Messages on Belonging & Connection (Page 6)
Belonging Sunday
A special Sunday service where we celebrate WellSprings membership. We welcome our newest members, and hear stories of belonging at WellSprings from several existing members as well
A Love So Special (Easter Sunday Service)
Rev. Ken offers a special Easter service, and reflects on the idea that Universalism means there is a love so special, we don’t have to be special to be loved.
Sharing Space
This week, Rev. Lee begins by taking a few moments to reflect on the situation in Ukraine. She then welcomes guest speaker Cathy Farrell from St. Mary’s Franciscan Shelter. They talk about the issues facing families looking for housing in and around the Phoenixville area, and what we can do to help as a community. Sharing Space START OF TRANSCRIPT[00:00:00] Speaker1Andy he wrote that song in the last year. We’re so lucky to have such talented musicians, aren’t we? Yes.…
The Company We Keep
This week, Ministerial Intern, Beth Monhollen spends some time speaking with fellow seminary school students. They talk a bit about the work they hope to accomplish in their communities as Unitarian Universalist ministers. The Company We Keep START OF TRANSCRIPT[00:00:05] Speaker1Oh, my gosh, there’s people you’re not boxes on a screen, hello, everyone. And for those of you who are boxes on the screen, yeah,your box is on a screen and you’re here, you’re all here with us today. For…
Welcoming Newcomers
For this week’s message, Rev. Lee is joined by Nina Guzmán, Executive Director of Alianzas De Phoenixville & Rachel Rutter, Executive Director of Project Libertad. Welcoming Newcomers START OF TRANSCRIPT[00:00:00] Speaker1The following is a message from WellSprings congregation. Of all the things that have whoops. There you go. Of all the things thathave happened in these last. Two years. Learning that song is one of the silver linings for me. And it’s a good one for this month, thisvery long January that we’re in, I…
Thriving Together
In today’s message, Rev. Lee spends some time speaking with Nydea Graves (they/them), a community organizer and activist based out of Coatesville, PA. Nydea has been working for years to help support their community in a variety of ways, up to and including holding an elected office position. They have wisdom and advice to share for all of us seeking to make our communities stronger, safer, and equitable for all. Thriving Together START OF TRANSCRIPT[00:00:00] Speaker1The following is a message…
Faithful Neighbors
Beth begins by talking about the concept of neighbors. She shares a story about settling down into a home, and wondering what it would mean for both her and her husband to have neighbors. She also shares a prayer from Rabbi John from the Beth Isreal Congregation for the Day of Prayer. The Interfaith Action Community is planning a day of action, focusing on diversity and inclusion. This is important work, because it helps us to see the humanity in…
On the Lookout
Rev. Lee begins by talking about something small that’s been bringing her lots of joy: Noodle the pug and his bones/no bones videos that have taken TikTok by storm. The Noodle videos are answering a craving for a simple joy. Rev. Lee also shares some periodic updates from her friend about her daughter, and what life is like as a 3 year old. She tells us about a book she’s looking forward to reading called “On Looking,” which gives the…
And the Award Goes To…
Rev. Ken opens this week’s message by taking a moment to talk about the recent passing of his father. He talks about the importance of play, and how sometimes competition can take play away from us. We can find joy when we look beyond winning or losing, and instead engage in self-directed, spontaneous, and creative play. He shares with us some examples of poorly but lovingly made cakes, and a story about an adult kickball team. And the Award Goes…
Joy In My Heart
Beth begins this week by talking about the concept of “deserving joy.” She remembers certain moments in her childhood where she experienced huge amounts of joy, and worrying that those feelings may have been lost. She reminds us that paying attention can lead to joy, but being busy, stressed, or not in the moment can cloud that feeling over. It’s important to not ignore the bad things going on in the world, but – as Beth says – to grab…
Wild & Precious Life
We welcome five different speakers from our congregation – ranging in age from 9 to 96 – to answer the question from Mary Oliver: “Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” Wild and Precious Life START OF TRANSCRIPT[00:00:00] Speaker1The following is a message from Wellsprings Congregation.[00:00:11] Speaker2My name is Mo, and I am nine years old. I live with my mom, dad, sister and dog. And to get my dog is…
Held Together
This week, Rev. Lee shares stories of things that are held together in unconventional ways. She shares stories from a colleague who have a late 90s Suburban – now held together with duct tape as more and more systems fail over the years – and a colleague who keeps what remnants she still has of her baby blanket in a small ceramic container. We find ways of holding things together when they mean something to us. Held Together [00:00:05] Speaker1Thank…