DECEMBER 2008  

Christianity grew to become one of the world’s great world religions in part by creatively merging aspects of its own story, theology, and practice with those of Paganism. Thus we have the resurrection of Jesus celebrated in the spring on a holiday known as “Easter,” in honor of a fertility goddess, and we have the Easter Bunny distributing eggs – pagan symbols for fertility.

We also have the birth of Jesus celebrated during the week of the winter solstice. As Pagans celebrate the return of the Sun, Christians celebrate the birth of the Son! The introspective quality of winter, with its short, cold days and long, starry nights, lends itself well to the mysterious and awe-filled quality of the Christian story of God taking the form of a human being, born in a manger. Many people who do not embrace the Christian story generally take to the story of the wise men following a star to find this baby. Many non-Christians love to sing “Silent Night” by candlelight, “… glories stream from heaven afar, heavenly hosts sing ‘Alleluia,’ sleep in heavenly peace, sleep in heavenly peace.” This story captures something elemental in religion: here we are, in the midst of this unimaginably expansive universe, hardly significant at all, yet each of us is as precious as this baby. God is everything; we are not even specks of dust compared to God. And, God is this baby, and all babies, and we carry God in our arms.

This month, as the children's Religious Education program turns its focus to Christianity, most of our Sunday worship services will do so as well. On Christmas Eve, we’ll turn to poetry, stories, and music in our candlelight service honoring the great mystery of life in the stars above and the babe we hold in our arms.

in faith,
Rev. Steve

NOVEMBER 2008

UUCE has expressed a strong desire to become more of a social action church, with a presence in the Eugene- Springfield area. With skilled lay leadership, the congregation is now poised to take what might be its most important step in that direction: a congregation-wide Social Justice Empowerment weekend workshop (see page 3 for details). This workshop falls between Election Day and Thanksgiving. Perfect.

On Election Day may we remember that no matter who becomes President, the nation's leadership will, as it has always done, respond to pressures from groups. Both of the major candidates are politicians, as Wendy often reminds me when I idealize one of them. It's unrealistic to expect any American President not to cut deals, go back on their word, abandon a campaign pledge. We will always need to manage up, or lead the leaders.

Our acting and speaking as a congregation (not just a collection of individuals) on one or more select issues will enable us to participate in meaningful public dialogue and influence. Great care needs to be exercised when a congregation, respecting diversity and dissent, considers collective action on an issue, but it is possible to do well. As Alexis de Tocqueville observed in the 19th century classic, Democracy in America, voluntary associations wield tremendous power here.

Thanksgiving reminds us that all we do, including social action, is much more fruitful when grounded in gratitude. Activists who have their eye only on what could be or should be, without an appreciation for what is, tend to burn out, alienate others, and be, well, cranky. Activists (and activist communities) who strive for change while also appreciating what is, are more likely to sustain their work, naturally attract allies, experience victories and defeats more graciously, and enjoy themselves along the way! The difference is gratitude. I close with the words of Rev. Dr. Rebecca Parker which I quoted at the end of my October 19 sermon on the prophetic voice:

The choice to bless the world is more than an act of will,
a moving forward into the world, with the intention to do good.
It is an act of recognition, a confession of surprise,
a grateful acknowledgement that in the midst of a broken world
unspeakable beauty, grace and mystery abide.
There is an embrace of kindness, that encompasses all life, even yours.
And while there is injustice, anesthetization or evil
there moves a holy disturbance, a benevolent rage,
a revolutionary love protesting, urging,
insisting that which is sacred will not be defiled.
Those who bless the world live their lives as a gesture of thanks
for this beauty and this rage.…
None of us alone can save the world.
Together – that is another possibility, waiting.

In faith,
Rev. Steve

OCTOBER 2008

It’s hard to believe that after more than a year of campaigns for president (beginning with the primaries), the general election is just a month away, and in January we will have a new President of the United States of America. The recent economic crises, with the U.S. considering spending $1 trillion dollars to shore up giant financial institutions and buy mortgages, is a reminder of the power of the President in countless decisions we barely consider, such as the selection of the Secretary of the Treasury. While it may be argued that nearly any head of the Treasury would be pressured to make decisions like this to avoid a deep global recession or even depression, still the power of people at the head of our Federal government is staggering. With whom should we invest this power?

