Worship Service Archive
Services for Fall 2019
September 29, 2019 ~ 9:30-10:30
with Rev. Jan (Ahjan) Grossman
The Bhagavad Gita:
All world traditions, once one has sat in the silence of their deep Mystery, have the potential to awaken and release untold peace and freedom. Reverend Ahjan will reflect on her journey through the Hindu tradition of the Bhagavad Gita and how it crept in to release some surprising, very human, self-limiting beliefs. We each have the capacity to touch the wonder that awaits us. It is both a birth right and challenge. Feel welcome to explore.
with Rev. Jan (Ahjan) Grossman
The Bhagavad Gita:
All world traditions, once one has sat in the silence of their deep Mystery, have the potential to awaken and release untold peace and freedom. Reverend Ahjan will reflect on her journey through the Hindu tradition of the Bhagavad Gita and how it crept in to release some surprising, very human, self-limiting beliefs. We each have the capacity to touch the wonder that awaits us. It is both a birth right and challenge. Feel welcome to explore.
The Wheel of the Year Turns
with Rev. Linda Goodman
Sept 22, 2019 ~ 9:30 - 10:30
We are at a point in the Wheel of the Year where the energies of earth support reflections on balance. The hours of day and night are in balance. What else might come into balance? Male/female energies? Bhakti/shakti? Devotion and action? Breathing in and breathing out? Come breathe with us.
A bit about Rev. Linda Goodman:
Rev. Linda's spiritual journey went through earth-based spirituality. She is happy to share reflection on tuning our spirits to the energy of the earth cycles.
with Rev. Linda Goodman
Sept 22, 2019 ~ 9:30 - 10:30
We are at a point in the Wheel of the Year where the energies of earth support reflections on balance. The hours of day and night are in balance. What else might come into balance? Male/female energies? Bhakti/shakti? Devotion and action? Breathing in and breathing out? Come breathe with us.
A bit about Rev. Linda Goodman:
Rev. Linda's spiritual journey went through earth-based spirituality. She is happy to share reflection on tuning our spirits to the energy of the earth cycles.
Kick-off Service
"It's a New Day" Mini Retreat and Brunch
with Rev. Dr. Stephanie Rutt
Sept 15, 2019 ** special time** 9:30 - 12:00
Wherever you are in your spiritual walk, come and feel the fingers of another fall into your hands. Perhaps, just perhaps, you may find your heart leaping into the rapture of living seized by that size-less truth of a dream that is right before us...for most truly my beloveds...For love are in you am in i are in we...
"It's a New Day" Mini Retreat and Brunch
with Rev. Dr. Stephanie Rutt
Sept 15, 2019 ** special time** 9:30 - 12:00
Wherever you are in your spiritual walk, come and feel the fingers of another fall into your hands. Perhaps, just perhaps, you may find your heart leaping into the rapture of living seized by that size-less truth of a dream that is right before us...for most truly my beloveds...For love are in you am in i are in we...
Summer Services
Sacred Circles
Thursday evenings, 6:30 - 8:00
Weekly starting Thursday July 11th - August 29
This alternative worship service for the summer months may be in the format of a "Conversation of the Heart", where we practice deep listening, as well as sharing on topics close to our hearts.
It may also take the form of a healing circle, a dance circle, a prayer circle, or a chant circle. Please consider facilitating one of these informal summer circles. Please contact Rev Linda Goodman to schedule your offering.
Thursday August 29
6:30-8:00 Scared Circle with
Rev. Dr. Stephanie Rutt
Come dip your toe in the Well of Love that our founder and Presiding Minister has honed with devotion, care and surrender.
6:30-8:00 Scared Circle with
Rev. Dr. Stephanie Rutt
Come dip your toe in the Well of Love that our founder and Presiding Minister has honed with devotion, care and surrender.
Thursday, August 1
6:30 – 8:00 pm ~ Sacred Song Circle with Linda & Joe
Please join us in a sacred circle of song. Feel free to bring instruments or a favorite chant or song to share.
