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Body Repair

Our bodies, all different and with different abilities, sometimes need attention and repair. Medical attention, body and energy therapies, mental health work, devices that make things more accessible, and spiritual practices can all help us attend to the necessary repair of our bodies. How can you attend to the repair of your body today?
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Beacon Behind the Books: Meet Salvatore Ambrosino, Digital and Social Media Intern

Publishing has been my opportunity to participate in a cause which best puts to use the skills I acquired throughout college.
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Dear Ms. Pelosi

Having opened my mail to a headline that made me literally cry out, “Oh, god, no!,” I just sent this to my Congresswoman. Dear Ms. Pelosi, I am extremely distressed that you are running for re-election. We have effectively been deprived of one of our senators for several years; Kentucky is now in the same […]
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“Social Movements and Congregational Responses”

The Congregational Consulting Group blog has a new post by David Brubaker titled “Social Movements and Congregational Responses”: “Congregations [in the U.S.] often experience conflict in response to social movements in the world around them. Since World War II, movements regarding civil rights, the war in Vietnam, the ordination of women, and human sexuality—each vitally … Continue reading "“Social Movements and Congregational Responses”"
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The Power of Welcome

One of the benefits of being an editor for these reflections is that I get to see what everyone is writing before they are published. Earlier this week, Jenn Yi wrote something that really struck deeply within me. In Jenn’s … Continue reading →
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On Board Last Cruise of the Lady Elgin

The Lady Elgin at dock. When folks think of shipwrecks and maritime disasters, their thoughts turn to the Titanic and other famous sinkings on the briny deep.  But in fact, the disasters with the most loss of life have occurred on our inland water ways.  By far the heaviest loss of life was on the riverboat Sultana overloaded with former Yankee prisoners recently liberated from Rebel prisons.  The ship’s boilers exploded in April 1865 near Helena, Arkansas killing over 1,800. Even ships at dock have not been safe.  In 1915 the Eastland , a passenger steamer out of Chicago, rolled over at her moorage when passengers, Western Electric employees on a day excursion, rushed to the dock side to wave goodbye to family and friends.  844 w...
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Prayer for Refuge with Ourselves

A Prayer for Refuge with Ourselves Beloved, when we are anxious, frightened, weary, angry, confused, and alienated from our sense of being whole, of belonging, or of being enough, may we pause and breathe, creating spaciousness with you. May we create spaciousness that can be a refuge, a place to...
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Hot weather

After a summer that’s been cool and rainy, it’s going to be hot all week here in Massachusetts. Records are going to get broken. Some local school districts are worried, because of course schools aren’t air conditioned in Massachusetts. We never used to need air conditioning in September. In other news, clean up continues in … Continue reading "Hot weather"
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Roses, acrylic version

I have finished this painting, or rather, I’ve stopped working on it. It’s not totally unsatisfying, but I couldn’t get the precision either of line or of color with acrylic paint. Joy and I went to the Kehinde Wiley exhibit at the De Young today, and aside from the beauty and gut-punching power of his […]
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Findhorn Foundation closes educational programmes

After 50 years of serving the community, the Findhorn Foundation announces it will cease educational operations by the end of September 2023. Continue reading Findhorn Foundation closes educational programmes at The Wild Hunt.
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Doing, Doing, Doing

My dad was practically addicted to home repair.  Squeaky door? Done — fixed!  Special table built into the wall by the phone? Built and installed!  I so admired this about my dad; and it also meant that he was in a constant state of doing, doing, doing. Having conversations with my dad were difficult, as … Continue reading Doing, Doing, Doing
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Faith Formation

I recently asked some of our families what brought them to the fellowship. Some of their answers were, “I was looking for a community that held my values,” “We were looking for a progressive religious community in which our daughter, Kristi, could find community, values, acceptance, tradition, knowledge of traditions,” “I wanted my kids to […]
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Welcome–Open Arms

Bob and I share this amazing gift…  We are stackers! You show us a flat surface and we will fill it. Our stacks at home include the following:  What are our UU stacks? What piles of faith do we protect? … Continue reading →
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Everett Dirksen—A Touch of Nostalgia for When Republicans Were Not All Crooks and Madmen

