There are folks who speak about a “fourth wall” in worship. This is the invisible barrier between those of us on the chancel – the worship leaders and musicians – and the congregation in the sanctuary seats or with us online. Over time, I have enjoyed breaking that metaphorical wall and co-creating with you in the moment. We did that last Sunday. We co-authored a prayer together, which we playfully called a “Mad Libs” Prayer.Here are some of the words we shared with one another in the physical and virtual sanctuary: Spirit of Love, Healing, Compassion and Creation,May we find…

I'm writing to let you know that I have decided to retire from my ministry at First Unitarian this coming June. When I was called to this congregation back in 1995, little did I know I would go on to spend close to half of my life serving this community. Being your minister for these 31 years has been one of the great privileges of my life.  Why now? My plan had been to retire a year from now but some recent events have caused me to reevaluate that plan. Since last November I have been dealing with some loss…

An update about our Campaign for 2026In a time when so many congregations are struggling, we are blessed to co-create a vibrant, multigenerational church made up of people who are growing in spirit, community, and impact. In large part, we are able to do all we do together because of the generous support of all of you – the individuals and families who give of yourselves, your time, your talents, and your financial treasure. Thank you to all of you who have supported our community for a long time, all of you who are newer supporters, and all of you…

This week marks the beginning of Lent in the Christian tradition. Ash Wednesday begins a 40-day period leading up to Good Friday and Easter. It is a time of preparation, reflection and making space for what is coming. The making space part is especially speaking to me this year. I don't know about you but I find my own life full of checking email and looking at my Youtube feed. There’s a paradox here–I’m wanting space even as I all-too-frequently turn on my phone to check for updates when that desired spare moment comes. I long for space and yet…

There are several vital streams that nourish the spirit of our community, and music is certainly one of them. This is a pivotal time in our musical life together as we savor Garrett Bond’s last few months as our Interim Music Director and as we seek to find our next Music Director for 2026 – 2027. The Music Ministry Transition Team (Theo Harper, Ameena Amdahl-Mason, Holly Stern, Michael Murray, Richard Scher, Tom Disrud, Alison Miller) will be looking through the applications we have received so far beginning next week, so please do share the open position with people who might…

Beloveds, In this season of heartbreak and violence, we need ways that we can engage in service, advocacy, public witness, and community organizing. We also need ways that we can nourish our hearts, minds, and spirits. One way that we can attend to the latter is through time spent in nature. I am so grateful that this week while I am with ministerial colleagues for continuing education in New Mexico has included some time in one of the most moving landscapes in our country. The location is Ghost Ranch, the spot where Georgia O’Keeffe spent much of her life painting…

As we grapple with the state-sanctioned violence towards immigrants and citizens in our country, we offer a midweek meditation: the words of Isa Lopez from the Twin Cities. Isa is the 27-year-old child of Mexican immigrants and an indigenous poet, advocate, and organizer who shares that her life and art have been reshaped in the wake of being arrested by Federal agents last year and as she awaits trial in three months. Meditation written and delivered by Isa Lopez. Click to watch Isa share the poem on Instagram. (You don’t need an account to watch it.) Below is the full…

We are a community that takes turns stepping up and pitching in. The holiday events and services here provide great examples. Our facilities staff team and volunteers led by Jason Chapman work hard so our church buildings are festive, bright, and warm. Our hospitality staff team and volunteers led by Jen Thomas show up to create an atmosphere of welcome and good cheer. Our worship staff and volunteers plan rituals, music, and messages to lift all our spirits. Our admin & operations staff and volunteers make sure our communications and tech support all the above. We are blessed by the…

We give thanks for the simple joys that find us in December. They beckon to us like the doors of an advent calendar waiting to be opened. For special days that help us mark the passing of time For old traditions we enjoy and anticipate  For new traditions that feel right For a reason to reach out to friends and family For memories of beloveds who are gone For the gift of people’s time  For love that softens our jagged edges For love that sharpens our call to be just For challenges that lead us to grow For a sense…

Thank you for showing up for our neighbors at the Interfaith Witness at ICE yesterday. There were 175 people present at this kick-off event.  (Check out the photos below.) When I say thank you for showing up, I mean all of you who: Made it to the action on Macadam. We estimate 100 of the attendees were from First Unitarian! Dropped a pebble with your prayers in the bowls in our Narthex on Sunday. We brought all of them with us. Surrounded us with your prayers on that day. Support our congregation with regular contributions. Your financial contributions allow us…