a great physical demonstration of the concept. It was a lot of fun.
Q: Why do gay, lesbians, and transgender groups seem to have a greater influence in UU churches then most other groups or subgroups? Could the UU church benefit from greater balance?
A: I don't accept the premise of the question and I'm afraid there's another less-pleasant question lurking beneath it.
(Balance is always good, though.)
Q: How does a community that prides itself on its embrace of diversity negotiate the conflicts that are bound to arise with grace and honesty?
A: With good intentions; open, honest communication, and ready forgiveness.
Q: What of the the role of ritual and ceremony in a spiritual life?
A: A spiritual life requires a certain amount of spiritual practice. Spiritual practice is an ongoing, repetitive thing. Rituals and ceremonies help us develop the necessary practices and encourage us to go to the deeper places within us.
Q: What do you plan on doing for the rest of your time here at First Church?
A: Doing what I've been doing as the Assistant Minister so far. Only instead of working on the hire-to-call process, now I'm working on the search process. I'm also trying to leave well and help with the transition to the new supporting minister as best I can.
Q: How do you calculate the circumference of a circle?
A: 2 pi r where r is the radius of the circle. (The answer was included on the card. I knew the answer without the help, but thank you.)
Q: How do we grow our UU congregations so we're counted as a "major" religion- or should we be striving for his anyway.
A: YES! We should move from the margins back to the forefront of religious leadership in this country. We do that two ways.
1. Stop being shy. Invite people to join us. Share our message. EVANGELIZE (it is only a dirty word if you do it wrong)
(We'll talk more about that at this weekend's service.)
2. Get out there and work to make our beliefs a reality.
Q: If Jesus was alive would he be on the ticket with Obama as Vice President? Would he accept the nominations?
A: No. No.
Q: Why doesn't everybody try to pitch in to stop global warming?
A: Denial is a very strong human trait. Personal sacrifice is a very difficult human choice.
Q: Will everything ever all be set right?
A: Depends on your definition. I have hope that things will be better. That's enough for me.
Q: Wonder what you or the UU opinion of sin against the self is or why you didn't mention it? (I find wicked self-criticism a real "dimmer" of my inner spirit. What do you think?)
A: I don't know if I'd call it a sin... and I think everyone suffers from those voices. I know I do. I think they are helpful only in so far as they inspire us to be better and horrible when they make us question or deny our own worth.
Q: How do you maintain hope and optimism in a world with so much tragedy and despair?
A: I try to make sure I get an equal dose of the blessings, joys, celebrations that life has to offer. I also look for instances of creative win-win scenarios. And if all of that isn't enough, I look at the kids in our UU congregations and realize their smarter and more spiritually grounded than I was when I was their age.
That's all for this year.
Here are the questions I received along with some very, very short answers.
(In no particular order)
Q: Describe the idea UU community. To what extent does this community meet or fall short of this ideal?
A: A community that cares for one another, cares for the wider community through social justice work, and does the hard work of spiritual deepening. On top of that, they also have to be sharing the good news of our liberal faith--inviting people to join us along with welcoming those who find us. I think our community is better than average and considerably short of where it could be.
Q: Is it OK to torture in time of emergency and then return one's "core values" after the emergency has passed?
A: No.
Q: When dealing with grief on the death of a loved one, is there a way to find comfort as a Unitarian?
A: Yes. While other faiths offer comfort in the form of promises of an after-life, UUism offers comfort in two different ways.
1. Reminding us that all of us face such grief. None of us are alone.
2. Focusing on the life here and now. Celebrating the life and the memories of the ones we've loved.
(When I was dealing with grief, I found Bill Murry's book "A Faith for All Seasons" to be very helpful with these questions.)
Q: What regions of the country are you considering for a new position?
A: We've ruled out Australia.
Q: Jefferson & his fellow deists believed that God created rules of both physical and human nature, and that any human being by observing these rules, can see God's will revealed without the intermediation of churches, bibles, or ministers. Your views please?