  The maxim says, “a dead fish rots from the head down.”   Case in point, the Orange Menace and former Resident of the United States, his cabinet and other appointees, the GOP in Congress—most noticeably Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell—and a slew of Red State governors .   Corruption, venality, bigotry leavened with incompetence and willful ignorance.   As many have noted it’s not your father’s Republican Party.   But…</span> Those of us of a certain age remember when Republicans were stodgy and conservative but generally not crooks, or madmen.   I never thought I would say that I miss those guys. A good way to see just how far the modern Republican Party has gone off the rails is to review the career of Illino...
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New dust collector

Yesterday we installed a new dust collector at ESSA with the intention of improving the noise level and teaching environment. It's made by Harvey and has a low profile, fitting neatly between table saws, and at a height low enough that materials can pass over.  I'm preparing for a class at ESSA on building small cabinets, that begins on Monday. Make, fix and create... Assist others in learning likewise.
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let there be legs

I've made a few walnut legs to fit to boxes. They are easy to make and assemble, and can be shaped using the band saw, scroll saw and sanding to a variety of interesting shapes. My book, Designing Boxes is now in the editing stage, and an illustrator has been assigned to take my drawings to a more refined state. On editing, I'm grateful to be working with Peter Chapman, former director of Taunton Books, and with whom I've worked before. To make the legs, I simply cut a miter down one side of a piece of walnut, then cut it into lengths. I tape the mitered edges together with glue and then after the glue dries, I had a reinforcement piece that also serves as a place upon which the box rests as the legs are attached. Today I'll assist with ...
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Margate in colour . . .

Taken with a Fuji X100V using Øyvind Nordhagen’s Kodak Ektar 100 Recipe   Just click on any photo to enlarge it.
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“Be the change that we desperately need” – Fighting for Freedom at Parliament

Pagan leaders from various traditions gathered on the shores of Lake Michigan during Parliament for a ritual to empower the fight for freedom. Continue reading “Be the change that we desperately need” – Fighting for Freedom at Parliament at The Wild Hunt.
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Essential Guiding Principles for When the Light Goes On

By Mike Rose | Educational opportunity depends on more than what happens within the schoolhouse. Employment, housing, food security, healthcare, safe streets—these are the social and economic issues that significantly affect how children do in school. They are the core problems in the community where I grew up, and in the many communities in our country that bear resemblance to South Central Los Angeles.
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Future Generations

There is an old wisdom story about an elderly person who plants fruit tree saplings. When asked why they are planting trees that they will never see bear fruit, they reply that they are doing it for the next generation, who will be able to reap the fruit and have enough to eat. What are … Continue reading Future Generations
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The Culture Shift Tool

The Culture Shift Tool A new blog post by Erin Horvath and Amber Bellemare Coming Thursday, September 21 The post The Culture Shift Tool first appeared on Canadian Unitarian Council Conseil unitarien du Canada. The post The Culture Shift Tool appeared first on Canadian Unitarian Council Conseil unitarien du Canada.
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The History and Purpose of the Responsibility Covenant

The History and Purpose of the Responsibility Covenant A new blog post by Erin Horvath and Amber Bellemare Coming Thursday, September 14 The post The History and Purpose of the Responsibility Covenant first appeared on Canadian Unitarian Council Conseil unitarien du Canada. The post The History and Purpose of the Responsibility Covenant appeared first on Canadian Unitarian Council Conseil unitarien du Canada.
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Unitarian Universalists Kick Off the New Congregational Year with Ingathering: Rev. Dr. Sofía Betancourt offers words of inspiration, support, and shared values for the new year in her first Ingathering video

Rev. Dr. Sofía Betancourt, the newly-elected president of the Unitarian Universalist Association offered words of inspiration, support, and shared values to congregations throughout the country as UUs celebrate Ingathering this month. Continue reading "Unitarian Universalists Kick Off the New Congregational Year with Ingathering: Rev. Dr. Sofía Betancourt offers words of inspiration, support, and shared values for the new year in her first Ingathering video"
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Welcome as Sacred Exchange

There is a small group of individuals who take up a most important task each week on Sunday mornings at UUCG. They are our Greeters. We have outside greeters who are in the parking lot. We have inside greeters just … Continue reading →
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Enoughness

DanaLee Simon Self-compassion was one of the best gifts I gave myself. Continue reading "Enoughness"
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Visiting Eastern Europe’s Grassroots Frontline Responders: Listening to Impacted Communities

Part one in a series examining the work and impact of UUSC’s partners in Eastern Europe.
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Yearning For Wildness

I’m one of the most order-obsessed people I know, but I’m yearning for wildness. Because the roots of the wild are still very much in us, and the wolf and the dog both howl at the moon.
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The Bloody Bow of Intercollegiate Football