I hope and pray for a robust voter turnout in November. I hope and pray my candidate wins! I hope and pray for constructive political dialogue. And, I hope and pray that our church may be respectful and hospitable to anyone who supports the Democratic candidate, the Republican candidate, or a major third-party candidate. Let’s not assume that someone is politically liberal because they are religiously liberal. There are plenty of people who whole-heartedly support the ideals of liberal religion, expressed in our Seven Principles among other places, without walking the party line on how these values may be promoted politically. There are Just War UUs and Pacifist UUs, free market, pro-global-economy UUs and anti-globalization, buy-local UUs, libertarians and socialists and everything in-between.

Unitarian Universalists take pride in our openness, tolerance, lack of dogma, and willingness to debate. We see truth emerging in conversation, as people learn from one another in respectful dialogue. Let’s make sure we are applying these core values to politics, not just tolerating but genuinely valuing other-minded people who can help us think through our values. Maybe an other-minded person will change our mind in some way; maybe talking with them will help us sharpen our arguments; maybe neither will change the mind of the other, but respect and friendship will emerge in the conversation. Let’s avoid assuming in coffee hour, meetings, or over email lists that others have like-minded political views. Let’s encourage dialogue, let’s encourage voting, let’s encourage participation. Let’s promote the values, policies, and leaders we believe will best lead our country – without speaking in a way that suggests people who believe differently are somehow less than us. Let’s use Nonviolent Communication or something like it when we talk politics – it’s kind, respectful, and effective. Let’s give others and ourselves the gift of curiosity. Doing so will help ensure our congregation is truly diverse in views, and respectful of dissenting opinions… so important to a free and strong liberal church.

in faith,
Rev. Steve

SEPTEMBER 2008

Welcome to September! Wherever your summer has been,
welcome back to church. I am glad to be back after a brief
family vacation in the Midwest and a leave that included
study, and the practice of parenting, in Eugene.

A couple of changes to my practice of ministry this year.... First, my office hours are now Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday mornings (with Monday as a study day and Friday as my day off). I am keeping as many individual meetings as possible on those mornings at church, leaving late afternoons for time with my family. Children need structure and predictability, and, I’ve found, a more regular schedule benefits me as well! After years of being a single minister available for meetings at almost any time, I see now how a regular schedule helps me give my best to my church and to my family.

Second, for this year, though wearing a stole most of the time, I will not wear a pulpit robe for most Sundays. There may be exceptions for special occasions, but after careful consideration I’ve decided that for now the robe needs a rest. Putting on a robe helps me be more conscious of the sacred role I am stepping into, that of worship leader, and it provides a visual clue to others that this is a sacred time. However, in a beautiful but simple setting the robe can put too much focus on the minister himself. The attention and praise heaped on me last year felt most often warm, welcoming, and genuine, but I also felt at times that I was being put on a pedestal, from which one has a long distance to fall. Being the first male minister here in 23 years may have contributed to this dynamic. Attention on the minister distracted at times from our focus (yours and mine) on the ministry we share. So, I’m glad to be ministering for and with you, and I’m glad you’re glad. Now let’s work together to integrate deeply the UU principles into our lives.

Last year, our special focus was the First Principle of Unitarian Universalism, our commitment to affirm and promote the inherent worth and dignity of all people. While this principle remains important to us, this year our “congregational curriculum” is the 7th Principle: respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part. The children’s religious education program, focusing on world religions this year, will lift up teachings similar to our 7th Principle in other religious traditions. Adult programs are being prepared with this theme in mind. I will preach on the First and Seventh Principles as the two pillars of UUism on September 21.

I invite you—yes, YOU!—to think about how we can incorporate this principle into our lives more deeply this year. Please discuss this with any groups or committees you are involved with, and let me know if you need help. My vision is that, by next June, we will have not only studied but also integrated interdependence into our daily lives, as individuals, families, and as a congregation.

Two more important updates…. First, the Pastoral Associates program is connecting people in need with skilled, compassionate, spiritual listeners. The Pastoral Associates were trained in April and meet monthly for supervision and support. At the beginning of the Water Communion services on September 7—remember to bring water from a special place in your life!—I will re-introduce the Pastoral Associates along with the rejuvenated Caring Committee, which assists members and friends with practical needs during transitions or crises. I hope you will not hesitate to contact those who coordinate these groups—Kathy Dillon for PA (689-1620) and Bob Coleman (461-0956) for the Caring Committee.

