- Help Decorate Our Tree! December 6, 2024Rev. Joe Cleveland
Dear Friends,
You are all invited to bring an ornament to decorate our tree!
You’ve seen the decorations going up around town. Broadway is all decked out. You’ve likely even put up a few decorations yourself lately. Bring an ornament or two or three with you this Sunday, or even during the week, and add it to ...
- Giving Thanks, Looking Ahead November 27, 2024Rev. Joe Cleveland
Dear Friends,
Even in troubled times, we can practice gratitude. Last Sunday, we gave thanks and celebrated the success of our capital campaign and the memories and hopes of congregants from the 2013 time capsule. It was a wonderful service and potluck. It is simply so good to be together! I give thanks for you all.
Looking ...
- We Are Not Alone November 22, 2024Rev. Joe Cleveland
Dear friends,
In the same way that I have been concerned about how people in our UU congregation have been doing in the wake of the election, it occurred to me that other local clergy serving congregations from historically liberal religious traditions might also be needing some support and community.
Several of us gathered at a downtown ...
- On We Go November 15, 2024Rev. Joe Cleveland
There are times when it feels like everything is happening at once, and now feels like one of those times. The panoply of emotions seeded by the Election continues. I treasure all the emotions and experiences that you have been sharing with me. We are here to acknowledge and bear these emotions together, and it ...
- We Are a Sanctuary People November 6, 2024Rev. Joe Cleveland
We Are A Sanctuary People
An Election Message from UUA President the Rev. Dr. Sofía Betancourt
November 6, 2024
This is a time of great fear and devastation and very real risk to ourselves and our Beloveds. There is so much that we cannot yet know. Even if we know the shape and fear the character of our ...
- On this Election Eve: Connect November 1, 2024Rev. Joe Cleveland
My heart is aching. Not necessarily because of the election, though I am worried about that. But more over how the election is affecting so many in the congregation.
We’re not unusual in feeling anxious. The American Psychological Association is concerned that this election cycle is a source of significant stress most people in the country. ...
- Turn my sullen sense toward marvel. October 18, 2024Rev. Joe Cleveland
Turn my sullen sense toward marvel.
Cup of Joe. October 18, 2024.
One of my favorite readings about autumn in our hymnal is one (no. 485) that begins by brazenly calling out: “Turn scarlet, leaves! Spin earth!”
Autumn-time can get a bit riotous. All sorts of things are happening and either changing right now or portending change any ...
- Dialogue, Discussion, & Dinner October 4, 2024Rev. Joe Cleveland
Cup Of Joe
October 4, 2024
Many thanks to the Social Justice Team, and especially Lucy Manning and Ron & Linda Giancola, for engaging us in the Climate Justice Revival event put together by the UU Climate Justice Coalition. It was a moving service and ritual, even for those of us attending via Zoom as I did ...
- There is enough compassion to see us through September 27, 2024Rev. Joe Cleveland
Cup of Joe. Friday, Sep 27, 2024
I’ve been out sick a couple days this week. While I tested negative on Wednesday, today I tested positive for Covid. I am doing my best to rest and do all the things, and I appreciate your well-wishes. Hopefully, it will pass quickly. My body has had this before ...
- Inviting the New September 6, 2024Rev. Joe Cleveland
Cup of Joe, September 6, 2024
This Sunday, I hope to see you at our annual water communion celebration! It is a wonderful ritual that celebrates how we come together from different places with different interests and needs and gifts, and yet we choose to be together as one community, celebrating how we are connected and ...