6:30 – 8:00 pm ~ Sacred Song Circle with Linda & Joe
Please join us in a sacred circle of song. Feel free to bring instruments or a favorite chant or song to share.
Thursday, July 25
6:30 – 8:00 pm ~ Sacred Circle with Joe Pollock
Please join us in a conversation of the heart around the topic of our animal companions, past and present, and our animal guides and totems.
6:30 – 8:00 pm ~ Sacred Circle with Joe Pollock
Please join us in a conversation of the heart around the topic of our animal companions, past and present, and our animal guides and totems.
Thursday Sacred Circle with Barbara Thorngren
July 18, 2019
Gardens: what you sow, so shall you reap
Barbara will hold the circle for us as we discuss tending our own gardens: what you sow, so shall you reap. This will be a great followup to Damanjeet's “Planting Seeds” topic last week. Please join us in a conversation of the heart around the topic of what we are planting in our own gardens today... do we need to plant a little more unconditional love? Do we need to plant a little more forgiveness? Do we need to plant a little more release and letting go? And what are we putting into our soil in order to grow such beautiful plants? And how are we cultivating our soil with love and intention?
July 18, 2019
Gardens: what you sow, so shall you reap
Barbara will hold the circle for us as we discuss tending our own gardens: what you sow, so shall you reap. This will be a great followup to Damanjeet's “Planting Seeds” topic last week. Please join us in a conversation of the heart around the topic of what we are planting in our own gardens today... do we need to plant a little more unconditional love? Do we need to plant a little more forgiveness? Do we need to plant a little more release and letting go? And what are we putting into our soil in order to grow such beautiful plants? And how are we cultivating our soil with love and intention?
Thursday Sacred Circle with Rev. Damanjeet Kaur;
July 11, 2019
Awareness of moving with the seasons and celebrating the season of Summer
Damanjeet invites you to offer a sharing about what the season of Summer means to you. Music and ritual honoring this blessed season of play, rest and patience to receive that which we will reap from that which we have sown are some of the ways we will explore during this first in the Summer Sacred Circle Service.
July 11, 2019
Awareness of moving with the seasons and celebrating the season of Summer
Damanjeet invites you to offer a sharing about what the season of Summer means to you. Music and ritual honoring this blessed season of play, rest and patience to receive that which we will reap from that which we have sown are some of the ways we will explore during this first in the Summer Sacred Circle Service.
June 30,2019; Barbara Thorngren
Spiritual Lessons learned from Loving Trees and the Importance of our Interdependence
Can you remember your first encounter with a tree? Do we really SEE them now?
We know intuitively that a walk in the woods will help us feel better, why is that?
How is our spiritual and physical health and well-being so interconnected with the trees? How is their ancient wisdom shared that is so vast and deep?
Please join me on June 30th as we take a fresh look at our beloved trees
Barbara Thorngren, M.Ed., has a background in nursing and education. She loves working and teaching with her animals, art, spirituality, nature, and especially the trees on her small farm in Temple. She will be starting seminary in September and is excited about embracing and sharing her spiritual life more publicly.
Spiritual Lessons learned from Loving Trees and the Importance of our Interdependence
Can you remember your first encounter with a tree? Do we really SEE them now?
We know intuitively that a walk in the woods will help us feel better, why is that?
How is our spiritual and physical health and well-being so interconnected with the trees? How is their ancient wisdom shared that is so vast and deep?
Please join me on June 30th as we take a fresh look at our beloved trees
Barbara Thorngren, M.Ed., has a background in nursing and education. She loves working and teaching with her animals, art, spirituality, nature, and especially the trees on her small farm in Temple. She will be starting seminary in September and is excited about embracing and sharing her spiritual life more publicly.
