In this country people often speak of “The Thanksgiving Story.” But in reality there are two stories: the one of what actually happened and the one most of us have been taught. In between are many steps. Can we learn a better way of understanding our heritage? Is it possible to do that and still … Continue reading “Changing Stories: An All Ages Service”
Let’s face it. No matter how much we want some change, all of us resist change as well. When change overwhelms us and upends our lives, how can we anchor ourselves to respond? How can we be open to transformation, which is different from change? Change is the theme for November. Attend In person or … Continue reading “Change and Transformation”
At this time of year it is fitting to remember our losses. Grieving can be hard, but it is part of living wholly. Let us take the time to honor individuals we have lost from our lives, not only to death but to the changing circumstances of life. If there is someone you would like … Continue reading Service of Remembrance
No matter our age, we all need the courage to face what we fear. Our service will include a folk tale for all ages and some fun music. Everyone is invited to come in costume (though of course, it’s not required). And you are encouraged to bring carved jack-o-lanterns with battery operated candles … Continue reading “The Monster that Grew Small”
When life grows chaotic, how do we gather the courage to do what we can to help turn it toward justice? How do we embrace a world that is so troubled? Albert Camus, Sikh poet Valerie Kaur, and Professor of Religion and African American Critical Thought Cornel West, offer some guidance. One thing is for … Continue reading “Invincible Summer: The Courage to Act “
Changes in congregational life in America over the past few years, particularly with the pandemic, mean that all of us face challenges now and, we hope, transformations in the future. We are truly in a liminal time. How do we make sense of those changes in light of all that we love in our congregations, … Continue reading “Church of Today, Church of Tomorrow”
Rev. Claire Donaldson is a long-time member and Deacon of First Church in Salem, UU. Claire graduated from Boston University School of Theology in 2009 and has worked as a chaplain and recreation therapist in a variety of healthcare settings. She currently works with rehab and long-term care residents at Advinia Care in Salem. Claire … Continue reading “Friends and Family, Love and Justice”
The title of this week’s sermon turns on the two meanings of “tears”: the tears we shed upon feeling hurt or regret and the rips we must mend in human relatedness. During this time of the Jewish High Holy Days, when one of the world’s great religious traditions reminds us of the place of atonement … Continue reading “Shedding Tears, Mending Tears”
This morning we will officially re-dedicate our renovated church. It’s a time of gratitude for a goal realized, but also a moment for committing again to our purpose as a religious people going forward in such a time as this. Our building offers a storied and beautiful home for a people belonging to a tradition … Continue reading “All That Is Loving and Wide-Reaching”: Service of Building Re-dedication
We know that we human beings long to belong to groups, tribes, nations, something larger than ourselves. Current science suggests the very circuitry of our brains is wired for it. But so often the ways we seek it prove hollow and unsatisfying, for what Bene Brown calls “true belonging” is something quite different from “fitting … Continue reading “To Belong Everywhere”