Second, a member-organized Adult Programs group is underway. Classes will begin this fall. If you have suggestions for a class or program, or want to nominate someone to lead one, please contact Anna Sontag, who has organized this effort with energy and vision. Along with Small Group Ministry (which begins in winter), our adult programs will help provide the opportunities for small-group learning, discussion, and relationship that many people crave in their church. Please see page 6 for a listing of offerings.

We are at an exciting time in this church. Our centennial year (2009) is just around the corner; our building committees are seeking a new home for us; a congregation-wide Social Justice Empowerment workshop is being planned for November. Amid this planning and activity, may we seek to live with true respect for our interdependence, with one another as well as with the earth.

In faith,
Rev. Steve

AUGUST 2008

Happy Summer!

JULY 2008

Summer is finally here! Warm, dry weather, work winding down, vacation plans taking shape, and sweet memories of my first year with you rising to the surface as I begin to slow down. I remember last spring after accepting your call, when I suggested to a search committee member that she consider applying her fine matchmaking skills to “other areas of my life,” and she did, months later passing on to me the phone number of Wendy Ames, now my fiancee. I remember our Halloween Party, how fun it was to lead groups of children and youth through our haunted forest, past zombies and a werewolf and ghosts, and then to come inside to find fortunetellers and apple-bobbers and all sorts of fun and laughter.

I remember the rich, meaningful conversations in small groups: the Pastoral Associates training, Worship Associates training, and adult religious education classes on the Enneagram and on William Ellery Channing, founder of American Unitarianism. I was amazed at how often the discussions of Channing’s sermons took on personal dimensions. And then, of course, the congregational discussions in February’s “listening groups,” exploring our hopes and visions for the coming years to guide our property selection process—all rich conversations.

I take into summer warm memories of intergenerational worship, our choirs singing their hearts out, and the Labor Day workday, how hard we worked and how much fun we had--one hundred of us! I remember seeing the Social Justice Committee begin to take off, the UU Orientation classes bursting at the seams, and the sanctuary so full at some 11 am services that people were sitting on the bookshelves in the library. And always, whether it be in the kitchen or in childcare or on the grounds around the church, people working, often smiling or laughing.

I am delighted and honored to be your minister! If you’ve been working to support and grow our church, I hope you will take some time to appreciate what you’ve helped to create. There’s more to do, and surely some to do this summer, but this is also a time for rest and replenishment. I will be taking my summer study leave and vacation from July 3 to August 10. This is a time for me to enjoy some time off with my family, to read books I didn’t open during the year, and to plan for the coming year without the tugs of immediate tasks. I’ll be in and out of town but not coming to meetings, reading email, etc. If you have a pastoral need, please call Pastoral Associates Coordinator Bonnie Romane for a referral through August 9, 2008. Reverend Edgar Peara will also be available for pastoral emergencies.

In faith and grace,
Rev. Steve

JUNE 2008

During May and June at UUCE, we mark significant rites of passage, including the Coming-of-Age, Moving Up and Bridging ceremonies. On June 8 we will thank outgoing elected leaders and welcome those newly elected.

I’ve heard often that the lives of ministers and their congregations can dance with one another in interesting ways. Transitions often come in bunches. That seems to be the case with us. On May 17, on the eve of the Coming-of-Age services, I became engaged to marry Wendy Marie Ames, a delightful woman I met here in Eugene. And, over that weekend, with his full consent, I became father to Toraja Matias Ames, Wendy’s (and now also my) son, who is five years old.

Several friends said to me, in the months prior to my departure from Rhode Island, that they felt I would find my soul mate here in Eugene, as I settled in with a church that seemed a great fit for me. Indeed, I do feel that ministering with you has helped me come into my own, ready for a strong, mature, grounded, intelligent, and clear-thinking woman like Wendy, and helped me prepare to become a father.

Since this is late-breaking news, I offer answers to a few “frequently asked questions.”

1. Wendy and I have not yet set a date for our wedding.

2. Wendy and Toraja are both baptized Catholics. We will most likely have our wedding in a natural setting in Oregon. Toraja and any other children we have will grow up with both Roman Catholicism and Unitarian Universalism as parts of their childhood.

3. Wendy is a classically trained cultural anthropologist, with a Masters from the University of Oregon. Her areas of special interest have included Southeast Asia, international human rights and, more recently, the intersection of business and anthropology. She currently works in market research for Ipsos Understanding Unlimited of Cincinnati, Ohio. Her perspective as a cultural anthropologist has already proved quite valuable to my ministry.