Rev. Peggy Petahtegoose; June 23,2019
2019 Services
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June 23,2019;
Rev. Peggy Petahtegoose 
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Love your sacred life
The many wondrous and blessed ways we can love our sacred life each and every day. Join us for an hour of peace love and joy. Beloveds together sharing the abundance of each moment, and whatever else comes up for us! I am an Earth-walker who is in love with her divine and blessed life. Grateful for the Beloveds ever watchful eye. We are all holy and loved,,OH JOY, that is life! |
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June 16, 2019;
Tree of Life Sacred Singers 
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Music Sunday
Tree of Life Sacred Singers will lead an around the world journey of sacred song. |
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June 9, 2019; Rev. Ilona Kwiecien
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On Being Perfect
“I demand imperfection!!” These are words a certain guru is reported to have said. Would we take them to heart? Do we truly believe “we are enough?” What do we do when we fall short? Where do we turn to? Come explore these questions...and perhaps more! Who knows? Ilona’s journey has been one of many twists and turns. It has taken her from Parochial school, to becoming a “stray,” to 26 years in the Army, to re-engagement in an international community in Moscow, to “finding” Hartford Seminary, then Hospice Chaplaincy, and— yeah! — Tree of Life. Whew...what next? |
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June 2, 2019;
Rev. Linda Goodman 
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Sharing Our Stories
Our stories are holy, demonstrating the work of the Divine in our lives. Sharing our spiritual journey is a gift to our fellow seekers, enriching to all. Rev. Linda is a facilitator of small group ministry circles, holding space for each to share the gift of who they are. |
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May 26, 2019;
Rev. Pamela Nowell 
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I wonder and I wander: On Being Ripe
Have you ever wondered if you are doing the right thing? I know I have! I have wondered this often. I just want to get on with it! After all I've been tasked with this life. Tasked with the doing of Gods will. Yet I so often feel not ready, unable, I just don't have what I think I need to do a good job. Sunday I will explore my wondering soul and my life's journey on the art of wandering and being ripe. Let's see where it takes us! Rev. Pamela Nowell has held many hats and explored many curiosities. This life has reached out and grabbed me by the heart. I love God, I love life and I love to explore this world through this lens of love with all who share in it! |
May 19, 2019; Rev. Julie Beauchemin
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The Art of Being Alive
Ella Wheeler Wilcox,an American poet and journalist, wrote "Stop wondering why you were born into this world. Stop looking for faults and flaws. Rise up today with joy and say, “I am going to be alive!" Let us explore together what it means to be alive! Julie Beauchemin is an ordained Interfaith minister. Although she has taken a break from hospice work, her passion lies in ensuring that those who are near the end of their life and their families are provided with caring and compassionate emotional and spiritual support. |
God the Mother
Humankind worshiped the great Goddess for 25,000 years before patriarchal societies repressed her, casting the creator as God the Father. It is time to reclaim and honor the sacred feminine, and to find balance in masculine and feminine aspects of the Divine.
Rev. Linda Goodman is an ordained Interfaith Minister, Music Minister, and Mentor. She has been leading interfaith and multi-cultural worship in various Unitarian Universalist churches for over 20 years.
Humankind worshiped the great Goddess for 25,000 years before patriarchal societies repressed her, casting the creator as God the Father. It is time to reclaim and honor the sacred feminine, and to find balance in masculine and feminine aspects of the Divine.
Rev. Linda Goodman is an ordained Interfaith Minister, Music Minister, and Mentor. She has been leading interfaith and multi-cultural worship in various Unitarian Universalist churches for over 20 years.
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April 28, 2019: Ilona Kwiecien
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Living Prayer
“It doesn’t have to be the blue iris, it could be weeds in a vacant lot...” (from “Praying” by Mary Oliver.). How do we pray? We all have our personal encounters. Come! Experience, reflect on, and share the many ways we pray. Oh, Divine Mystery! Ilona’s journey has been one of many twists and turns. It has taken her from Parochial school, to becoming a “stray,” to 26 years in the Army, to re-engagement in an international community in Moscow, to “finding” Hartford Seminary, then Hospice Chaplaincy, and— yeah! — Tree of Life. Whew...what next? |
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April 21, 2019;
Rev. Stephanie Rutt 
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Alleluia!!!