A Rutgers student later painted this imagined view of the first official college football game. According to historians of American sports the first official college football season got underway on November 6, 1869 when teams from Rutgers College, now Rutgers University, and the College of New Jersey , now Princeton University, got together on the Rutgers campus for a rough and tumble game of football which was sanctioned and approved by both colleges.   It was a short season.   The next game was played by the same teams at Princeton one week later.   Season over.   Just two teams and two games. The Queensmen of Rutgers won the first game by a score of 6-4 but the New Jersey Tigers came back in the re-match to win 8-0.   The anal re...
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Wednesday Photo(s): Margate in black and white

 Taken with a Fuji X100V using Anders Lindborg and John Sevigny’s Kodak T-Max P3200 recipe Just click on any photo to enlarge it
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September Theme: Sources of Inspiration

As Unitarian Universalists, we affirm that inspiration can come from the laughter of a child, the beauty of a forest, some of life’s challenges, meaningful conversations, an experience of the Holy, traditions in our family, music, and/or in the lines of a poem. What inspires ... read more . The post September Theme: Sources of Inspiration appeared first on Unitarian Universalist Society of Schenectady.
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Co-Ministers’ Colloquy – Sept. 5th

Fall doesn’t technically come for a couple of weeks yet but the trees are already starting to change color in our neighborhood. The light is also beginning to change as the sun rises a little later and sets a little earlier and a little lower. ... read more . The post Co-Ministers’ Colloquy – Sept. 5th appeared first on Unitarian Universalist Society of Schenectady.
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Reflecting on Blogging for Seventeen Years as Monkey Mind

              It was today, the 5th of September, at 12:53pm (Eastern time), 2006, that I put up my very first blog post. It was a Gary Snyder poem. Lew Welch jut turned up one day,live as you and me. “Damn, Lew” I said,“you didn’t shoot yourself after all.”“Yes I […]
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Sunday, September 10 ~ Water Communion Ingathering ~ 10:30 a.m.

Sunday, September 10 Water Communion Ingathering Honor the waters that touch our lives: rivers, oceans, lakes, and tears of joy and sorrow. In this family worship service we will celebrate our coming together after the summer months. Bring water from a source that you visited this summer or find sacred and together we will create a   [ … ] The post Sunday, September 10 ~ Water Communion Ingathering ~ 10:30 a.m. appeared first on Unitarian Church of Marlborough and Hudson.
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Broken

We all experience brokenness in one way or another. Sometimes, what is broken can be repaired. Sometimes that repair takes some expertise. And sometimes, what is broken needs to stay broken and we need to find a way around the brokenness. How have you experienced brokenness?
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Pagan Community Notes: Week of September 4, 2023

In this week's Pagan Community Notes, an Evangelical group crashes Cleveland Pagan Pride, Jupiter enters retrograde, leatherback turtles and Pagan announcements and events. Continue reading Pagan Community Notes: Week of September 4, 2023 at The Wild Hunt.
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How to form a Labor Union

A Labor Sunday sermon devoted to that ever important subject, "how to form a labor union." The post How to form a Labor Union appeared first on Colin Bossen.
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How Can We Welcome Ourselves?

You are welcome here. You are home. We begin every service with a version of this sentiment, and this reassurance every week is a powerful one to me. It says, “we will take you into our hearts with open arms … Continue reading →
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Reality poised to strike

Yesterday at this time, I'd boarded my flight home from Atlanta, and was ready for takeoff. The Atlanta airport is believed to be the busiest in the US with more traffic even than LAX in Los Angeles or JFK in New York. Today I'm sitting on my front porch. Rosie has a stick to chew. A gentle breeze is passing through the trees and it looks like it might rain. I had a curious ride from the Woodcraft Store in Alpharetta, Georgia to the Springhill Suites at the Atlanta airport where I spent the night prior to my flight. The driver was talkative as he wove in and out of lanes, telling me that if they were to attach an alternator to each wheel of the car, it would need neither a battery nor engine, as the power for propulsion would be provided...
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George Eastman Created Kodak Moment Memories by the Million

