Category Archives: From the Ministers Desk

From the Minister’s Desk — August 2021

At Dave’s family reunion  in July, I found myself in conversation with a young relative about the apparent gender transition of a cousin of his generation. How do we witness and bless such major life events when so many people … Continue reading

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From the Minister’s Desk–July 2021

A few days ago, Congress established June 19 as a federal holiday – Juneteenth – to commemorate the date, June 19, 1865, when slaves in Texas were officially notified that they were now free, two years after President Lincoln issued … Continue reading

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From the Minister’s Desk — June 2021

Emergence! It looks like we are finally beginning to emerge from the depths of the pandemic. The White House announced that 50% of adults have been vaccinated. Case numbers  are down. What has your life been like these last fifteen … Continue reading

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From the Minister’s Desk — May 2021

According to the Pew Research Center, the percentage of American adults describing themselves as Christians dropped from 77% to 65% in the last decade, and the percentage religiously unaffiliated increased from 17% to 26%.  What are we to make of … Continue reading

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From the Minister’s Desk — April 2021

It’s been quite a March. Beware the Ides! Celebrate Women’s History. Enjoy your Irish roots– real or purely fictional. Passover brings its stories and symbolic meals to families in small pandemic pods. Appreciate the signs of spring – I’ve had … Continue reading

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From the Minister’s Desk — March 2021

If it’s March you know that spring will be here by the end of the month, though this may be a winter that grandchildren will hear about in fifty years. The impeachment trial is over, and anyone with a half … Continue reading

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From the Minister’s Desk — February 2021

Uncertainty.  That’s what’s on my mind. When I preached on January 3, it was less than two weeks ago on my calendar (writing, January 14) , a month ago from your viewpoint (reading the February Sojourner), and centuries from the … Continue reading

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From the Minister’s Desk–January 2021

Are you glad 2020 is over? I sure am. I hope we don’t have another year like that again – ever. Let’s do better in 2021. Democracy has survived, but was threatened as never before in our lifetimes. The pandemic … Continue reading

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Sunday Sermon – Hubris and Humility – November 22nd, 2020

Sermon       Hubris and Humility         In case you were concerned, I am not actually advocating that we forego a turkey dinner on ‘Thursday in favor of fasting and prayer.  I don’t think I’d get very far if did.  But … Continue reading

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From the Minister’s Desk — December 2020

December already. Early evenings, cold nights, a raging pandemic. Christmas is coming, and Hannukah and New Year’s.  The prospect of bittersweet holidays, staying apart from loved ones now, so that we can be alive and together another year, when we eventually … Continue reading

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