4. Toraja Matias? The name “Toraja” (Toh-RAH-jah) is Indonesian and means “Heavenly King.” Wendy spent a few years living in Indonesia (she’s also lived in Japan and in Paris). “Matias” is Spanish for Matthew and was chosen to honor the part of Toraja’s heritage linking him to Mexico, and more specifically to Oaxaca.

5. Wendy and Toraja have been attending Sunday services at UUCE about once a month since the beginning of the year, and will likely continue at that rate, also joining me at occasional church social events. In fact, recently Wendy and Toraja enjoyed a Friday night potluck with me, and also brought along three close family friends who have been interested in UUCE over the years. She’s not as “churchy” as her reverend fiancé, but she does enjoy participating in social events that cultivate family and community.

6. We were introduced by church members and began dating in November. Wendy has lived off and on in the Eugene area since 1996. Toraja was born here in 2003. They returned to Eugene from Cincinnati on July 27, 2007, four days before I arrived, and bought a home in the southwest hills.

7. Having a growing family will limit my availability somewhat, particularly on Saturdays. From now on, an important part of my ministry will be modeling healthy family life.

8. Having a growing family will help me be a better minister in so many ways. Ministers who have strong, healthy family lives are better able to keep things in perspective, rolling with losses and difficulties. They are also better equipped to write and deliver sermons on family life and provide better counseling for it as well! Just a few months in a quasi-parenting role with Toraja has helped me see the personal growth that usually comes with parenting.

I am currently on vacation with Wendy and Toraja in Guatemala (May 24 to June 4). We look forward to seeing you at church!

In faith and joy, Rev. Steve

MAY 2008

“Church of the Open Heart.” That’s how one of your past ministers described the essence of the Unitarian Universalist Church in Eugene in a conversation last spring, when I was in the search process. Other ministers smiled and agreed with these words.

The warmth and openness of this community is clear. Most members, it seems to me, feel a sense of caring (in giving as well as receiving), particularly those who are well-established in an ongoing group, whether it be the choir or a men’s group, a dedicated committee, a small group ministry group, or an informal gathering of peers, such as parents, young adults, or retirees.

Sadly, though, some members are not feeling that warm embrace. Less well known, for whatever reason, the congregation’s informal caring networks may not reach them. With approximately 400 adult members, our church needs to become more intentional in its inclusiveness. We are blessed with remarkably caring individuals who pay attention to who is missing, send cards, and make hospital visits. I feel blessed to be ministering with such people, such as Kathy Dillon and Sue Craig…and many more than I can name here. Yet even with their efforts, and my making more pastoral care visits in a week than most ministers at churches of this size, we need more.

Establishing a Pastoral Associates (PA) program here has been one of my top priorities. PAs are selected and trained by the minister to visit church members and friends in times of transition and those unable to attend church regularly, such as those in nursing homes with limited mobility. Monthly meetings are provided to help them deepen their art of spiritual listening. The content of their visits will be shared only as needed for supervision, and anything shared will be kept confidential. From these meetings and others, I will learn who needs a visit from their minister.

Nine UUCE members took my PA training in April: Kathy Dillon and Bonnie Romane, Co-Chairs; along with Kate Savannah, Fred Schultz, and Dianne Watson, all of whom will begin serving as Pastoral Associates immediately; and Betty Boyce, Bob Coleman, Sally DeCou, and Ann Fuller, who will join the program as it grows this year.

Co-Chairs Bonnie Romane and Kathy Dillon will serve as PA Coordinators for two-month periods, with Bonnie taking the first two-month term. If you would like a visit from a PA, or know someone who might, tell the Coordinator through the end of June. She will assign Pastoral Associates in consultation with me.

The Pastoral Associate visiting you comes not as a professional counselor or social worker but as a spiritual listener. She or he is there to listen with compassion, and perhaps help you engage your situation spiritually, with your deepest or best self. Visits will be up to an hour, with conversations varying from person to person. In the hospital or similar situations, visits will usually be briefer and more of a check-in.

