Messages on Courage

Messages on Courage

The Hardest “Thank You”

Guest Preacher, Lisa Schilansky, shares a message asking us to go back and take a look at some of those moment we’d maybe rather not. What would happen if we reframed some of our “cringey” memories as learning experiences? What if we thanked ourselves for what we learned in those moments?

Better Days Ahead

Today’s message is a conversation between Rev. Lee and Chris Brickhouse, from the Better Days Ahead outreach organization. He discusses the issue of homelessness in our area, and how we can help in meaningful ways.

Impossible Miracles

Inspired by a conversation with an Atheist friend, Ministerial Intern, Nick Sanchez, shares a math lesson with us which begins with a deck of cards. By the end of this message, Nick will have you convinced that you are a miracle.

Listening Within

Lay preacher, Matt Bunczk, shares his story of the different ways he experienced god as a young catholic, and later, as an adult who had come out as gay. Matt also explores some theological discussion and argument surrounding two specific verses in Leviticus, which have impacted his life.

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?”

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…

Small things Matter

Lay preacher, Rodney Whittenberg, talks to us today about how it’s okay to not try and solve everything at once. We know we can’t flip a switch and make the world’s problems disappear, but we can make small changes, and those small changes always matter.

The People Have the Power

Inspired by a Patti Smith lyric, lay preacher Chris Groppe talks about the power of collective action. He highlights several of our community justice partner organizations, and asks our members to sign up to learn more about some of them. If you’d like to add your name to those lists, you can do that at this link.

Where Do We Stand?

In today’s message, lay preacher Kathleen Higgins talks about not only what it means to get “off the fence,” but offers us some helpful strategies when dealing with folks who have very different values from our own.

Say Yes

Today, our new ministerial intern, Nick Sanchez offered his first message to us. He talks about his own experience in getting off the fence, and choosing to pursue ministry. He also shares a poem which means a lot to him called “Say Yes,” by Andrea Gibson.

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.