                              Young George Eastman around 1880. Until George Eastman came along photography was a cumbersome process with bulky equipment which required as much skill at chemistry as on focusing the lens .   It was reserved for professionals and very wealthy amateur dilettantes .   Although the process fascinated the public, each individual print image was expensive.   An individual or family might sit once or twice in their lifetimes for a stiff portrait which became an instant priceless family heirloom .   Eastman changed all of that on September 4, 1888 when he was granted a patent for a box camera that used the revolutionary roll film that he had developed and patented in 1884.   The same day he...
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Happy Labor Day

Labor Day has come again — at least, the United States version of Labor Day. Everywhere else in the world, Labor Day is celebrated on May 1. But not in the United States. May 1, 1886, was the date of a general strike throughout the United States for the right to an eight hour day: … Continue reading "Happy Labor Day"
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Apt Labor Day activity

I have lived 20 years in the Bay Area and 13 in San Francisco, all of them as a leftist, without seeing a performance of the San Francisco Mime Troupe. Until today! We went to Dolores Park to see their Labor Day performance, and enjoyed a packed lunch, the always-gorgeous weather of these three square […]
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Fix Your Face

There are moments, when I’m in a Zoom meeting especially, when I cannot help but express my feelings on my face. Sometimes those are not things I wanted other people to see. I have been told in private chats to “fix my face,” and yet, sometimes expressing those things is healthier than bottling them up. … Continue reading Fix Your Face
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Welcome to the Work

I want to love the world. I really, truly do. But it’s hard, you know? There is so much division, exclusion, judgement… Where do we begin doing the work of welcoming that honors our interconnectedness and the understanding that our … Continue reading →
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Be. Here. Now.

Sunday, September 10 is Homecoming Sunday, and we’re ready to welcome you back with a fun day of fellowship, free hotdogs (while they last) and a message on this month’s theme of Faith from Rev. Marlin Lavanhar. In advance of Homecoming Sunday in 2019, Rev. Lavanhar wrote: It seems as if humanity is at a spiritual crossroads in which one fork leads to more fear and division and the other leads to more love and greater cooperation. In an effort to grow love and cooperation All Souls has discovered that in a pluralistic society different spiritual languages and styles of […] The post Be. Here. Now. appeared first on BeyondBelief.
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U.S. Labor Day is a Consolation Prize Working Class Holiday

Classic American Labor Day image--flag waving but inclusive. Note —This is an updated version of an almost annual holiday blog post. Today is officially Labor Day in the United States, a Federal Holiday celebrated on the first Monday of September since 1894.   For most people it is just the last hurrah of summer, an occasion for one last cookout and the gateway to fall and football season.   In most cities and towns, the labor movement is not even perfunctorily acknowledged.   The press mostly uses the occasion to annually either write the obituary of unions or to denounce them as powerful and greedy bullies, depending on the political inclination of the outlet. While most of us working schlumps are grateful for the day off (if we g...
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Nobody Wants Your Sh*t: a grateful review

A few months ago, one of my audiobook apps suggested the book Nobody Wants Your Sh*t: The American Art of Decluttering Before You Die. The author, who calls her(?)self Messie Condo, is very funny, straight-shooting, and potty-mouthed. I really enjoyed it, and she has already had a significant effect on my approach to, well, my […]
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Labor Day weekend

Carol and I have been doing as little as possible over this holiday weekend. We talked about driving somewhere, but driving is always a nightmare on Labor Day weekend. So, we’ve been sleeping late and doing some desultory housecleaning. And I took a couple of walks at nearby conservation areas. On Friday, I went to … Continue reading "Labor Day weekend"
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Homeward

I had a great class with the Woodworkers Guild of Georgia and will be headed home in the morning.  I ws too busy to take photos Make, fix and create... Assist others in learning likewise.
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The repatriation and grisly history of the Smithsonian’s ‘racial brain’ collection

The Smithsonian Institution will begin repatriating a collection of human brains collected unethically and with the intent of proving white superiority. Continue reading The repatriation and grisly history of the Smithsonian’s ‘racial brain’ collection at The Wild Hunt.
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Sorry

Sometimes, what is needed to begin the repair of a relationship is a true apology. An apology that admits that one did wrong and that seeks to heal the harm done. An apology that makes it clear that one understands how to do better next time. When have you experienced the power of an apology?
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Bee City Los Alamos

What is a Bee City? Why become a Bee City? What does it take for Los Alamos to become one? What are some of the common concerns? Contrary to popular news media hype about declining bee population from colony collapse syndrome, honey bees, which are introduced from Europe, are not in danger of extinction, but some of our native bees are. To say we need to “save the bees” by raising more honey bees is like saying we need to save bald eagles from extinction by raising more chickens. What can we do to help save our native bees? Come find out more.
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Stops Along the Way

