Tag Archives: Beloved Community

May We Feel Pride

On this beautiful late spring weekend, as people around the nation begin celebrating pride for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer people, let’s pause. Let’s fill our lungs with the fresh morning air. Let’s rest in the embrace of this … Continue reading

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Rooted, Planted, Grounded (an Earth Day Response to Mass Violence)

There it was again, the phone call. This time it was my father. “Did you see what happened at the Boston Marathon? Turn on the television. It’s awful.” There it was again, that feeling of profound sadness. Tears welling up. … Continue reading

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Boston Tragedy 4-15-13

As I sat down to write my column for the church’s May newsletter, my dad called to tell me about bombs exploding at the finish line of the Boston Marathon. Very soon after I learned of a distant relation (my … Continue reading

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Easter Lingers as Spring Arrives

Morning breaks. Blackbird sings. The grass is damp. The garden is wet. Dew moistens everything as the sun rises on early April mornings, announcing, finally, “spring is here.” The warm April sun on our backs; the soft, dark smell of … Continue reading

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A Life Redeemed

“What happens when we recycle bottles and cans?” asks Kathleen Mctigue in her meditation.[1] “They are transformed; they are made into something else. Though it may seem a homely analogy for something as lofty as our souls,” she continues, “that’s … Continue reading

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The Rhythm of Life is a Powerful Beat (An Easter Homily)

“Would you harbor me? Would I harbor you?”[1]  I like this song on Easter morning. It reminds us we live in a world where far too many people, for far too many reasons need safe harbor, need of sanctuary, shelter, safety; … Continue reading

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Wake Now My Senses

A SERMON FOR THE INSTALLATION OF THE REV. JEANNE LLOYD AS MINISTER OF THE UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST SOCIETY OF MATTATUCK IN WOODBURY, CT MARCH 24, 2013 “Oh Mystery you are alive; I feel you all around. You are the fire in … Continue reading

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Testimony in Support of Aid in Dying

Testimony in Support of Raised Bill No. 6645,  “An Act Concerning Compassionate Aid in Dying for Terminally Ill Patients” March 15, 2013   Distinguished Members of the Public Health Committee: I am the Rev. Josh Pawelek, minister of the Unitarian … Continue reading

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For All That Is Our Life

This coming week marks the anniversary of a milestone in my life and in the life of this congregation. Ten years ago this week, Wednesday, March 19th, 2003 is perhaps most memorable as the day the United States launched its … Continue reading

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Wolcott School’s Allowance of Anti-Gay T-shirt Mocks First Amendment

I couldn’t disagree more with Wolcott High School officials who, in response to the threat of an ACLU lawsuit, reversed their decision to prevent student Seth Groody from wearing a homophobic t-shirt.  Sandra Staub, legal director of the ACLU of Connecticut, said … Continue reading

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