A: Deists did not believe in a personified god. Transcendentalists believed one could find "truth" through direct experience.
I'm partial to transcendentalists. For more on the topic, check out our upcoming sermon series. ("Transcendentalism: Part or Parcel of God" on January 18th)
Q: Why aren't people more open to new experiences?
A: We aren't trained to notice the constant change that is life, so obvious changes make us nervous.
Q: What is the most entertaining thing you have done from the pulpit and how did it fit into the service (why did you do it?)
A: My juggling service preached at the UUSG while I was a ministerial intern. The service as called "The Tao of Juggling" and it was all about the concept of balance in life. Juggling was a great physical demonstration of the concept. It was a lot of fun.
Q: Why do gay, lesbians, and transgender groups seem to have a greater influence in UU churches then most other groups or subgroups? Could the UU church benefit from greater balance?
A: I don't accept the premise of the question and I'm afraid there's another less-pleasant question lurking beneath it.
(Balance is always good, though.)
Q: How does a community that prides itself on its embrace of diversity negotiate the conflicts that are bound to arise with grace and honesty?
A: With good intentions; open, honest communication, and ready forgiveness.
Q: What of the the role of ritual and ceremony in a spiritual life?
A: A spiritual life requires a certain amount of spiritual practice. Spiritual practice is an ongoing, repetitive thing. Rituals and ceremonies help us develop the necessary practices and encourage us to go to the deeper places within us.
Q: What do you plan on doing for the rest of your time here at First Church?
A: Doing what I've been doing as the Assistant Minister so far. Only instead of working on the hire-to-call process, now I'm working on the search process. I'm also trying to leave well and help with the transition to the new supporting minister as best I can.
Q: How do you calculate the circumference of a circle?
A: 2 pi r where r is the radius of the circle. (The answer was included on the card. I knew the answer without the help, but thank you.)
Q: How do we grow our UU congregations so we're counted as a "major" religion- or should we be striving for his anyway.
A: YES! We should move from the margins back to the forefront of religious leadership in this country. We do that two ways.
1. Stop being shy. Invite people to join us. Share our message. EVANGELIZE (it is only a dirty word if you do it wrong)
(We'll talk more about that at this weekend's service.)
2. Get out there and work to make our beliefs a reality.
Q: If Jesus was alive would he be on the ticket with Obama as Vice President? Would he accept the nominations?
A: No. No.
Q: Why doesn't everybody try to pitch in to stop global warming?
A: Denial is a very strong human trait. Personal sacrifice is a very difficult human choice.
Q: Will everything ever all be set right?
A: Depends on your definition. I have hope that things will be better. That's enough for me.
Q: Wonder what you or the UU opinion of sin against the self is or why you didn't mention it? (I find wicked self-criticism a real "dimmer" of my inner spirit. What do you think?)
A: I don't know if I'd call it a sin... and I think everyone suffers from those voices. I know I do. I think they are helpful only in so far as they inspire us to be better and horrible when they make us question or deny our own worth.
Q: How do you maintain hope and optimism in a world with so much tragedy and despair?
A: I try to make sure I get an equal dose of the blessings, joys, celebrations that life has to offer. I also look for instances of creative win-win scenarios. And if all of that isn't enough, I look at the kids in our UU congregations and realize their smarter and more spiritually grounded than I was when I was their age.
That's all for this year.
Monday, July 28, 2008
Jester Hat Off for a Moment of Silence
I was going to write a post about today's question box sermon and today's river service.
Unfortunately, I find myself preoccupied with the tragedy in Knoxville, TN.
Our UU family is a small one.
A friend and colleague's mother is a member of that congregation and was there today.
A retired colleague I hold most dear was in attendance there this morning.
A member of my congregation has a cousin who is a leader at that congregation.
None of them were hurt. Seven others were. Two were killed (so far...)
I keep thinking of the man who put himself between the shooter and the children (and his family.)
And the people who placed themselves in front of the door to the nursery.