Advocates of the slow travel movement seek out opportunities to add thematically inspired stops to their journeys. House of Rain by Craig Childs tracks the dispersion of the Chaco civilization across the southwest. Ancient Ruins and Rock Art of the Southwest by David Grant Noble provides a guide to archaeological sites. These books inspired and directed my side trips to some very interesting Native American sites in 2023.
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Weekly Bread #238

I spent part of the last week in Yosemite. The picture above is from the trail around Mirror Lake and has a partial side view of the iconic Half Dome. It looks different depending on the angle and where you are standing. It also depends on who you are in that moment. As a child, […]
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The Working Class Virtue of Solidarity—Revisiting a Murfin Rant

Note:   It was my privilege to be asked to speak—and to host one year—from 2015 to 2019 at the annual Labor Day Event on Woodstock Square sponsored by McHenry County Progressives.   Today we will look back at the meat of my talk in 2016—a Presidential election year that turned out to have disastrous results.   Specifics about that race are now dated, but the themes they represent remain.   My remarks on the working class virtue of solidarity were adapted from earlier material, including one of my Labor Day sermons at the old Congregational Unitarian Church in Woodstock. The Old Man explaining the Working Class Virtue of Solidarity at the 2016 Labor Day event in Woodstock Square. We gathered here last year [2015] for the first t...
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On the Road to The Goddess Speaks: One Witch’s Experience

My talks with Gaia and our walks about her territory on a regular basis inspired me, terrified me, and reminded me that our Earth, our planet, is a precious gift that many, myself included, take for granted far too often. Continue reading On the Road to The Goddess Speaks: One Witch’s Experience at The Wild Hunt.
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Healing the Earth

Humans have harmed the planet and disrupted the ecosystems in which we live. And yet, repair of our planet is possible, since living systems are able to heal if we let them. How can you contribute to healing our planet today?
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All Ages Worship (3 September 2023)

Please join us on Sunday (3 September 2023) at 11:00 AM for “From You I Receive” by Rev. Barbara Jarrell.  Members of the All Souls Choir will sing. We will be meeting in the sanctuary for this worship service.  Please join us in person at All Souls Unitarian Universalist Church, 9449 Ellerbe Road, Shreveport LA  … Continue reading "All Ages Worship (3 September 2023)"
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Backpack Charms — Summer Activities for Children and Youth (3 September 2023)

During the summer, our children and youth participate in various fun artistic and creative activities. On this Sunday, the children and youth will make backpack charms to be given out next Sunday at our Blessing of the Backpacks (which will also be the first Sunday of the 2023-24 Religious Education year at All Souls).
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Online and In-Person Adult Religious Education — 3 September 2023

Please join us on Sunday (3 September 2023) for our adult religious education class at 9:00 AM. Our adult religious education class is now a dual-platform class — meeting in person in the church social hall and also on Zoom. We will be discussing an article by Washington Post columnist Christine Emba — “Men Are … Continue reading "Online and In-Person Adult Religious Education — 3 September 2023"
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Building and Grounds Work Day (Saturday, 9 September 2023)

We will have our monthly building and ground work day on Saturday (9 September 2023) from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. We will have tasks for all ages and abilities — indoor and outside. Check back on our website and our Facebook page for additional details as we get closer to 9 September 2023.
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Compassion for Lives — September 2023 Give-Away-The-Plate Recipient

Each month we dedicate all of our non-pledge income to an organization doing the work that best embodies our Unitarian Universalist principles and values. For the month of September 2023, we choose Compassion for Lives. Compassion for Lives is an organization dedicated to helping individuals reintegrate into the community after incarceration. They also work with … Continue reading "Compassion for Lives — September 2023 Give-Away-The-Plate Recipient"
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Noting the 50th Anniversary of J.R.R. Tolkien’s Death

                                      John Ronald Reuel Tolkien died on this day, the 2nd of September, 1973. He was 81. Today at the Birmingham Oratory, the church where he recieved his first communion and confirmation in 1903, celebrated a requiem […]
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Orchard Learning

Our semi-dwarf apple tree is bearing fruit for the first time this year, and we are excited for the dozen or so apples that will be ripe soon. How naive I was when I first decided to plant an orchard in our back yard. We started with two dwarf cherry trees in 2017, of the […]
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Meditation with Larry Androes (2 September 2023)