Easter is a time of celebration - of life, love and wings - yes, wings of the rising Spirit. Come and make a joyful noise as we rise up together fully supported on those blessed wings of Grace. Alleluia!!! Rev. Dr. Stephanie Rutt
Founder and Presiding Minister |
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April 14, 2019;
Rev. Linda Goodman 
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Faith with Feet
How can we best “walk our talk?” When we rise from our meditation cushions and prayers, we need our feet to carry us out into the world to complete the assignments given to us in prayer. This Palm Sunday we will look at the core value of social justice work in all major world religions. "I wake up in the morning and whichever way God turns my feet, I go." Pearl Bailey Rev. Linda Goodman is an ordained Interfaith Minister, Music Minister, and Mentor. She has been leading interfaith and multi-cultural worship in various Unitarian Universalist churches for over 20 years. |
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April 7, 2019:;
Rev. Carol LaChance 
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To God's Hands
"I have carved you in the palm of my hand" Isaiah. How do we hold the paradox that everything is in God's hands, yet God has no hands on earth but our's. Let us come together to celebrate the preciousness and the creativity of our human and divine hands. Rev. Carol LaChance serves the Tree of Life Interfaith Temple as the Seminary Director. She loves to share her passion for the spiritual journey with others. Carol is presently writing a memoir about her relationship with her horse Max, who was one of her wisest spiritual guides.Be Announced |
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March 31, 2019;
Rev. Peggy Petahtegoose 
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Looking to Spring and all it's promise.
The warmth of Spring is shining upon us. We are seeking the new growth in it's many forms. Light from the sun, growth from the earth, new beginnings surround us each way we turn. Rising up from the shelter of winter we will blossom. What does your garden look like in the heart and soul of your God self? Let us come together and celebrate the birth of new beginnings in it's many different forms. Rev. Petahtegoose is a follower of a faith guided life. Having witnessed the blessing of our Creator in a lifetime of twists and turns that have brought her to a wonderful life of Peace Love Joy.
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March 24, 2019;
Rev. Dr. Stephanie Rutt 
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Journey of the Heart: Transition and Transformation
You are most lovingly invited to join me March 24th for "Journey of the Heart: Transition and Transformation." What an exciting time we are in - that exquisite, delicate, challenging, holding-all-possibility place between what was and what will be. Yet, most wondrously, our only job is to stay tuned to our collective heart so we may hear the glorious new song we are carrying already birthed in the mind of God. Come. Tune. And expect only delight. Rev. Dr. Stephanie Rutt
Founder and Presiding Minister |
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March 17 2019;
Rev. Linda Goodman 
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Welcome Ostara, Eostre, Goddess of Spring! At the spring equinox, the goddess of spring and fertility awakens from her winter nap and walks the hills with her hare, turning everything to green, awakening the hibernating creatures, and bringing renewal and rebirth. We will welcome her with story and song. The days of more light than darkness are nearly here!
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March 10, 2019;
Rev. Julie Beauchemin |
What does it mean to be alive? To be open to each moment? To live consciously?
