One of my favorite authors Leo Buscaglia, once remarked, “Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.”  On this World Smile Day we consider the spiritual, … Continue reading The Precept & Practice of Smiling

This Sunday we honor Universalism Day.  Now in our 183rd year as a liberal religious congregation, we pause to consider how the message of Universalism has evolved.  What new ways does the message of universal salvation need to be articulated?  How shall we inspire people to give each other “not hell. but hope and courage” to … Continue reading Give Them Hope & Courage

In her book, “A Big-Enough God: A Feminist’s Search for a Joyful Theology,” Sara Maitland tells the story of a tight-rope walker “dancing on the void”.  This spectacular metaphor for what it means to thrive in the face of messages and personalities that predict our failure and thrive on pointing out our faults.  Especially in … Continue reading Dancing on the Void