Join “Twinkle” Marie Porter-Manning this weekend at the Second Annual Fall Folk Festival at The Commons in Dover-Foxcroft. In addition to her Women of Spirit, Exploring Sacred Paths of Wisdom Keepers anthology, “Twinkle” will be debuting two newly published books: The original “Blessing Book”for women’s rituals and “Family Blessing Book,” ((Scroll to bottom of page for links)).
“Twinkle” will also have select pieces of one-of-a-kind art, goddess-jewelry, and holiday ornaments available.
I am so grateful to have seen this video in my YouTube queue today.
Rev. Bishop Carlton Pearson is an affiliate minister of All Souls Tulsa UU. I’ve shared his work many times. He is an evangelical minister ordained in other traditions and brings with him a metaphysical approach to Unitarian Universalism similar to the one I bring. At this moment, given recent collegial happenings, this message resonates profoundly with me. He speaks of what covenant is, with ourselves and with each other. He talks about the importance of agreement and the even greater importance of disagreement. He reminds us that we are committed to diversities, and that, “We have to agree to disagree in order to be in covenant. You cannot be in covenant unless you make a decision to disagree on certain points.”
Rev. Pearson emphasizes this with a quote Alfred P. Sloan, American business executive and CEO who built sustained business through agreement, “If we are all in agreement on the decision, then I propose we postpone further discussion of this matter until our next meeting to give ourselves time to develop disagreement and perhaps gain some understanding of what the decision is all about.”
And, with emotion, he reminds us how important it is to honor our covenants and our bonds with each other. That we need each other. That we are divine.
Samhain, Samhain, let the ritual begin,
We call upon our sacred ancestors to come in
Samhain, Samhain, we call upon our kin,
We call upon our dear departed loved ones to come in
The Veil between the worlds is thin
Our hearts reach cross the sea of time
To bring our loved ones in
Samhain, Samhain we honor all our kin
We honor those who’ve gone before
As the Great Wheel turns again
By Lisa Thiel
Rev. Kate Braestrup is an ordained UU Minister residing in Maine. She has helped countless people cope with acute trauma and navigate unimaginable grief. Her viral video on The Moth Radio Hour introduced millions to our Unitarian Universalist faith tradition. She has received many accolades and awards for her work in the mental health field. She has been given an award by the UUA recognizing her contribution to religious liberalism. Recently she has shared this blog post.
Two questions that are paramount: Who can claim Unitarian Universalism as their own…and who is claimed (or rejected) by Unitarian Universalism? What are the standards for UUs in general in regards to how we are to treat each other?
Why is this important? Because for years I (Twinkle) have been serving Unitarian congregations and groups. Lately I am beginning to wonder if the current leaders and most vocal in their ranks are aligned with my credo of Living Life as a Prayer, of treating others with compassion, and of leading with Love. If they (UUs) are amassing to expel or disassociate with such amazing ministers as Kate Braestrup, it is not an organization I can support. Time will tell the answers of these questions.
So grateful to have this annual gathering with our friends at this beautiful Inn overlooking Moosehead Lake on Saturday evening. Cherished moments of laughter and connection.
Every year on 9/11 my services always include this song – played, sung or spoken. “If I Give Your Name” by Pat Humphries and Sandy O of Emma’s Revolution. As well as some version of Judy Chicago’s Merger Poem as prayer, as meditation, as wish and as dream. May the day come when we can all live in gentle compassion and peaceableness.
California friends – take note!
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Join Us!
Sermon: Gentle Ripples, a Water Communion Service to Gather The Beloved Community
Sunday, September 8th, 2019 (10:00 am)
The Universalist Unitarian Church of Waterville
69 Silver Street, Waterville, Maine
Worship Leader: Rev. “Twinkle” Marie Porter-Manning
Thought for Contemplation:
“The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members.”
~ Coretta Scott King
#PulpitOfPeace #BuildingTheBelovedCommunity #UUSermon
Rev. Bishop Carlton Pearson has been a blessing to all who are touched by his work. He brings with him his evangelical spirit and metaphysical approach to Unitarian Universalism.
All Souls Unitarian Church was featured in the documentary film, “American Heretics: The Politics of Gospel.”