Please join us on Saturday (2 September 2023) at 10:30 AM for our weekly meditation group with Larry Androes. This group will be meeting via Zoom and not in person. This is a sitting Buddhist meditation including a brief introduction to mindfulness meditation, 20 minutes of sitting, and followed by a weekly teaching. The group … Continue reading "Meditation with Larry Androes (2 September 2023)"
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A gentle call to adopt Imaoka Shin’ichirō’s creative, free spirituality found in his “Creed of Life”

東京帰一教會 Tokyo Unitarian Church 日本自由宗教連盟所属 Affiliated with the Japan Free Religion Association A short  “ thought for the day” was offered to the Cambridge Unitarian Church as part of the Sunday Service of Mindful   Meditation.   (Click on this link to hear a recorded version of the following piece)   —o0o— So, greetings to you all, especially if you are reading or listening to “Making Footprints not Blueprints” for the first time here at the start of Series 7. It’s particularly important to begin the thought for the day which follows with a brief note for those of you who will read or listen to this without knowing first-hand the context in which it was offered. This context is vitally im...
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The Formal Surrender of Japan Put a Period on World War II

General Douglas MacArthur orchestrated the most humiliating surrender possible for the Japanese Empire and it's officer class. One day after six years of war in Europe began the even longer war in Asia and the Pacific officially ended on September 2, 1945.   On that day General Douglas MacArthur , Supreme Commander of the Allied Southwest Pacific Area (SWPA) ordered members of the Japanese Government and High Command to assemble to sign the formal documents of unconditional surrender . The Japanese had been at war even longer than their Axis allies, since the 1937 invasion of China or, if you count low grade guerilla resistance, since the 1931 annexation of Manchuria .   For them, particularly the Imperial officer class who had pushed ...
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Mind Bubbles Regarding the Episcopal Cheyenne Saint David Pendleton Oakerhater

      Noksowist, Bear Going Straight, was a Cheyenne, born in the Indian Territory, now western Oklahoma about 1847. His parents were Sleeping Wolf and Wah Nach. Spirituality seems to have been a driving force in his life. He is believed to have been one of maybe the youngest person to complete the sun […]
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Pilgrimages: Searching for a Sanctuary in Norway’s Vestfold

"Even after one thousand years of Christian influence and spiritual control, the wealth of ancient religious heritage sites found in this small stretch of countryside acts as a witness to the resilience of the Old Religion." Continue reading Pilgrimages: Searching for a Sanctuary in Norway’s Vestfold at The Wild Hunt.
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Repair

Unitarian Universalists believe in the power of repair–that no one is beyond the chance to make things right. Come, let us engage in what it means to repair: in relationship with others, within ourselves, and for the world around us. When have you experienced repair in your life?
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The Labyrinth: Of Gratitude

A repost from October 13, 2014 In 1992, I was arrested with some people that were breaking into cars in Pine Lake.  Seeing that I was on a leave of absence from my family’s first group home, they called my … Continue reading →
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149 Human Rights Groups Call on Governments to End Burma/Myanmar Military’s Access to Jet Fuel and Weapons Ahead of ASEAN Summit

Governments participating in the upcoming ASEAN Summit in Jakarta must take coordinated actions to resolve the crisis in Myanmar, human rights groups said in an open letter to government leaders. The 149 organizations called on ASEAN members and dialogue partners, who are meeting in Indonesia September 5 – 7, to ban the Myanmar military’s access […]
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Woodworkers Guild of Georgia

This afternoon I fly to Atlanta for two days of classes with the Woodworkers Guild of Georgia. I plan to make two or three boxes in the two day demonstration class with nearly fifty woodworkers attending https://www.wwgofga.com/ I'm also taking a large checked bag with boxes to initiate a discussion of design. At ESSA we're installing a new Harvey dust collector to serve two table saws and a jointer. It has a low profile and will sit between saws allowing a clear line of site for monitoring safety of student work, and being the same height as the tops of the saws will not impede the movement of materials. It's also promised to be quieter for a classroom setting. I'm excited about the new addition. And our setting for this piece of equipm...
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Prayer for Work to Be Love Made Manifest

A Prayer for Work to Be Love Made Manifest Maker, Imaginer, Caretaker, Lover of Life, help us where we have lost our way, losing track of how to create workplaces rooted in love and nurturing joy in our communities. Turn us away from the need to carve off time for...
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September 1, 1939—Poets Took Note of a Grim Beginning

