Messages

A message from the monthly “Justice + Equity.” Are you holding yourself responsible for things you cannot control? Do you beat yourself up with guilt over decisions you have every right to make? Do you call yourself names for doing things you would quickly forgive if someone else had done them? If your answers are YES! perhaps you might benefit from more justice directed toward yourself. Let’s talk about internal injustice and what you might do about it. Order of Service available at https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Fgs6FbZOc-HYEvE8Nfqpuqn4RL9jybF8yoRWtJRVPuo

A message from the monthly “Justice + Equity.” We honor the Şeb-i Arûs of Pir Dr. Ibrahim Farajajé who joined the ancestors on February 9th in 2016 but still lives in the hearts of generations of liberal religious leaders, with memories, songs, and poetry. The former Provost of Starr King School for the Ministry and beloved Sheikh to Revs. Jeremiah and Amelia and friend of Rev. Kikanza, the impact of his life continues to be felt profoundly by many souls near and far. A tireless advocate for those living in the margins throughout his life, we will call his transformative presence in service to love, justice, and equity into our sanctuary this Sunday. Order of Service available at https://docs.google.com/document/d/1y6EO7leaN07sEUGedOVoyoixXDjRZjRzda_YeLvs_r4

A message from the monthly “Liberating Love.” Join us as we explore the life and teachings of one of the great saints of the Hindu tradition: Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi. After a near-death experience in his early years, he claimed he experienced enlightenment and then spent the rest of his life teaching a path that was applicable to many religious traditions. Central to his teachings was consistent inquiry into the nature of one’s Self. Order of Service available at https://docs.google.com/document/d/1RPTvvt9QjCz1EFU0qD5FKnoQY8xl70JXqbLhIaqD8aY/edit?usp=sharing

A message from the monthly “Liberating Love.” It is true, as the saying goes, that you can catch more flies with honey, than with vinegar, but who wants a room full of flies? Sometimes it is easier to be the crochety one, seeing all that is wrong, guarding your boundaries with epithets and dire warnings. What happens when you lead with your softer sides? How much easier will life be if you respond from your heart, rather than your head? How much work must you do to move to this tender approach to life? Perhaps you are already there…and can help a grouchy friend to relax into love. Rev. Kikanza Nuri-Robins, preaching. Cassie Winters, worship associate. Order of Service available at https://docs.google.com/document/d/12OurF5XvRIqmwjtt5QyP56uXLMkdUtfUmsvVZ_IWBbk/edit?usp=sharing

A message from the monthly “Liberating Love.” Nonviolence is a religious virtue in many religious paths and especially in the dharmic traditions of India. With so much violence in the world, on television, in our schools, and in our communities, we will reflect upon this ancient spiritual teaching and consider its application to our lives and our common pursuit of social equity and justice. We will celebrate the prophetic embrace of nonviolence by human and civil rights movements around the globe and especially the leadership of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. this morning. Rev. Jeremiah Kalendae, preaching. Michael McCormack, worship associate. Order of Service available at https://docs.google.com/document/d/1EG0PmMNshRzZqIi2aCOmAQVCrUiv9D5etNKI6dNt__I/edit?usp=sharing

A message from the monthly “Liberating Love.” The Christian Church arose from humble beginnings. “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed…though it is the smallest of all seeds, when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches.” —Matthew 13:31–32 The mustard seed is akin to individual faith and the wider church community. Though small, it grows larger than we can possibly imagine. No matter how modest, it can flourish and impact lives profoundly, embodying the transformative power of belief. Join us for worship in-person and online. Rev. Jeremiah Lal Shahbaz Kalendae, preaching; Karen Hsu Patterson, worship associate. Order of Service is available athttps://docs.google.com/document/d/1gVpfnSffbI1Yr9KivJKcMyKf4HxzMGAZbn5G6Wh469U/edit?usp=sharing

A message from the monthly “Mystery.” “Popular guest speaker, church member, and oncology chaplain, Michael
Eselun will reflect and explore the idea of a single thread that may run
through our entire lives—what it takes to find it, what is our relationship to
it, and how it just might help us make sense of the whole journey thus far.
This will mark Michael’s 23rd time in our pulpit.” Chaplain Michael Eselun, preaching. Chela Metzger, worship associate. Order of Service available at https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Rro6wGcH2WtsGm7G-OvXzXFouxBAPOQkrxmGyauNJCY

A message from the monthly “Mystery.” Join us for our annual Christmas Eve Candlelight Service as we travel from our sanctuary to Bethlehem to celebrate good tidings of great joy with stories, songs, prayers, and carols. Refreshments and fellowship will follow. All are welcome! The Order of Service is available at https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JcGn7b3NYiE26ccP2qPCP-_W9WoNC_tF/view?usp=drive_link

A message from the monthly “Mystery.” In the midst of the Season of Lights is the Winter Solstice which the shortest day and the longest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. Nature invites us to revel in the dazzling darkness and we will explore what important lessons the ancient wisdom of this time may have to teach us. Order of Service is available at https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Md8Ry5LC_saKx9s9vnjWtj-BJsqx9YwbE2brTZ_BwtE/edit?usp=sharing

A message from the monthly “Mystery.” Across traditions this is a time to notice the light and to celebrate it. The animals and the angels will gather together to sing in the season. Please raise your hearts and voices with us as we revel in the joy of all ages community and worship. Order of Service available at https://docs.google.com/document/d/1335iNLo6YEa1pLdo5Kl3XYwlypekmE449iJESfryiBU/edit?usp=sharing