PAs will be careful to work within their limitations, making referrals, including to me, as appropriate. They will also coordinate closely with the Caring Committee, which provides people in transition with practical short-term assistance, such as rides to the hospital or home-cooked meals to people following the death of a family member. Bob Coleman is the Caring Committee Coordinator through the end of June. Please see Bob if you know of someone who could use their assistance. In trainings with 90 pastoral associates from 22 UU congregations near Boston, I learned of thriving programs wherein even well-established church members with many friends still occasionally asked for a visit from a Pastoral Associate. It can be quite valuable to speak with someone who has a little distance from your situation: someone who is there to listen to you, ask a few questions, perhaps suggest resources or perspectives, including our UU Principles. I will continue to provide pastoral care directly, focusing on those whose situations call for a minister. I am greatly relieved to know that any one in this community who requests a pastoral visit will be able to receive it in a timely fashion.

The PA program should help us become a true “Church of the Open Heart. “ Beginning this month, far more people will be receiving pastoral visits. Eventually, dozens of members will be trained in the art of spiritual listening, which will have ripple effects of kindness and mindfulness throughout our community and beyond.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~In faith and gratitude, Rev. Steve

April 2008

One of the highlights of my ministerial career thus far was the “Life From Darkness” pageant on Dec. 16th that I had the honor of co-creating with Director of Religious Education Candee Cole and many, many volunteers–actors, costume designers, stage managers, patient parents of actors, and more. What a joy that service was, celebrating the creation story of the universe, as learned by science and told by a writer with a poetic flare, Jennifer Morgan, author of Born With a Bang: The Universe Tells Our Cosmic Story, Part I.

The words Candee and I spoke, as the Universe narrator, came directly from this book, with very few modifications. I purchased Born With a Bang in October 2006 at a UU ministers’ chapter retreat near Cape Cod, Massachusetts. The leaders of the retreat were UU Connie Barlow and her husband, Rev. Michael Dowd. As you may have learned from a UU World cover story a couple of years ago, they are itinerant evangelists for “The Great Story”–the ongoing creation story of the universe, which, when understood deeply, leaves us with a religious awe and gratitude for being stardust, created with the explosion of stars. Their inspiration is the work of Brian Swimme and Thomas Berry, authors of the book, The Great Story. It might be more accurate to say they are disciples of Swimme and Berry, among others in this growing movement, interwoven with the Deep Ecology of Joanna Macy and many others.

Barlow and Dowd sold their home over six years ago and have been living in a white van, traveling around the continent offering workshops on “The Great Story.” They are an interesting couple: Connie is a biologist, an atheist, a UU, and (my observation) a low-key, short-haired introvert, accessible but not flashy. Michael is flashy, a natural preacher and evangelist, a former Catholic turned born-again Christian who fought evolution, to a born-yet-again “Crea-theist,” a religious man who (it seems to me) bows at the altar of creation itself.

Rev. Michael Dowd will be with us on Thursday, April 10. I hope you can come to hear this passionate evangelist for “The Great Story.” The Board kindly rescheduled its monthly meeting so we could host Dowd while he’s in the area. On Sat., April 5th, Green Sanctuary will present a workshop based on the work of Deep Ecology leader Joanna Macy, following a film. On the weekend of April 19-20, we’ll celebrate Earth Day with a work party at Alton Baker Park (Sat. at 9:00 a.m.) and worship services Sunday morning.

What a rich month this is at UUCE and in Oregon. In April we will be charting our future with financial commitments, moving towards the selection of a new home, electing new leaders, and more. (We have no Passover Seder scheduled, but if you would be interested in helping to organize one for next year, please let me know.) Meanwhile, the state will be gearing up for the highly contested Democratic presidential primaries. And we will have several chances to honor Earth Day, manifest our seventh principle of respecting the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part (not master), and deepening our commitment to living in right relations with the life that sustains us. Blessed Be.

In faith, Rev. Steve

March 2008

Money seems to have a dirty name in church. Some of us have been part of religious organizations that seem to worship it. But money is a neutral medium, neither positive nor negative. Like other resources, such as time, it can be used for good or ill. In this church, we strive to use it for good. We pay our staff salaries and benefits. We give our offering once a month to an outside agency in line with our values. We keep this place going–and we’d like to do more. We’d like to offer scholarships for leaders to attend UU leadership trainings, for instance. We dearly need to expand our staff, to catch up with our membership growth.

This month you will begin hearing from our Stewardship team and other members in testimonials, in preparation for Celebration Sunday, on April 6th . On that date we will gather again for one large worship service at Lane Community College to celebrate and make our financial commitments to this church.