Hitler reviewing his Nazi troops on the way to Poland. The exact beginning of the greatest cataclysm in history—so far—is harder to pinpoint than you might imagine.   In the early 1930’s Japan and Italy were honing their war skills and adding to their empires with attacks on, respectively, Manchuria and Abyssinia (Ethiopia.)   The Germans and Italians on one side and to a lesser extent the Soviets on the other used the Spanish Civil War as a kind of laboratory for modern war.   In 1937 Japan opened up war with China . Throughout the late 1930’s Adolph Hitler continued to blatantly re-arm in pretty much open violation of the Versailles Treaty that ended World War I and used that gathering might to cower Britain and France into ...
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Finding that ‘go to’ place for easy grounding and centering

Last Sunday, during the Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Montclair, New Jersey’s morning worship service, my mind went to the beach. The Rev. Anya Sammler-Michael, senior co-minister, mentioned she finds rest at the shore. She vividly spoke about a bee who paid her a visit landing on her leg. Well, there was more to the sermon […] The post Finding that ‘go to’ place for easy grounding and centering appeared first on Nature's Sacred Journey.
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Witchy Markets are growing across the U.S. South despite “Burn in Hell” protests

Guest Correspondent Sue Lincoln covers the rise and history of Witchy and Pagan markets in the South including "burn in hell" protests or as one pastor put it, “We aren’t protesting... We’re preaching. Our goal is to glorify God.” Continue reading Witchy Markets are growing across the U.S. South despite “Burn in Hell” protests at The Wild Hunt.
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exuberant

“Play is the exuberant expression of our being. It is at the heart of our creativity, our sexuality, and our most carefree moments of devotion. It helps us live with absurdity, paradox, and mystery. It feeds our joy and wonder. It keeps our search for meaning down to earth.”-Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat Do something … Continue reading exuberant
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The ongoing effects

Last night I was trying to explain to Carol about the lingering effects of COVID burnout on the helping professions. She pointed out that many trends that were supposedly caused by COVID were simply existing trends that accelerated during lockdown. But I’m pretty sure that it actually was COVID that contributed to increased burnout in … Continue reading "The ongoing effects"
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The Origins of the Communist Party in the U.S. —Talking About the C Word

  Anglo members of the Socialist Party Left Wing and dissident state parties found the CLP on August 31, 1919. On August 31, 1919 at a rump meeting in Chicago of Left Wing members of the fractured Socialist Party, the Communist Labor Party (CLP), a predecessor to the Communist Party USA (CPUSA), was founded.   It was a year of great turmoil.   Long-time Socialist Party leader and presidential candidate Eugene V . Debs was in the Federal prison at Atlanta for giving a speech opposing World War I.   Many socialists and unionists were aflame with passion for the apparently successful Russian Revolution.   Attorney General A . Mitchell Palmer with the enthusiastic assistance of the young leader of the Bureau of Investigation, J . Edgar ...
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Labyrinth: Making Amends

A repost from September 28, 2014 In the Jewish tradition, the days following Rosh Hashanah are a progression toward Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement.  Atonement is more than simply offering an apology, it is actively working to make right … Continue reading →
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Zen Teacher Teshin Matthew Sweger

                        I am so glad to be able to announce that I will be giving the Reverend Teshin Matthew Sweger Inka Shomei, the final authorization within the lineage I received from Roshi John Tarrant, at the culmination of a week long sesshin which will […]
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Release the Hounds: Tea room witchcraft, thin white horse and a ‘Pagan deity’

Our correspondent in the UK, Liz Williams, unleashed the Hounds (again) while we weren't looking! Continue reading Release the Hounds: Tea room witchcraft, thin white horse and a ‘Pagan deity’ at The Wild Hunt.
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win or lose

“We’re gracious and we’re humble, and we play the game a certain way, whether we win or lose.” -Megan Rapinoe How have you learned to be a “good sport?”
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August 30, 2023

Pub Theology Facilitated by:  Caitlin Eaton-Robb Date/Time:  Monthly on 2nd Thursdays at 7:00 p.m. Location:  UCMH Courtyard (weather permitting) or Union Hall Cost:  $5 donation requested for building use, BYOB & snacks/dinner   We welcome atheists, agnostics, humanists, people of all faith traditions, and people who identify as “spiritual but not religious” to gather together to   [ … ] The post appeared first on Unitarian Church of Marlborough and Hudson.
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Happy Labor Day!

