I’ve been thinking a lot about sin lately (I know, you’d think I had time on my hands…). Sadly, it’s often defined as “immorality,” when it would be better understood as “alienation from God.” And we are furthest from God when we take on the role belonging only to God: judgment of self and others—which effectively disconnects us from all three (God, self and other).
The great novelist E.M. Forster once wrote: Only connect. And friends, this
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Pastor's Page
I invite you to read my bi-weekly newsletters below for reflections on Sunday worship and updates on congregational life. I hope, and believe, you will also enjoy my Sermons. I look forward to seeing you and sharing worship with you.
Blessings,
Pastor Ellen
Please call or e-mail to schedule time with Pastor Ellen:
M, W, Th: Appointments and visits
Tuesday: Day off
Friday: Sermon and study day
Here are some spiritual resources that I find myself returning to time and again. I hope you will also enjoy them.
UCC Feed Your Spirit
Bite in the Apple
Patheos.com
The Listening Hermit
RickMorley.com
Larry Patten.com
From Rev. Ellen Jennings
Groundhog Greetings~
“Rain, rain, go away!” Is it just me, or has it been an inordinately long gray winter? And last Friday, Punxsutawney Phil told us there will be six more weeks of it! I know, today the sun is shining (thank God), but I wrote this yesterday—and look at the forecast for the rest of the week…
If this resonates, please join me Sunday for an intergenerational service of Light and Love. Yes, it’s almost Valentine’s Day, but
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From Rev. Ellen Jennings
Winter Greetings~
At a recent meeting of our “soon to be” team of Past, Present and Future Moderators, we talked about last week’s Moderator’s Memo in which Dan Sack reminded us of the challenge we face as a congregation to pursue our many passions and commitments within a common mission. He’s right, of course. Because in order for any congregation to make a difference, it must come together, focus its energies, and respond to a common call.
For
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From Rev. Ellen Jennings
Epiphany Greetings~
Lately, I’ve been looking for signs. You know, unexpected indicators that things are going to turn out a certain way, hopefully a good way.
Some of you may remember the sermon I preached after Christmas, when I shared the story about losing my special leaf earring. I used it as an example of Amor fati (love of fate) and talked about the blessing of embracing “what is.” Life happens, things fall apart, earrings get lost, and
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From Rev. Ellen Jennings
Merry Christmas!
I hope you’re enjoying a safe and happy Christmas Week. This Sunday is New Year’s Eve, so we’ll celebrate the start of 2018 with an Auld Lang Syne Service in the Parlor at 10:30 am. I’ll reflect on Amor Fati, “love of fate,” which refers to embracing our own reality. To paraphrase Nietzsche: Love your fate, which is in fact your life. For me, this is a challenging but freeing possibility, and I’ll explore what
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