Our Progressive Art Installation story—in pictures

The Progressive Art Installation began right after the Annual Meeting in January 2023. At that meeting, I challenged the congregation with this: “What makes you come alive? Go and do it.” Jeff Scruggs helped us envision a design with butterflies that would grow and change each week. It started with a stump – then a… Continue reading Our Progressive Art Installation story—in pictures

The three things required for our mission

“Wherever you are on your journey,” the UCC slogan goes, “you are welcome here!” Although we might all be in different places on our individual journeys, we come together to live our mission: Sharing God’s Unconditional Love, Justice, and Extravagant Welcome! What does it take to come together to live our mission? And how do… Continue reading The three things required for our mission

What makes you come alive?

What makes you come alive? Howard Thurman was a friend and colleague of Martin Luther King, Sr. He was a mentor to MLK Jr., too. Author, philosopher, theologian, mystic, educator, and civil rights leader, he recognized that many people live as though they were already dead. Thus, he challenged one and all: “Ask what makes… Continue reading What makes you come alive?

What the church needs

Howard Thurman was an American author, theologian, and educator. Thurman’s theology of radical nonviolence influenced and shaped a generation of civil rights activists – he was a key mentor to leaders within the civil rights movement, including MLK, Jr. One of Thurman’s poems, The Work of Christmas, was turned into a hymn we sing a lot… Continue reading What the church needs

What phrase doesn’t spark energy, passion, or excitement?

The phrase, “Annual Meeting,” isn’t one that sparks a lot of energy, passion, or excitement in most folks. But it is necessary. Like worship, refreshments will be served afterwards. Votes will be tabulated on our ministry budget and the slate of our future leaders. Will we use an abacus for the tally? Come and find… Continue reading What phrase doesn’t spark energy, passion, or excitement?