And the people who jumped on the shooter and subdued him.
I wonder if I would have been that brave. I wonder if I would have made that sacrifice.
I'd like to think I would.
I'd like to think, even more, that I will never have to...
...that no one should ever have to.
My other thoughts and feelings aren't worthy of repeating out loud or on the page.
The sermon prologue will wait.
Right now, there is grieving and tending to be done.
Unfortunately, I find myself preoccupied with the tragedy in Knoxville, TN.
Our UU family is a small one.
A friend and colleague's mother is a member of that congregation and was there today.
A retired colleague I hold most dear was in attendance there this morning.
A member of my congregation has a cousin who is a leader at that congregation.
None of them were hurt. Seven others were. Two were killed (so far...)
I keep thinking of the man who put himself between the shooter and the children (and his family.)
And the people who placed themselves in front of the door to the nursery.
And the people who jumped on the shooter and subdued him.
I wonder if I would have been that brave. I wonder if I would have made that sacrifice.
I'd like to think I would.
I'd like to think, even more, that I will never have to...
...that no one should ever have to.
My other thoughts and feelings aren't worthy of repeating out loud or on the page.
The sermon prologue will wait.
Right now, there is grieving and tending to be done.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Wisdom from the Idiot Box? - Prologue
This past weekend, I preached my annual geek sermon.
(Geek Sermon? Yes. I'm a geek. Once a year, I celebrate my geekiness with a sermon on some geeky facet of my life. A little self-indulgent, I admit-- but I think it's allowable on an annual basis. And the geeks in the congregation like it.)
Last year was on the topic of Super Heroes; this year, television.
I'd direct you to the podcast, but due to a miscommunication/misstep, the digital recording didn't work out. Sorry.
I will share the music (which was fantastic, thanks Alissa) that I can and the pieces of the service and sermon as best I can here.
Prelude - The Andy Griffith Theme
(about 75% of the people in the pews were whistling and snapping their fingers)
Reading - "29" by David Rakoff from This American Life - episode #328 "What I Learned From Television"
(highly edited for obvious reasons with some reading help from the worship associate)
Musical Interlude - "The Idiot Box" written and performed by Alissa Rhode
Sermon - "Wisdom from the Idiot Box?"
I used the following examples as good, meaningful, engaging television:
Mister Roger's Neighborhood Theme (which I sang, sort of, from the pulpit...)
Message from the Rev. Rogers to adult fans
Star Trek- "Let That Be Your Last Battlefield"
Buffy the Vampire Slayer - "The Body" (specifically Anya's anguished part)
The Daily Show and The Colbert Report
specifically Jon's monologue after 9/11 and his interview on Crossfire.
30 Days - specifically episode # ""
Offertory - The Laverne and Shirley Theme ("Making Our Dreams Come True") sung better by Alissa
Postlude - Mr. Roger's Neighborhood Theme
Next week: The 2nd annual Question Box Service
(Geek Sermon? Yes. I'm a geek. Once a year, I celebrate my geekiness with a sermon on some geeky facet of my life. A little self-indulgent, I admit-- but I think it's allowable on an annual basis. And the geeks in the congregation like it.)
Last year was on the topic of Super Heroes; this year, television.
I'd direct you to the podcast, but due to a miscommunication/misstep, the digital recording didn't work out. Sorry.
I will share the music (which was fantastic, thanks Alissa) that I can and the pieces of the service and sermon as best I can here.
Prelude - The Andy Griffith Theme
(about 75% of the people in the pews were whistling and snapping their fingers)
Reading - "29" by David Rakoff from This American Life - episode #328 "What I Learned From Television"
(highly edited for obvious reasons with some reading help from the worship associate)
Musical Interlude - "The Idiot Box" written and performed by Alissa Rhode
Sermon - "Wisdom from the Idiot Box?"
I used the following examples as good, meaningful, engaging television:
Mister Roger's Neighborhood Theme (which I sang, sort of, from the pulpit...)
