I used to love the comic strip, Calvin and Hobbs, named after the theologian and philosopher, but don’t let that bother you. But I liked it because it was theological and philosophical as well, of course, as funny. In the strip, Calvin was as boy and Hobbs his stuffed Tiger who became real- but only in his mind’s eye of course. Chet…
In this resplendent summer, it has been a luxury to draw the breath of life. The grass grows, the buds burst, the meadow is spotted with fire and gold in the tint of flowers. The air is full of birds, and sweet with the breath of the pine, the balm-of-Gilead, and the new hay. Night brings no gloom to the heart with…
A woman wrote to a magazine to tell about an event that had occurred in her family when she was about eighteen months old. Her mother was out and her dad was in charge of her and her brother who was four years older. She says that she had just recovered from an accident in which she had received some injuries. Someone…
British philosopher Bertrand Russell, famous also for his outspoken atheism once said, ‘If there isa God, I think it very unlikely that he would have such an uneasy vanity as to be offended by those who doubt his existence.’ Once on the island he discovered an old woman in a shack, kneeling on a ratty prayer rug. He sharply and angrily rebuked…
A Samurai warrior of Japan requested an audience with a famous Zen teacher, or Roshi, to learn about Heaven and Hell. The warrior finally was allowed to appear before the Roshi and asked again to learn of Heaven and Hell. The teacher, with great contempt in his voice, said: “Samurai warriors are too stupid to understand anything, they are good for nothing.…
Son of EvaMae Johnson Severance,Son in law of Catherine HarvieGrandson of Eva Christina Johnson and Elizabeth Ann Severance (Heath )Grandson in law of Lily SchoenfieldHusband of Cathie Lenore Harvie SeveranceFather of Cristina Mae, Katie Anne, and Elizabeth Jane Severance A Freudian slip is when you say one thing but mean your mother. ~Author Unknown Sweater, n.: garment worn by child when its mother…
Opening Words Richard S. Gilbert Beatitudes for Earth SundayBlessed are the heavens,for they declare the power of creation.Blessed is the earth, our beloved home,for she is a planet of plenitude. Blessed are the waters thereon,for they gave rise to living things.Blessed is the land,for it is the source of life abundant. Blessed is the air we breathe,for it fires us to life…
A rabbi said to a very active six-year-old boy: “So your mother says your prayers for you each night? Very commendable. What does she say?” The little boy replied, “Thank God he’s in bed!” One of my newly credentialed colleagues said after going through all the evaluations, internships, committee interviews, the real test of a new UU minister could be simplified down…
ReadingFrom For Christ’s Sake, Tom HarpurThe Spring of Living Waters: A Parable for Our Time “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” It is as if it is a trick question. And of course, the gospel writers, whoever the anonymous writer or writers of this gospel may be are not above that, because this is all about proving points and…
OPENING HYMN # “We’ve Got the Whole World in Our Hands”Chorus We’ve got the whole world in our hands,We’ve got the whole world in our hands,We’ve got the whole world in our hands,We’ve got the whole world in our hands. 1. We’ve got the lIttle, bitty baby, in our hands, We’ve got the old and infirmed, in our hands, We’ve got the…