“It was working men and women who made the 20th century the American century. It was the labor movement that helped secure so much of what we take for granted today.” — Barack Obama   No Sunday Service September 3 We wish all of our members and friends a safe and happy holiday weekend! Please mark   [ … ] The post Happy Labor Day! appeared first on Unitarian Church of Marlborough and Hudson.
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turning leaves

Today at the Clear Spring School, I assisted with the Kindergarten woodworking class. I helped to set up the project and guided our new teacher, Thomas, in preparing stock. I also delivered two books that I think will be helpful (in addition to Making Classic Toys that Teach, and the Guide to Woodworking with Kids). The books are From Truths to Tools by Jim Tolpin and George Walker, and Framing Square Math by my friend Joe Youcha. Both are important in developing a hand-centric means of teaching math. Framing Square Math could be used as a step by step classroom curriculum. And I hope it will be. Teachers tend to teach the ways we were taught, and if we observe the numbers of kids who are turned off by math, we might arrive at the  unde...
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To Teaching Truth and Liberatory Learning!: A Back-to-School Reading List

By Christian Coleman | It’s back-to-school season, and the US is still upset by its own sense of identity. James Baldwin knew all about it. In his “Talk to Teachers,” he said that if we changed the curriculum in all schools so that Black students learned more about themselves and their real contributions to US culture, we’d not only be liberating Black people; we’d be “liberating white people who know nothing about their own history.” The side-eye for FL, TX, and other states is warranted and righteous, because they’re still hell-bent on suppressing Black history or completely whitewashing it.
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America Fell for Joan Blondell and Those Big Baby Blues

                              Joan Blondell--the whole package. She was the brassy blonde who had been there, done that, and lived to tell about it.   A wise cracking working girl with the biggest blue eyes ever , an electric smile, and a plump figure that turned heads and got attention.   She could scheme and connive with good humor.   Underneath the veneer of urban cynicism, though, you just knew she was capable of undying loyalty to lovers and friends alike.   That was the persona Joan Blondell brought to Warner Bros . in 1930 and which sustained a career that spanned 40 years. Rose Joan Blondell was born on August 30, 1906 in Brooklyn to a pair of vaudevillians , comedian Ed Blondell and Kathryn “ Katie ” Ca...
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Labyrinth: Balance

A repost of September 23, 2014 When there isn’t enough compassion being generated (either for ourselves as individuals or in the world in general), we become unbalanced; we suffer from it as we would from a lack of fresh air … Continue reading →
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Assault on Pagan shop owner a possible hate crime

The assault of a Pagan owner of a metaphysical shop in Ohio on Sunday may have been motivated by hate for the LGBTQ+ and derision of Pagan practices. Continue reading Assault on Pagan shop owner a possible hate crime at The Wild Hunt.
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Co-Ministers’ Colloquy – August 29th

It is the end of August, and we are thinking of all of you who have a new school year beginning, transitions at work or in your family, and those who are hoping for some clear, sunny days to enjoy some summer activities before the ... read more . The post Co-Ministers’ Colloquy – August 29th appeared first on Unitarian Universalist Society of Schenectady.
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Religious Education Calendar for September

September 3: Families attend the service together (Worship service: The Cycle of Transition: Ever Repeating Changes) September 10: Families attend the service together (Worship service: Lessons from the June 2023 UU General Assembly) September 17: Multigenerational Ingathering Water Communion Service – be sure to bring a small ... read more . The post Religious Education Calendar for September appeared first on Unitarian Universalist Society of Schenectady.
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Plans for Our RE Program for 2023-2024; a new beginning!

We’d like to offer RE for each age every Sunday that’s not a multigenerational Sunday. The plan is to offer RE 2 or 3 Sundays a month with multigenerational worship services, plus or multi-age Children’s Chaples or Faithful Fundays other Sundays. That means even with ... read more . The post Plans for Our RE Program for 2023-2024; a new beginning! appeared first on Unitarian Universalist Society of Schenectady.
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Green Sanctuary: Join us in Telling our Elected Officials to End Fossil Fuels!

If you aren’t already, start talking to your elected officials about climate justice. As we mobilize to end the era of fossil fuels, the People vs. Fossil Fuels Elected Officials pledge is a great way to connect with city, ... read more . The post Green Sanctuary: Join us in Telling our Elected Officials to End Fossil Fuels! appeared first on Unitarian Universalist Society of Schenectady.
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