Message from the Rev. Rogers to adult fans
Star Trek- "Let That Be Your Last Battlefield"
Buffy the Vampire Slayer - "The Body" (specifically Anya's anguished part)
The Daily Show and The Colbert Report
specifically Jon's monologue after 9/11 and his interview on Crossfire.
30 Days - specifically episode # ""
Offertory - The Laverne and Shirley Theme ("Making Our Dreams Come True") sung better by Alissa
Postlude - Mr. Roger's Neighborhood Theme
Next week: The 2nd annual Question Box Service
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
A Faithful Conversation Defined
This Sunday, I facilitated part two of a series of conversations on our faith, Unitarian Universalism.
This conversation followed the service with the dialogue sermon entitled "A Faithful Conversation About Evil".
(I was honored and greatly pleased to share the pulpit with Lori Hlaban. She is a wonderful colleague to collaborate with and the congregation seemed to enjoy her part of the dialogue. Lori also joined me for the class/conversation.)
What exactly is a Faithful Conversation?
Here is the definition I was working with...
1. It is about Faith
It is about our beliefs. It is about meaning. It has a spiritual depth to it.
2. It is in good faith
It is about learning about another person's beliefs, not converting them to yours.
It is about connecting, not challenging.
It is conducted with honesty and curiosity, not with duplicity and agendas.
3. It is a conversation
It is not a debate. It is not a lecture. It is a dialogue.
It is a mutual sharing that leads, if fortunate, to mutual learning-- and a deeper, more defined faith.
What does a Faithful Conversation look like?
This is the format I proposed for the session.
1. Pick a question to discuss. (What are your views on Evil?)
2. Person A answers the question while Person B listens.
3. When (A) is finished, (B) asks a question or two to invite (A) to go deeper or to further develop their answer.
4. (A) answers the questions as best they can (perhaps with a "I don't know-- I have to think about that.)
5. Trade places and repeat 1-4
6. After both parties have shared, questioned, and answered, ask and answer this question,
"How does this belief inform/affect how you live your life?" (or as my theology professor used to say, "So what?"
One of the class participants asked if "Faithful Conversation" was a phrase I had coined or if they would find it on Google.
I answered, honestly though erroneously, that I had coined it independently.
Turns out if you google it-- this blog shows up (if you put it in quotes), but there are plenty of other "Faithful Conversations" out there.
• The biggest presence is the book "Faithful Conversation: Christian Perspectives on Homosexuality."
While I haven't read it, the book seems to take on the topic in a way that fits my definition. A faithful conversation on that topic would be most welcome these days.
• A more relevant hit was the sermon "A Faithful Conversation" presented at the Thursday morning worship service of the 2007 General Assembly by Rob Eller-Isaacs. (If you are going to steal/copy/rip-off, might as well do it from the best, no?) Having not attended that service, I only have the summary to base my understanding on. It does seem as if he was calling for the same thing I am: more of us having these sort of conversations.
I think they are a part of our heritage that we've moved away from, abandoned even. I believe the world needs these kind of conversations. And I believe Unitarian Universalists are ideally suited to leading the way-- if we would start having the conversations with one another, we could then start having the conversations with those outside our faith tradition.
This conversation followed the service with the dialogue sermon entitled "A Faithful Conversation About Evil".
(I was honored and greatly pleased to share the pulpit with Lori Hlaban. She is a wonderful colleague to collaborate with and the congregation seemed to enjoy her part of the dialogue. Lori also joined me for the class/conversation.)
What exactly is a Faithful Conversation?
Here is the definition I was working with...
1. It is about Faith
It is about our beliefs. It is about meaning. It has a spiritual depth to it.
2. It is in good faith
It is about learning about another person's beliefs, not converting them to yours.
It is about connecting, not challenging.
It is conducted with honesty and curiosity, not with duplicity and agendas.
3. It is a conversation
It is not a debate. It is not a lecture. It is a dialogue.
