Category Weaving the Web

One of my favorite things to do is to discover hidden nooks and unexpected treasures. No matter how well I think I know a place (my home city, for example), surprises often lurk just out of casual sight, and reveal themselves as soon as I … read more.

” . . . gather in sympathy now and then. Gather in hope, compassion and strength, gather to celebrate once again.”

This is what we do–we are a congregation, and we congregate for all these purposes and more. It is good to be together. Even … read more.

Dear UUCPA folks,

Sometimes when I’m typing or writing the date and I get to that “2024,” I wonder, “How will this year go down in history?” It seems inevitable that for good or ill, 2024 will be one of those years to remember, like 1941, … read more.

What does it mean to be a member of UUCPA? What does it mean to belong?

In one sense–perhaps the most important one–simply being involved in the congregation is belonging. Sure, when you’re new to a congregation, as with any community, it usually takes a while … read more.

Dear UUCPA folks,

Rev. Cat and I have been making plans that are still a little too nebulous to have a spot on this site’s calendar, but that we want you to know about.
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On March 25, the Sunday service will be about Israel and Palestine, the … read more.

“How shall we live? Be welcoming to all.”

Mechthild of Magdeburg

I learned today that the original meaning of the word “welcome” is “desirable guest.” What an interesting reversal!: that the reason we offer welcome to someone is because they are a desirable person to have as … read more.

Dear UUCPA folks,

Thank you so much for the wonderful welcome back on Sunday! It had felt quite odd to have the 20th anniversary of my arrival at UUCPA (August 15) slip past while I was on sabbatical, but before I left, Brooke and I had … read more.

Weaving the Web: Please note this significant change in Caring & Sharing

Dear UUCPA folks,

As I’ve reviewed the next several months in my mind, I’ve noted some processes that have become more complex because, well, when they’re all in one person’s head, they can get that … read more.

Dear UUCPA folks,

The sabbatical is here! Tomorrow is my last day until next January. I hope I’ll get to see you at the service and chat over lunch, and wish you well in person.

A sabbatical is supposedly for the minister’s development. … read more.

Dear UUCPA folks,

It’s really great to see the return to community by the numbers. Looking at our Sunday participation, the number of folks going to services, Sunday School, and Forum has risen dramatically between 2022 and 2023. (We compute average weekly attendance for a month, … read more.