When I was in college, at a small state school in North Carolina, legislators in my home state were in the throes of waging a long campaign against voter participation, targeting students, among other groups. With Voter ID laws being passed and struck down in … read more.
Before moving to Portland, I had been here only once. In the summer of 2015, I was an intern at the UUA Side With Love offices in Washington, DC, and we had business in Portland because our denomination’s General Assembly was here. As always, I … read more.
“View from the back of a train window, somewhere east of Salt Lake City“
For our Staying Connected this week, I just want to offer a word of thanks to you all.
This past Sunday, I preached on “Learning to be a Guest” both as a spiritual … read more.
If you’ve spent any time with me in the past week, you may have heard that I just began a membership at a community pottery studio in my neighborhood. I’m over the moon about it! I took a couple of classes last year, and am … read more.
A photo of pink water lilies in a pond. It reminds me of a Buddhist metaphor for the heart that can hold both compassion and wisdom.
This past weekend, I had the privilege of attending a meditation retreat at Great Vow Zen Monastery with a guest … read more.
Sometimes, in group meetings, we have a check-in where we ask each other “What are you carrying with you? Is there anything you are setting aside to be present with us?”
Sometimes, I’m ready to be vulnerable, and choose to share quite openly about a few … read more.
“the entryway to our community house, littered with shoes and jackets, a place of welcome.”
This weekend, I have been given a taste of spiritual renewal. I have been reminded of the power of human connection as we work to build a better world. I want … read more.
It was recently pointed out to me that this week marks the beginning of my fourth month as Intern Minister here at First Unitarian Church. Wow! In some ways it feels like time has been flying, like I’m still really new here and am just … read more.
Henry David Thoreau Cabin
Last week, I learned about this company that offers secluded rentals of tiny cabins, where you can escape from the bustle of city life for a nearly monastic retreat. Somewhat in the genre of Airbnb, the simple one-room properties even come with … read more.
This weekend, my housemate got word of a neighbor in distress. Her yard, driveway, and sidewalk were being overtaken by great lavender bushes! So, we pulled together a rescue squad, armed with garden shears and cotton bags, to liberate as many of the little purple … read more.
