Rev. David Miller provides a beautiful reflection on the Spiritual Practice of Right Relationship. Click here for the full sermon.
Gift from the Sea
Many of the women who have been emailing me this month have been inquiring about summer retreats. At this time, we do not have any planned. However, because so many have asked, I am happy to host a “beach day” with my sister, Laura, this August. Most likely Searsport with breakfast at Coastal Cafe.
This will a be spur of the moment event, so if you are among those interested, please send us an email, and to be included in our modern day “phone tree” please include your cell # so we can text as well as email you when the date is set. Also include your area of interest.
My sister is a doula so is ready to lead a discussion about that. I am a poet and a writer – I encourage everyone to bring a journal to write in.
I also encourage you to read, Anne Morrow’s Gift from the Sea – it is a timeless classic for women reflecting on where they are on their journeys, where they see themselves going, and how to prioritize by letting go and lifting up in order to have a full life they love.
And, for those living in Florida (or interested in a travel retreat), I will be hosting a Gift from the Sea workshop in New Smyrna Beach in January 2017. I will post the details of this and other Florida events soon. For more information, email:
TwinkleManning@gmail.com
The Pamphlet Podcast: The Lively Place
As part of our ministry in small town Maine, we strive to share Unitarian Universalism within Pittsfield and neighboring communities, and with the world. The Internet makes this mission far more accessible with treasures like The Pamphlet Podcast. We are delighted to share this episode as it explores more deeply the history of Mt. Auburn.
http://www.pamphletpodcast.org/the-lively-place/
New Moon in Cancer
Each New Moon is a time we dedicate to explore our UU 7th Principle and Pagan Path in connection with the sixth source we draw our Unitarian Universalist faith from. It is a wonderful time to check in with where we are at on our spiritual paths, and where we want to be going.
The practice of honoring the New Moon cycle helps us align our lives with that which we feel most called to.
Some have worked hard at healing – others have been stuck in would-be healing patterns – it is time to release all of these and simply move forward in the embodiment of love. The New Moon on July 4th is the ideal time to do just so.
Forever Conscious offers some insights as to how to surrender stuck patterns and embrace the path of love.
Mystic Mamma also offers advice on how to attune to one’s intuition. As well as in understanding such Divine Wisdom as stated by Elias Longsdale:
The blessing is what happens when you let go of the need, the pressure, the idea that it has to be a certain way. For there is a gift in being all ways and no particular way at all.
and too the importance of:
Seeing each point of view as valid. Listening attentively to all the voices as they reveal the many sides of the way it is.
The Power Path says release past worries and increase self care:
It is time to move on from all of it, to put yourself first, to forgive others and to allow the transformation that wants to happen to begin to unfold.
Be patient with others, accommodate them in your life, care for yourself. … And spend time in water.
May you immerse in the watery depths of peace and calmness during this new moon phase.
Let your intuition be attuned to listening to your inner knowings while paying attention to the manifestation of outward signs.
There is much grace to be instilled in this new moon.
Float and flow with the motions of gentle, loving energies.
Seek your Soul’s trusted companions and allow your connection to be blessed in Truth, Kindness and Love.
re-imagining church
This is one of the messages I was looking for earlier this Spring when it became evident of what was going on locally in the Pittsfield UU Church.
It is critical for congregational leaders to really, deeply acknowledge and understand that the congregation is the people – not the church. The congregation is the people. Meet them where they are, nourish them, and allow them to grow.
https://www.uua.org/purpose/vision/beyond/ga/carry-the-flame
I’ve tried to hold out hope – for hope’s sake. But someone close has said the writing has been on the wall since before I moved here about the demise of this particular would-be UU church.
Congregational Life and authentic welcome is critical to the life of a church.
Back to Zero is often necessary before positive shifts can happen.
What is the mission?
What is the purpose?
It is critical to give attention to these rather than pandering to the constituencies already here among us.
And to have the faith to say Yes more often to nuanced ideas and encourage the champions and leaders of our congregations to have leadership roles.
Yes, fill leadership positions with Leaders…And let them Lead.
Leaders who have a bold vision for our congregations.
And a bold vision for how Unitarian Universalism can positively impact the world.
Our congregation can be more than a shrine to distant memories.
Our congregation can be a place where we gather together for spiritual exploration.
Collaborating with other neighboring congregations.
Reaching out to those in our communities seeking spiritual sanctuary and a place to call their spiritual home.
May this become so.
Sunday, July 3rd Service: In Our Own Image
On Sunday, July 3rd Twinkle is leading services at First Universalist Church of Pittsfield in Maine. She is collaborating with Jason Curran, an amazing musician.
Together they will explore the sacred with those present.
The theme of the service and Twinkle’s sermon title is:
“In Our Own Image”
There are many ways Unitarian Universalists approach the topic of God.
This service clarifies the realities of conscious and unconscious worshipping.
Sunday, July 3rd – 9:45 AM
For other services by Twinkle and Jason, visit here.
