Poet Wendell Berry affirms “There are no unsacred places; there are only sacred places and desecrated places.” As part of this month exploring “sanctuary,” this interactive service will reflect on the meaning of sacred space, within and beyond the literal sanctuaries of houses of worship. This service will also serve as the religious education program … Continue reading Holy Ground
The Rev. Heather Janules “After nourishment, shelter and companionship, stories are the thing we need most.” These words by Phillip Pullman remind us that simple human stories can be like scripture, inviting us deeper into life. And what inspires more than a love story? This is the story of Malik and Zahida. It was 1989. … Continue reading Sanctuary Stories
October 7, 2018 The Rev. Heather Janules One of the blessings of New England is living through the transitions of the seasons, the extremes of bitter cold and snow in winter, the muddy chill of spring, the bright blaze of summer and the odyssey of color that is autumn. Each season brings gifts and challenges. … Continue reading The Spirituality of Surrender
Perhaps you have seen him – the tall, lanky white man with a baseball cap, standing at the intersection of Commerce Way and Route 95 in Woburn, the center of a busy retail corridor. He holds a sign, printed on one side with the slogan “Support our Troops” and, on the other side, “Trump Won … Continue reading Our Voice, Our Vote
“There is something I have to tell you. I have never told this to anyone before. Many years ago, I was unfaithful in my marriage. The affair is long over but I can’t help but to think about what a bad spouse I was. My children were young at the time. I robbed my family … Continue reading Hungry Before God: Reflections on Yom Kippur
One thing I have always known about myself is that I have a brown thumb. Whenever somebody gives me a plant, I immediately worry about how much time we will have together. How long will it take for my neglect to turn this beautiful plant into a brown, shriveled mess? It is strange that I … Continue reading The Parable of the Brown Thumb
Garden Gospels PDF “Garden Gospels” June 10, 2018 The Rev. Heather Janules This past Friday, I began my day of writing in a place I visit many times a week, Horn Pond. It was a gorgeous morning, sunny but cool, with many people and their dogs enjoying the weather. All around us was … Continue reading Garden Gospels: Flower Communion
Blessings Between Us (PDF) “When in Need” Dennis Brett June 3, 2018 I am a Pastoral Care Associate, but I am speaking today as a recipient of pastoral care. A year ago, I had surgery on my shoulder. It was not serious but because of my physical difficulties on my left side, recovery … Continue reading Blessings Between Us: Celebrating Pastoral Ministry
Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory (PDF) “Where Three Trails Meet on Boston Common: ROBERT GOULD SHAW and 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Regiment Memorial” Nancy Scott The ROBERT GOULD SHAW and 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Regiment Memorial is the one singular site in Boston where the Freedom Trail, the Black Heritage Trail, and the UUA … Continue reading Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory
The Fifth Source of Unitarian Universalism is “Humanist teachings which counsel us to heed the guidance of reason and the results of science, and warn us against idolatries of the mind and spirit.” Along with celebrating the nurturing spirit among us on Mother’s Day, this service explores spirituality grounded in a belief in human beings, … Continue reading Reason and Reverence – The Fifth Source