It is a mutual sharing that leads, if fortunate, to mutual learning-- and a deeper, more defined faith.
What does a Faithful Conversation look like?
This is the format I proposed for the session.
1. Pick a question to discuss. (What are your views on Evil?)
2. Person A answers the question while Person B listens.
3. When (A) is finished, (B) asks a question or two to invite (A) to go deeper or to further develop their answer.
4. (A) answers the questions as best they can (perhaps with a "I don't know-- I have to think about that.)
5. Trade places and repeat 1-4
6. After both parties have shared, questioned, and answered, ask and answer this question,
"How does this belief inform/affect how you live your life?" (or as my theology professor used to say, "So what?"
One of the class participants asked if "Faithful Conversation" was a phrase I had coined or if they would find it on Google.
I answered, honestly though erroneously, that I had coined it independently.
Turns out if you google it-- this blog shows up (if you put it in quotes), but there are plenty of other "Faithful Conversations" out there.
• The biggest presence is the book "Faithful Conversation: Christian Perspectives on Homosexuality."
While I haven't read it, the book seems to take on the topic in a way that fits my definition. A faithful conversation on that topic would be most welcome these days.
• A more relevant hit was the sermon "A Faithful Conversation" presented at the Thursday morning worship service of the 2007 General Assembly by Rob Eller-Isaacs. (If you are going to steal/copy/rip-off, might as well do it from the best, no?) Having not attended that service, I only have the summary to base my understanding on. It does seem as if he was calling for the same thing I am: more of us having these sort of conversations.
I think they are a part of our heritage that we've moved away from, abandoned even. I believe the world needs these kind of conversations. And I believe Unitarian Universalists are ideally suited to leading the way-- if we would start having the conversations with one another, we could then start having the conversations with those outside our faith tradition.
Tuesday, July 08, 2008
A Conversation at Court
Court Leech: You know, fool, telling the truth isn't always the right thing to do.
Court Jester: How say you this?
Court Leech: Sometimes telling the truth be not in your best interest.
Court Jester: Too true, too true. But being a fool, I exist for those times.
Court Leech: Perhaps. Sometimes, telling the truth isn't in their best interest either.
Court Jester: And how is one to know those times?
Court Leech: There is rarely any knowing about it.
Court Jester: And so?
Court Leech: And so, the truth be a most dangerous thing. Have a care with it.
Court Jester: I shall treat it as if it were my very own.
Court Leech: Indeed.
Court Jester: How say you this?
Court Leech: Sometimes telling the truth be not in your best interest.
Court Jester: Too true, too true. But being a fool, I exist for those times.
Court Leech: Perhaps. Sometimes, telling the truth isn't in their best interest either.
Court Jester: And how is one to know those times?
Court Leech: There is rarely any knowing about it.
Court Jester: And so?
Court Leech: And so, the truth be a most dangerous thing. Have a care with it.
Court Jester: I shall treat it as if it were my very own.
Court Leech: Indeed.
Monday, July 07, 2008
A Faithful Conversation on Evil
I'm getting ready for this weekend's sermon.
It is part two in a sermon series I'm doing over the summer.
The title is "A Faithful Conversation on Evil".
Nothing like the word "evil" to get people's attention, eh?
Wanna know a secret?
It isn't really about evil.
Oh, we'll be talking about evil.
We? Yes, I said "we." I'll be preaching with my friend and colleague, Lori Hlaban.
(Wanna a preview? You can see us hanging out at GA--shortly after we planned out the sermon--on Dan Harpers blog.)
Anyway, we'll be having a conversation on evil in the pulpit.
But the service isn't really about evil.
It's about having a faithful conversation.
We're preaching through modeling. (Cool, eh?)
When was the last time you had an in-depth conversation with someone about what you believe?
However you answer, you should do it more often.
'Cause that's what we are supposed to be doing. That's what our religion is all about.
It is how we learn about each other and how we further develop our beliefs.
All that through conversation.
