There is an annual occurrence that seems to have lasted through this weekend: leftover Valentine’s chocolate is still on sale. I hope this turn of events brings comfort and joy to many. I do wonder, though, if there ought to be more to this season of commitment than a box of candy. Love is wild,…
I don’t know if the story happened exactly this way, but I believe it’s true. There was a married couple, Avram and Sarai, near the city of Ur in ancient Babylonia. They led a comfortable life, with a large household. A holy voice spoke to Sarai and Avram, saying “Lech lecha,” which means, “go to…
There is a story in the Jewish Talmud about planting trees. A sage is walking along the road and sees someone planting a carob tree. The sage asks the person, “How long will it take for this tree to bear fruit?” “Seventy years,” replies the gardener. The sage then asks: “Are you so healthy a…
This homily was preached on January 6, 2019, as part of the multigenerational Fire Celebration service to mark the new year. Happy new year! Let us rejoice and be glad in this day, this moment, this year of promise. Let us marvel at a sky full of stars at night and of one particular star…
The moment of the Winter Solstice is rich in direct experience, mythic stories, and layers of meaning and tradition. Of all of the gifts we can receive by observing the Winter Solstice, there are three in particular that are calling out to me this year: Reflection, Resilience, and Rejoicing.
Together, we kindle the lights of memory and hope.
When we are overwhelmed by the world and are not sure what to do, let us start where we are. Where we are is rooted in the here and now, in a network of living relationships with people and plants and beings all around us. When we are preoccupied with the forces of death and destruction, we can reframe by reconnecting with the forces that create and uphold life.
We reflect on the legacies of our beloved ancestors through story, song, and ritual.
Interim Minister Rev. Lyn Cox
Mindfulness, being fully present in the moment, sounds simple. Simple is different than easy. There are a few approaches that may help us get closer to mindfulness. We explore together where we are, when we are, and how we are.
Interim Minister Rev. Lyn Cox
As our Jewish neighbors get ready to observe Yom Kippur, we may be inspired to take stock of our own spiritual lives and of the responsibilities we have for each other. Certain practices can help us to strengthen ourselves and our congregation. Return to sources of strength and resilience. Maintain a spiritual practice. Connect with and care for the divinity in each other.
Interim Minister Rev. Lyn Cox