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March 3, 2019;
Rev. Karen Manchester |
To The Choice in the Moment ~ All moments provide us with a choice, it's how we use that choice that helps to design who we are on our walk through this world
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February 17, 2019;
Joe Pollock 
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One More River
In honor of Black History Month, Joe will explore with us the songs of slavery, the underground railroad and their hidden meanings. Join us to celebrate, sing, and honor what courageous, divinely guided people can do against impossible odds. Joseph Pollock, a well known area musician and an avid historian will lead this service, combining his favorite things. |
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February 10, 2019;
Rev. Linda Goodman 
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The Turning of the Wheel of the Year ~ Imbolc
Imbolc, St. Brighid's Day, Candlemas, Groundhog Day - Yes, it's cold outside, and snow still covers the earth. But deep in the earth, creatures are beginning to waken from hibernation. Seeds and bulbs are beginning to send out their tendrils to receive nourishment for a new season of growth. The days are getting longer. Can you begin to feel an awakening; the stirrings of new possibilities? It is time to set our intentions and make plans for our beloved community. Join us for a ritual of planting intentions, followed by a celebratory feast and joyful sacred singing. Rev. Linda Goodman is an ordained Interfaith Minister and has been leading interfaith and multi-cultural worship in various Unitarian Universalist churches for 20 years.
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February 3, 2019;
Rev. Ahjan Grossman 
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To“We believe that God is expressed as the body of all creation, the heart of each faith tradition and the infinite Soul of each person.”
The Tree of Life Interfaith Temple The Sonic Trilogy of Love, Mystical Unity and the Morphing of the Tree of Life Logo You are invited to join Reverend Jan ‘Ahjan’ Grossman, artist and vision holder of the Tree of Life, as she explores her understanding of Dr. Rev Stephanie Rutt’s Sonic Trilogy of Love, the divine core of Unity within each of us and the struggle to create a visual image to represent our potential imprint on this world. Who are we? Where does Interfaith come in? Why your heart matters. |
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January 20, 2019;
Rev. Barbara Landry & Bob Chapin 
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Remembering our Instructions - Lessons Learned from my Grandfather
This is in honor of Medicine Story and will celebrate the Circle Way as well as other wisdom from the Native American tradition. Rev. Damanjeet Kaur and Bob Chapin have been co-journeyers for more than 10 years when Bob joined Damanjeet’s yoga class at Amherst Yoga. Since that time they have done yoga together, studied together, co- facilitated a book club, as well as shared great friendship and laughter. Bob currently serves as Treasurer of the Tree of Life Interfaith Temple and is a member of the Board. Damanjeet is an ordained Interfaith Minister through the Tree of Life and serves as Programs Liaison and sits on the Board. |
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January 6, 2019;
Rev. Peggy Petahtegoose 
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Standing in the Shadows
Are you standing in the shadows? What is it that you learn from this distance. It is one of my vows to offer my hand into the darkness to help bring another into the light. But what if it is me standing there. Perspective is everything when you consider your answer to this question. Lets share our thoughts on this double edged sword. Rev. Peggy Petahtegoose
Most days I am with my grandchildren, teaching yoga, or contemplating my wonderful life. When you as blessed as I am you can't help but shine in the light of the Beloved. |
2018 Services
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December 21, 2018:
Winter Solstice Spiral Ceremony 
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Winter Solstice Spiral Ceremony
On the solstice (sun stands still), the earth will pause at a still point, then turn towards more light. Let us pause in this busy season and join our light with others to the growing light of community. We can brighten the world, one light at a time. Drink in the soft music, candlelight, wonder, and peace. This ceremony is being offered at the UUCM at 6:30pm. REV. LINDA GOODMAN & REV. AHJAN GROSSMAN Rev. Linda Goodman and Rev. Ahjan Grossman have presented this ceremony for many years separately at the Tree of Life Interfaith Temple and at UUCM. This year they join together in a truly interfaith offering. |
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December 16, 2018: REV. LINDA FRASER
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I, like most, delight in this season and do my best to focus on being present to everything. I can't wait to hear ideas, share memories and enjoy each other's presence on Sunday. Let's have fun with this! I am ready!
Come! Come! Come!
We will share practical ideas for how we navigate through these 'busy' days. We will share memories of past seasons. We will share what this season means to us spiritually. We will sing. And we will pray together! For our presence is our present to one another and the world! Let us come together. |
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December 2, 2018
REV. LINDA GOODMAN Rev. Linda Goodman is an ordained Interfaith Minister and has been leading interfaith and multi-cultural worship in various Unitarian Universalist churches for 20 years. Something Wonderful Comes!
