Today on the threshold of summer I am reflecting on this passage from the Tao Te Ching: When a country is in harmony with the Tao, the factories make trucks and tractors. When a country goes counter to the Tao, warheads are stockpiled outside the cities. There is no greater illusion than fear, no greater wrong than preparing to defend yourself, no greater misfortune than having an enemy. Whoever can see through all fear will always be safe. -Tao Te Ching, verse 46 (tran

Last Sunday was our annual Flower Communion, and it was one of the most emotional days in my seven years of ministry. To begin with, this service—which I often refer to as one of the two “high holidays” of Unitarian Universalism—is always especially joyful and meaningful to me. It celebrates the inter-connections of our congregation; it connects us to UU’s everywhere and to our shared history. I was crying with joy from the moment the procession of Fellowship elders entered t

In the annual life-cycle of this Fellowship, June is a time of transition. We have recently had our annual business meeting, summarizing the accomplishments of last year and looking ahead to the next; this week we celebrate the Flower Communion which bookends the year. During the summer months, the minister takes several weeks off and we have a slightly different routine for our summer worship. And in terms of governance, key leadership committees such as the Board of Trustee

Last week I went to my first Michigan LGBTQ+ Capitol Day, along with Kim Joki, Al Heise and Norma Bailey. More than 400 people attended. Our intention was to speak with lawmakers about issues affecting the queer community. The organizers equipped us with a page of talking points about each of two issues: gender affirming care and HIV. We got some training, both ahead of time and at the event, about how to engage with the lawmakers: introduce ourselves; tell a personal story a

The Universalist Unitarian philosophy stands out for its deep commitment to welcoming everyone, regardless of background, belief, or identity. This approach creates a community where diversity is not just accepted but celebrated. Understanding this philosophy offers valuable insights into how inclusive spaces can thrive in today’s world. The Core of Universalist Unitarian Philosophy At its heart, Universalist Unitarianism promotes the idea that all people deserve respect and

Love shapes our world in ways we often overlook. It influences how we connect, how we heal, and how we grow. This column explores why love matters deeply in daily life and how embracing it can transform our relationships, communities, and even ourselves. Why Love Matters More Than We Realize Love is often seen as a feeling reserved for special moments or close relationships. Yet, love is a powerful force that can change ordinary days into meaningful experiences. It helps us b

On Mother’s Day I honor and celebrate all the mothers in my life, beginning with my immediate family. It’s also a day of great personal significance for me because my first child was born on Mother’s Day 1996. And, the way we think of and celebrate this holiday today is far from its original intention. When Julia Ward Howe proposed this holiday, it was a Women’s Peace Day dedicated to the eradication of war. These are her words, written in 1870: Arise, all women who have he