In this church, we gather together to renew our faith, our hope, and our strength to sustain ourselves and all of those around us. Through our spiritual practices, we tend to ourselves so that we can offer love and hope to the world around us. Even when the world is on fire, there are things we can do, however small. This Sunday, we offer a practice of gratitude for our church that offers us sustenance as we begin a month of honoring the sacred commitment of stewardship.

Human rights activist Ella Baker spoke the words, “Give people light, and they will find a way.” To me, this speaks to the heart of faith and spirituality. Faith, to me, is hope. Is strength. Is companionship with the sacred and the confidence in life’s inherent goodness and beauty. With these held in one’s heart, any path can be illuminated.

Our individual ideas of faith keep us grounded and persevering no matter what comes our way; our spirituality can give us the strength to trust in something greater than ourselves. This Sunday, we explore the meaning of faith to each one of us, and work to understand how this faith can be present in our daily lives.

After last week’s exploration of Widening the Circle by connecting with our inner, spiritual selves, we now bring this to the world around us.  This Sunday, we explore welcoming all of humanity into our midst, both as individuals and as a faith community.  This is a necessary catalyst for justice work, and for simply living a full, meaningful, fulfilling life.  Together, we are invited to engage…

Buddhism understands intention as a seed – present, but needing nurture and care to truly come to fruition.  In response to the problem of suffering, Buddhists follow eight practices, an interlocking set of ways of being that connect mind and body.  Present throughout is the thread of intention, the question of where to focus the mind, and how.  This Sunday, we reflect on…