On Thanksgiving Day, about 20 of us from OUUC gathered on Zoom to mark the day, because that’s what we do these days. I lit a chalice, because that is also what we do, with the land acknowledgement created by the Learning Right Relations group: We acknowledge that this land and water is the traditional […]
Minister
From Rev. Mary: “Being and Doing”
This week I am so pleased to share an update on the OUUC Listening Initiative from Martha Nicoloff and Helen Henry. Some of you may recall that the Initiative, also known as “Knowing One Another,” started shortly after you called me as your minister in May 2019, to build the capacity for listening. Thank you […]
From Rev. Mary: “The Soul of America”
I am writing this on Nov. 11; it’s Veteran’s Day and the 131st anniversary of statehood for Washington. Today it is clear that “United States” remains an aspiration. Today I grieve that the norms of thoughtful deliberation, pluralism and reciprocity are being broken by some who are in power. Thoughtful deliberation based on science and […]
From Rev. Mary – A Few Things for Inspiration
So many of you have been busy supporting our democracy—voting and helping to turn out the vote, writing postcards, making calls, supporting initiatives, and candidates. I am heartened and inspired by you! And, I’ve been inspired by the groups I have connected with to help make calls and to prepare for supporting a free and fair […]
From Rev. Mary – “The Spiritual Practice of Waiting”
I’m writing this at 9:45 pm on election evening; all polls are closed and some races have been called. In Washington state, many of the winners have been named and the initiatives decided. In the presidential race, it is too close to call. It seems likely that we will wait for a definitive answer—perhaps a day or two, perhaps […]
