White Supremacy CultureWhen I was about 13, I went to lunch with my dad. I don’t remember where it was, exactly; I don’t think it was anywhere we’d been before – just one of many small restaurants near where he was living in Bardonia, NY, about half an hour north and east of New York […]
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Building Memories…“There are places I’ll rememberAll my life, though some have changedSome forever, not for betterSome have gone, and some remainAll these places had their momentsWith lovers and friends, I still can recallSome are dead, and some are livingIn my life, I’ve loved them all” -John Lennon 1965 The Beatles released this song in 1965, since […]
Continue readingA Piece of Mike’s (re)Open Mind… Several people have asked recently about when the church will reopen. While I haven’t consulted with the Board about this specifically, and no one is in a position to predict the future, I think the answer is sometime safely after the self-quarantine rule has been lifted. Although, I suspect it […]
Continue readingLove, Justice, and ConnectionGreetings, beloveds! How do I even begin?How about here: I am SO PROUD OF US. In the last few weeks of what has been a jarring transition to a disorienting new normal, this community has come together, even as we are physically isolating.The Caring Committee and Karen have been crafting ways to […]
Continue readingWhat Will You Create?How are you doing in this moment? Check in with your body, go ahead. This column can wait. What emotions are present? Where do you feel each one in your body? How is your heart feeling today? What do you need? Listen to the wisdom in your body.We’ve entered unprecedented times, my friends. […]
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Click To Download PDF April 2020 Ploughshare Posted Date: April 1, 2020
Continue readingFinding Common Groundby Jen Simon, Ministerial InternThis month at First Unitarian, we enter into the theme of common ground. Theological common ground has been on my mind a lot of late, as Connections and FUSE discuss how best to extend our welcome to as many – and as diverse – a spectrum of people and […]
Continue readingHonest, Direct and Respectfulby Erin Kenworthy, Director of Religious ExplorationWinter is a time for slowing down, internal renewal, rest, and reflection. As a congregation, we’ve been engaged in re-covenanting with each other, examining what our agreements are when we are together, and participating in the process of building our covenant in this community. I love […]
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Click To Download PDF March 2020 Ploughshare Posted Date: March 11, 2020
Continue readingA Piece of Mike’s Mind… (Politics from the pulpit?)Recently, the question was asked at First Unitarian, “How can you become truly diverse when you only support liberal positions?” It is my privilege to answer. I share these thoughts because you have a right to know where your minister is coming from. It is also my privilege to […]
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