What Twinkle has to say about the creation of this service:
“The idea is that we all worship something. And what we choose to worship can help us make sense out of life, even when life seems senseless. What we choose to worship can comfort us, bring us joy, and have us greeting each morning in gratitude. Or, what we choose to worship can eat us alive. We get to choose to whom we belong, which ‘god’ we will obey. The first step toward doing so is to understand the distinctions of conscious and unconscious worshipping. Also, Jason and I composed a song together for this service based on an old hymn. I find great meaning in doing this kind of co-creation together.”
The Pamphlet Podcast: A Unitarian Death
This episode of The Pamphlet Podcast, Susan and Sean explore the transcendental shockwave that was set off with the creation of Mt. Auburn Cemetery in Watertown, MA in 1831. They explore a Unitarian perspective of death and the ritual that should mark the passing of life into death. This historical offering highlights the Unitarian contribution to social reform in pioneering a new way of how the living should ritually mark the passing of life into death.
http://www.pamphletpodcast.org/a-unitarian-death/
Summertime 2016 Book Group
This summer we’ve selected to read Jim Brickman’s “Simple Things” in July and Kenneth Keith’s “Anyway: The Paradoxical Commandments” in August.
Wednesday, July 20th
Simple Things by Jim Brickman
People today are constantly on the run. Between work and kids and relationships, there’s hardly a moment to breathe.
Composer/recording artist Jim Brickman realized that he was leading a life that revolved around cell phones, emails, red-eyes, and answering services. He also knew that it was time to stop, reevaluate, and simplify his life. And so, this book came into being . . .
Simple Things is a collection of humorous, poignant essays that will help you get out of the fast lane and savor life’s true pleasures — from a vacation in your own neighborhood to holding a newborn baby for the first time. In his soothing yet pointed manner, Brickman mulls over how to get back to basics when it comes to life’s big topics — such as love, health, finances, creativity, travel, children, romance, parenting, and friendships.
Simple Things is mostly about opening your eyes. To life. To love. To friendship. And to ordinary miracles that make each day so sweet.
Wednesday, August 17th
Anyway: The Paradoxical Commandments by Kenneth Keith
The Paradoxical Commandments were written by Kent M. Keith in 1968 as part of a booklet for student leaders.For more than thirty years, the Paradoxical Commandments have circled the globe.
They have been put on walls and refrigerator doors, featured in speeches and articles, preached from pulpits, and shared extensively on the web. They have been used by business leaders, military commanders, government officials, religious leaders, university presidents, social workers, teachers, rock stars, parents, coaches, and students.
Mother Teresa thought the Paradoxical Commandments were important enough to put up on the wall of her children’s home in Calcutta.
The Paradoxical Commandments have touched the hearts of millions of people all over the world. We hope that the Paradoxical Commandments will touch your heart, too!
Introducing: The Pamphlet
We are delighted to share the creation of a new information sharing podcast that features Unitarian Universalist history. The Pamphlet will air every two weeks. Here is some information:
http://www.pamphletpodcast.org/our-name/
Details about the launch of this project are found on their Faithify campaign page:
http://www.faithify.org/projects/thepamphlet/
Gemini Moon 2016
What wondrous things await the patiently appreciative heart!
The new moon in Gemini is conjunction Venus, making all things possible for the heart’s direction to change with ease and freedom. It is also opposite Saturn and square with Neptune and Jupiter, which create a healthy platform for discerning authentic Truths. Truths that you can choose to be unencumbered by echoes of past failures, misunderstandings and false assumptions. Truths, once unveiled, that can clear already opened doorways so you can step into paths shining in light.
If love crosses your path on this new moon, you can be assured that you will be able to let go of old patterns and trust what is in front of you. So, set aside what you think you know, follow with confidence where your heart guides you.
What are the experts saying about this new moon?
Diotima (of Witches & Pagans) tells us:
“This Gemini New Moon features an interesting astrological pattern called a Grand Cross, and it will challenge us all to look closely at what we take on faith in our lives, at our personal philosophies, and how we craft our daily lives from ideas, beliefs and emotions.”
Mystic Mamma contributor, SARAH VARCAS reminds us that:
“True power lies in embracing the mystery and our state of unknowing. In doing so we unlock the alchemy of surrender which enables our reality to shift and change in ways we could not fashion by our own might.”
About this year’s Gemini moon, KELLEY ROSANO says:
“Allow a fresh perspective to take hold of you. Let today be the first day of your life. The past does not equal the future. There is unlimited potential in the human spirit. Keep your mind open. Open your heart and let the light in. A new day is dawning for you. … Clean out the closet of your mind. Clean out your basement. Get organized. Release what no longer serves you. …When you clean out the past, you feel lighter. That is because you are filling your space with Light. This will empower you. It is your destiny to live a Joyful life.”
Tanaaz (from Forever Conscious) tells us,
“All of the retrograde energy that we have been encountering recently has been helping us to stir up the past and release it”
June offers these and many other blessings.
May your path be filled with the light of truth;
May your heart be open to welcome that which you desire most.
For a glimpse at some folklore and qualities of June, visit here.
For more details about the astrological aspects of the Gemini New Moon, visit here and here.
If you like to incorporate crystals into your rituals, visit here.
And, interested in reading about the three cauldrons, visit here.
Explore information about our UU 7th Principle and Pagan Path in connection with the sixth source we draw our Unitarian Universalist faith from.