I invite you to use this time to explore important questions: What does the Unitarian Universalist Church in Eugene mean to you? What would it mean to help it grow and thrive for this and following generations? Given this value, what is an appropriate pledge?

I’ve observed that when people conduct this sort of personal inventory, they discover that church ranks higher in their hearts than it does in their checkbooks. For some people, church takes second place only to family, or perhaps to a meaningful career. Many, if not most of us, would put it in our Top Ten or even our Top Five. But when we look at our checkbooks, it often ranks about Number 30–somewhere below specialty coffee drinks!

The canvass conversation is a way of helping us make our actions congruent with our values. This congruence is key to spiritual and emotional health. In our materialistic and impulsive age, deliberately choosing to redirect one’s resources from overpriced consumer products to a community that supports one’s values is a revolutionary act. Think about that.

A friend of mine has helped me see church as a “spiritual cooperative.” This name recalls for me the food cooperative I joined in Ithaca, N.Y., where I paid monthly dues and worked two to four hours a month. I felt a much closer connection than I did with any other stores. Shoppers and workers smiled and talked with each other quite a bit, as they were all part owners. People treated the store and each other with respect. Everyone had an investment in the place.

That’s the way it is here at the Unitarian Universalist Church in Eugene. But sometimes we forget. We can easily start thinking of this place as our consumer-oriented society teaches us to see everything: as a disposable product produced by “them” that is to be purchased and used for personal gain.

You are part of an institution that does not fit into consumer-oriented, fee-for-service thinking. There is no “them” in this home of liberal religion. You are all part owners here. You are joining together your talents, desires, and resources (time and money) for mutual benefit, to make yourselves into better people and to make the world a better place. You are part of a spiritual cooperative!

And I’m part of it, too! It’s a good feeling. I will think hard about my pledge, while reflecting on the meaning this community has to me. I hope you will, too.

In faith,
Rev. Steve

February 2008

Every man’s condition is a solution in hieroglyphic to those inquiries which he would make; he lives it as life before he perceives it as truth.
--Ralph Waldo Emerson

Every woman’s condition is a solution in hieroglyphic to those inquiries which she would make; she lives it as life before she perceives it as truth.
--Adapted by Rev. Steve Landale

This is a special month in the history of the Unitarian Universalist Church in Eugene. Your building committee and task forces are preparing for our move--searching for properties, exploring means of evaluating properties based on our values, inviting you more deeply into the process, assessing our financial prospects, and more. The charts and tables and left-brain analysis is flying high. This is good.

And… it’s time we paused to listen to what our souls have to say about all of this. As a congregation, UUCE has decided to move, to make a significant external change. This will be a meaningful transition for us--a transformation or growth in who we are as a church, not just where we are--to the extent that we reflect on our spiritual and soulful growth as a community. It’s time to reflect not just on a new property and building, but on what this change will facilitate: the next long chapter--likely decades--in the life of this beloved community. It’s time to ask ourselves, more deeply than we have in the past, and with the input of newer members and friends, “Who have we been? What is emerging in this transition? Who do we seem to be becoming? As we grow, what will be our necessary losses? Are there loved aspects of this stage that we will need to leave behind? What qualities of our character and vision will we take with us, and grow?”

You will be invited to reflect on what you want for our church, and in particular on your best understanding of the truth UUCE has begun to live. This transition began the moment members received the letter of resignation of Rev. Carolyn Colbert in September 2006. It continues even now. Following Emerson’s words, you will be asked to look closely at our emerging identity as a hieroglyphic from which the truth of our future may be gleaned. This information about emerging values and identity during our transition is critical to the direction, health, and ultimate success of UUCE’s moving to a new home. It is the right-brain, intuitive and spiritual reflection that will complement the more linear thinking already underway.

I will be reflecting on our transition as spiritual growth in my sermons on February 10th and 17th. Following the 11 a.m. services on those days, from approximately 12:30 to 2:00 p.m., we will have “listening groups” throughout the church, for people to listen to the reflections of others, and possibly speak themselves, on three transitional questions posed during the services. These questions and this time will be an important part of this reflective process, but they will not address all of the important soul-questions we may have.

Please sign up in the social hall for only one of these dates. If you are able to help provide lunch or other help, please note on sign up sheet.