Can you feel it? The dark of the day lengthens, but there is a feeling of anticipation. The earth is always turning towards the morning. Soon there will be more light. Take a tour around the world and find the many ways we celebrate the return of the light, lighting many candles to encourage its triumph. Advent, Hannukah, Kwanza, Diwali, Yule. We gather to share music and ritual magic celebrating the light! (It's coming.) |
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November 18, 2018
REV. DR. STEPHANIE RUTT Founder and Presiding Minister The Blessing of Thanksgiving: How Gratitude Unlocks the Secrets of the Universe
Shhhhhhhhh:) Everyone loves a secret! A special Thanksgiving service was offered where we explored how gratitude unlocks the wondrous secrets of the universe...how awe becomes a natural occurrence when we've unlocked the mystery...and how joy then becomes the only possible outcome to infuse our daily living. We also received the gift from the harp lovingly brought forth by our Rev. Pam Nowell. |
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November 4, 2018
REV. PAMELA NOWELL Reverend Pamela Nowell has been a working pottery, musician, sacred artist and general chief cook and bottle washer for over 30 years. She has studied at the Tree of Life for 23 years with Dr. Rev. Stephanie Rutt and ordained in 2011. Love is her guide and mission. In the Potters' Hands
Walk with me as I explore a spiritual path using the practice of forming and firing clay through a potter's perspective. As a potter of 31 years and a lover of God for all of my Life, I have discovered a beautiful truth through my everyday living. Come and hear my story and discoveries. God has wonderful expressions! Come, listen and explore. See you there because all are welcome! |
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October 21, 2018
REV. LINDA FRASER Reverend Linda Fraser loves simple stories for their ability to speak profound truths which just might change the way we see ourselves and rejoice in others. And... Linda promises to share her favorite pumpkin soup as we reflect on transformation. I Am Here in the Pumpkin Patch
It's the perfect time of year to find ourselves in a pumpkin patch! This will not be a Halloween story! No ghosts or goblins or haunted mansions. God created pumpkins. Let's consider this creation in the farmer's field. Join us and see what happens. Rev. Linda's post service comment: "As we reflected on the Pumpkin who is transformed after being cleansed, and hollowed out and given eyes to see clearly, a nose to smell, and a broad smile and whose light shines forth for for all, we were brought to spontaneously sing 'This little light of mine, I'm going to let it shine'. We touched our collective Joy, and we smiled broadly!" |
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October 7, 2018
REV. LINDA GOODMAN As a guest minister in a number of Unitarian Universalist and Interfaith Temple pulpits for nearly twenty years, it is my great pleasure to offer reflections and/or music on inclusiveness, meaningful actions, earth based rituals, world spiritual practices, and being the change. The Legend of the Rainbow Warrior
"Indigenous Peoples Day" re-imagines Columbus Day and changes a celebration of colonialism into an opportunity to honor the humble path of mutual relations, a path rooted in relationships with the earth and other living beings, the path that leads from exploitation and excess to sustainability and spiritual connection. "There will come a day when all races shall bind together under the sign of the rainbow and spread the wisdom of living in harmony with all." |
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September 16, 2018: REV. DR. STEPHANIE RUTT
Founder and Presiding Minister 
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Answering the Call to Change the World One Encounter at a Time!
Come and join us in humble, ecstatic, celebration for our new home on the Milford Oval, where we are launching our vision in answer to that which has been asked of us: to change the world one encounter at a time. Rev. Dr. Stephanie's key quote from this service: "In great deeds, something abides. On great fields, something stays.
Forms change and pass. Bodies disappear but spirits linger to consecrate the ground for the vision place of the soul. And reverent men and women from afar and generations that know us not and that we know not of shall come here to ponder and to dream and the power of the vision shall pass into their souls." Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain, 1828-1914 |