How cool is that?!?
Wanna know what I learned?
My concept of evil still has a huge hole in it.
(Actually, I already knew that. What I learned is that the hole is obvious to others, too.)
Gotta work on that.
Anyone have a decent explanation for people who do evil for the sheer joy of it?
By Sunday?
It is part two in a sermon series I'm doing over the summer.
The title is "A Faithful Conversation on Evil".
Nothing like the word "evil" to get people's attention, eh?
Wanna know a secret?
It isn't really about evil.
Oh, we'll be talking about evil.
We? Yes, I said "we." I'll be preaching with my friend and colleague, Lori Hlaban.
(Wanna a preview? You can see us hanging out at GA--shortly after we planned out the sermon--on Dan Harpers blog.)
Anyway, we'll be having a conversation on evil in the pulpit.
But the service isn't really about evil.
It's about having a faithful conversation.
We're preaching through modeling. (Cool, eh?)
When was the last time you had an in-depth conversation with someone about what you believe?
However you answer, you should do it more often.
'Cause that's what we are supposed to be doing. That's what our religion is all about.
It is how we learn about each other and how we further develop our beliefs.
All that through conversation.
How cool is that?!?
Wanna know what I learned?
My concept of evil still has a huge hole in it.
(Actually, I already knew that. What I learned is that the hole is obvious to others, too.)
Gotta work on that.
Anyone have a decent explanation for people who do evil for the sheer joy of it?
By Sunday?
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
Poetry Stop II
Another poem while we wait for Godot, courtesy of Panhala this morning.
Proverbios y Cantares XXIX by Antonio Machado
(translated by A. Trueblood)
Wayfarer, the only way
is your footsteps,
there is no other.
Wayfarer, there is no way,
you make the way by walking.
As you go, you make the way
and stopping to look behind,
you see the path that your feet
will never travel again.
Wayfarer, there is no way -
Only foam trails to the sea.
~ Antonio Machado ~
(Translated by A. Trueblood)
Proverbios y Cantares XXIX by Antonio Machado
(translated by A. Trueblood)
Wayfarer, the only way
is your footsteps,
there is no other.
Wayfarer, there is no way,
you make the way by walking.
As you go, you make the way
and stopping to look behind,
you see the path that your feet
will never travel again.
Wayfarer, there is no way -
Only foam trails to the sea.
~ Antonio Machado ~
(Translated by A. Trueblood)
Monday, June 30, 2008
UU-Jester's Poetry Stop
Well, hello there.
It's been a while.
Sorry about that.
The hat and bells were at the laundry, I'm afraid.
While we wait for them to dry, perhaps I could regale you with a poem.
This one has been on my mind a lot lately.
Riding Lesson by Henry Taylor
I learned two things
from an early riding teacher.
He held a nervous filly in one hand
and gestured with the other,
saying "Listen.
Keep one leg on one side,
the other leg on the other side,
and your mind in the middle."
He turned and mounted.
She took two steps,
then left the ground,
I thought for good.
But she came back down hard,
humped her back,
swallowed her neck,
and threw her rider as you'd throw a rock.
He rose, brushed his pants and caught his breath,
and said, "See that's the way to do it.
When you see they're gonna throw you,
get off."
It's been a while.
Sorry about that.
The hat and bells were at the laundry, I'm afraid.
While we wait for them to dry, perhaps I could regale you with a poem.
This one has been on my mind a lot lately.
Riding Lesson by Henry Taylor
I learned two things
from an early riding teacher.
He held a nervous filly in one hand
and gestured with the other,
saying "Listen.
Keep one leg on one side,
the other leg on the other side,
and your mind in the middle."
He turned and mounted.
She took two steps,
then left the ground,
I thought for good.
But she came back down hard,
humped her back,
swallowed her neck,
and threw her rider as you'd throw a rock.
He rose, brushed his pants and caught his breath,
and said, "See that's the way to do it.
When you see they're gonna throw you,
get off."
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