Messages by Rev. Lee Paczulla
Wild & Precious Life 2023
Our annual Wild & Precious Life service, wherein we ask people in different decades of their lives to answer the question posed in Mary Oliver’s poem, The Summer Day, “What is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?”
A Higher Power
Rev. Lee talks a bit about a recent vacation she took where she encountered an unexpectedly comforting and intriguing roadside sign. She also takes some time to ponder all the different ways human beings have experienced and defined “god” over the years. Finally, she introduces us to the “Heaven Receptionist” videos on Tiktok.
Good Days
Rev. Lee begins her message by addressing the conflict happening in our world right now, and the many (and often invisible) ways it’s impacting all of us. Calling back to Rodney’s message last week, she acknowledges that we probably won’t be able to flip a switch and solve this, but we can keep putting good out in the world. She also introduces the congregation to the story of “Flamy Grant,” a queer, drag performer who writes worship music, and tells…
Who & What We’re For
In today’s message, Rev. Lee introduces the idea of getting “Off the Fence” and standing up for what we believe in. She points to the recent story of how the community came together to keep one another safe, while police searched our area for an escaped murderer. Sometimes, caring for your community can look as simple as a Wawa hoagie.
WellCome Back Sunday
Today, Rev. Lee talks a bit about our upcoming message series called “Off the Fence,” which highlights those moments where we need to take sides and stand up for your values. She also leads us in the Blessing of the Backpacks, as we send students of all ages on to another school year.
John Barnett & Will Fuller: POWER Metro
Today, Rev. Lee sits down with John Barnett & Will Fuller with POWER Metro, an interfaith organization looking to address issued of equality and injustice.
Karen Williams and Beth Berkley from Ann’s Heart
Today, Rev. Lee sits down with Karen Williams and Beth Berkley from Ann’s Heart – a code blue shelter in Phoenixville, which takes in unhoused neighbors when the temperatures get too cold.
Sharon Browning from JUST Listening
In today’s message, Rev. Lee sits down to speak with Sharon Browning from JUST Listening.
Neighbors & Helpers Featuring Holly O’Connell from A Path to Hope
Rev. Lee sits down with Holly O’Connell from local organization “A Path to Hope.” Inspired by her own experiences in finding mental healthcare for her son, Holly went on to found this organization which connects families with resources.
Neighbors & Helpers, Featuring Sean Williams from the LGBT Equality Alliance of Chester County
Rev. Lee sits down with Sean Williams to talk about the important work the LGBT Alliance of Chester County is doing in our community, and how we can help support them.
Shiny Happy People
Rev. Lee discusses the series “Shiny Happy People” which explores the troubling history of the Duggar family.
The Woman King
Rev. Lee shares a message based on the movie The Woman King. She touches on themes of bravery, gender expectations, and oppression, as she looks at the differences between the society portrayed in the movie, and the society we are living in today.