Everybody wants to be somebody; nobody wants to grow. --Goethe

The important thing is this: to be able at any moment to sacrifice what we are for what we could become. --Charles DuBos

Life is the only real counselor. --Edith Wharton

Blessings on our journey… and on yours, as individuals and families,
Rev. Steve

January 2008

Minister’s Musings
Happy New Year! I am glad to be beginning this year with you.

Although I arrived in August and began leading worship services in September, this time of beginnings has many stages.

On January 27th at 4:00 p.m. we will have our Installation service, at which I will be formally installed as UUCE’s settled minister, and the members of UUCE and I will enter into a covenantal relationship more fully. To make sure we have room for everyone, including ministers and other guests from out of town, this service will be held downtown, at the First Christian Church, 1166 Oak Street.

The service will last approximately 90 minutes and will be followed by a reception there, much like the monthly interfaith services held in the same sanctuary. My colleague and friend the Rev. Deborah Cayer, of Sharon, Mass., will be preaching the sermon, congregational president Olga Turner will lead the congregation in the Act of Installation, and your former minister the Rev. Carolyn Colbert will offer the Charge to the Congregation. Several other ministers will have brief speaking roles as well. If this is your first UU ministerial Installation (or Ordination) service, you may be surprised that I’ll say very little. I will speak my words of covenant to you and then offer the benediction at the end. Childcare of course will be provided. I hope you can take part!

That morning, in our usual 9 and 11 a.m. services, I will preach on our shared journey thus far. I hope you can be there as well. It’s a lot of church on one day, but then again, the following Sunday is the Super Bowl, so you may want to fill up your church time bank!

As I look back on 2007 with gratitude, and ahead to 2008 with hope, my time with you is foremost in my mind. Happy New Year indeed! Many blessings upon us all, and may we use this magical beginning to become an even stronger congregation, serving the larger community with joy and hope.

In faith,
Rev. Steve

December 2007

Christianity grew to become one of the world’s great world religions in part by creatively merging aspects of its own story, theology, and practice with those of paganism. Thus we have the resurrection of Jesus celebrated in the spring on a holiday known as “Easter,” in honor of a fertility goddess, and we have the Easter Bunny distributing eggs – pagan symbols for fertility, absent from the Bible (last time I checked).

We also have the birth of Jesus celebrated during the week of the winter solstice. As Pagans celebrate the return of the Sun, Christians celebrate the birth of the Son! The introspective quality of winter, with its short, cold days and long, starry nights, lends itself well to the mysterious and awe-filled quality of the Christian story of God taking the form of a human being, born in a manger. Many people who do not embrace the Christian story do take to the story of the wise men following a star to find this baby. Many Unitarian Universalists who keep aspects of Christianity at arm’s length love to sing Silent Night by candlelight, “… glories stream from heaven afar, heavenly hosts sing ‘Alleluia,’ sleep in heavenly peace, sleep in heavenly peace.” This story captures something elemental in religion: here we are, in the midst of this unimaginably expansive universe, hardly significant at all, yet each of us is as precious as this baby. God is everything; we are not even specks of dust compared to God. And, God is this baby, and all babies: we carry God in our arms.

If you are still in town, I hope you will come (with family and friends!) to either or both of our Christmas Eve services, when we will honor the great mystery of life in the stars above and the baby we hold in our arms. The Sunday prior to these services, Dec. 23rd, we’ll turn to pagan and naturalistic understandings of the season. Our pageant this year will be a super-spectacular celebration of the creation story of the universe on Dec. 16th. Other services will focus on prayer, the nonviolence teachings of Jesus, and Likes and Wishes: Looking Back and Blessing our Future on Dec. 30th. This holiday season, amid the busyness and consumerism, I hope that we may find together a rekindled awareness of the deep spirituality that gave birth to these holy days

In faith,
Rev. Steve Landale

November 2007

Sunday coffee hour:
Time for the minister to connect with visitors, children, and members & friends not on committees. Please refrain from bringing church business to him during coffee hour (or prior to a worship service), as this can be handled at other times. Please do introduce your children and your guests to Steve!

Office Hours
Tuesday through Thursdays, 9am to noon.
study day Monday; day off Friday.
Study Leave and Vacation June 20, 2009

Scripture is everywhere... pay attention.

When to call the minister?
If you’re thinking of calling and are not sure if it’s appropriate – call.

At church, 686-2775.

Call Steve’s cell phone, 541/905-0319 (do use the 541), for pastoral emergencies or for short-term changes to appointments.

Confidential Voice Mail: 743-0640

Pastoral Associates