“Parting is such sweet sorrow . . .” Who can say it better? There is great sweetness in remembering all the good of the last three years: reopening the building and resuming services as the pandemic receded the joy of worship together in word and song and occasional dance the revival of our children’s and … Continue reading Rev. Ruth’s Reflections – May 17th, 2024
“I thought I was wrong once, but I was mistaken.” This is a truth spoken in jest, a revelation about human thought and behavior. It’s hard to admit when we’re wrong. To be right is to have power, especially in the information age! The internet is replete with bits of information presented by people asserting … Continue reading Rev. Ruth’s Reflections – May 10th, 2024
May is a month of big transitions. The school winds down and folk graduate. And ministerial contracts approach completion. My last Sunday with you is May 19. I will also do some remote work in June along with attending General Assembly online, and I saved July for my remaining study leave and vacation. As I … Continue reading Rev. Ruth’s Reflections – May 3rd, 2024
Most people are mostly good most of the time. This is one of my core beliefs in spite of some bad events in the past and because of many confirming experiences. The various media outlets mostly report on the bad stuff. That’s an old story because folk are far more interested in people and events … Continue reading Rev. Ruth’s Reflections – April 26th, 2024
It seems like the management of anxiety is a major focus for a great many people. I grew up with several aunts who talked frequently about feeling nervous: “Please don’t be so loud. It makes me nervous.” “Get down from there! You’re making me nervous!” “I’m going to lie down. I have a nervous headache.” … Continue reading Rev. Ruth’s Reflections – April 19th, 2024
We all protect our private lives from public view. We fear the negative opinions our secret lives might generate! Ministers walk a tightrope in this respect. We want to appear genuine, to let folk know that we struggle, too. We are not perfect and we understand that no one else is either. We also need … Continue reading Rev. Ruth’s Reflections – April 12th, 2024
I will turn 57 next week. How did that happen? Just yesterday I was a girl, and a teen, and a college student, and in seminary, and preaching in my first pulpit, and a bride, and a 30ish mom, and . . . well you get the point. Memory is a funny thing. Inside our … Continue reading Rev. Ruth’s Reflections – April 4th, 2024
I am not an enthusiastic housekeeper. As I start packing up my office at the church, this personal flaw becomes painfully obvious! There are always more interesting and urgent matters before me, but sooner or later the tidying up must be done! We need to attend to some housekeeping regarding my last few months. I … Continue reading Rev. Ruth’s Reflections – March 30th, 2024
Our UU Fellowship is a voluntary organization. All our programs, activities, projects, plans and goals are implemented and accomplished by the work of volunteers assisted by staff who all serve at 1/4 time or less, including myself. Volunteer efforts ebb and flow. Some people dig into a particular need or project for a while while … Continue reading Rev. Ruth’s Reflections – March 22nd, 2024
It’s been one of those days! Older child Liam was supposed to drive his dad to the doctor and called to say he’s throwing up. Doctor’s appointment was postponed. I drove to pick up nausea survival items and deliver to him. Then back to get breakfast for Bill and Angus and jump on zoom for … Continue reading Rev. Ruth’s Reflections – March 15th, 2024
