Although Hanukkah does not begin until sundown on Dec 18, it seems important to honor its promise and its beauty this year when anti-Semitic hate speech and violence have risen dramatically. What is the story of identity and struggle beneath Hanukkah that makes it different from the winter holy days of Christian and northern Celtic … Continue reading “The Wonder and Courage of Hanukkah”
Biologist and nature writer Rachel Carson suggested, “One way to open your eyes is to ask yourself, “What if I had never seen this before? What if I knew I would never see it again?” Today we’ll reflect, and hopefully celebrate, how important it is to remember the wonder of being here, alive on this earth, … Continue reading “Learning to Be Astonished”
Search Committee members will lead our November 27 service titled: Zen and The Art of Ministerial Searching. The inspiration came from Search Committee member Nat Carpenter who did a chalice lighting at the beginning of one of our meetings recently. While Robert Pirsig’s book Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, was Nat’s muse, Nat is … Continue reading “Zen and The Art of Ministerial Searching”
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”
