Have you heard the phrase ‘there’s an elephant in the room’?…this is just a metaphor
for an important or enormous topic that is obvious but no one mentions or wants to discuss it because it might make them uncomfortable or is personally, socially, or politically embarrassing. However, we Unitarians like digging into important discussions, so I searched for
‘Elephant in the room quotes’ to trumpet out for us today….here are a few of my favourites…
Today, I’m going to spend some time talking mostly about myself. These musings put me in mind of the Talking Heads song lyric: “And I think to myself / well…how did I get here?” Today, as I stand before you, I’m comfortable calling myself a UU Sceptic. Even just a couple of years ago, that wasn’t the case…
“Mi Chamocha/Miriam’s Song” (Song 7 of 16) from Shabbat Unplugged
The link to the Abrahamic Council discussion below is straight to Juliet Moses contribution shown in David’s talk, there is also follow up from her in response to a question starting from about 57:08.
Religious attitudes to Racism – Jewish, Christian, and Muslim views – Wellington Abrahamic Council – June 30th 2020
Nina Khouri led our service a few weeks ago, mentioning that she, Derek Handley, and I have embarked on an inquiry regarding the “Future Church.” We have been asked to reflect on the current state of our community, and ponder the possibilities for what it could be in the future. It occurred to us – pretty much immediately – that this isn’t something we can go off and do on behalf of everyone else. Instead, we need to lead a guided introspection by the entire congregation.
Our Christmas Eve was a little different this year.
At 6.00 pm we held “A Christmas for all ages”. An inter-generational service featuring and focusing on our children. Those who didn’t like to drive at night and who normally forgo the later service found this a fun and joyous alternative.
At 8.00 pm we held our traditional candlelight service followed by a festive Christmas supper. This service was live streamed to the interweb, see below:-
On this last Sunday that I will be sharing my musings in 2020, I thought I would make it as Covid-free as possible. I decided to muse on why Unitarians still celebrate Christmas against all reason.
Tena koutou whanau a Tāmaki Unitarians. It’s great to be able to speak to you all today, and particularly to those of you, whom I know.
Today I am speaking about Freedom. A huge subject of which I will only be able to skim the surface. Even this talk was cut down from a three hour exploration of the subject.
I’ve struggled for a long time with how to build a Beloved Community with a bunch of strong individualists. I shared UU minister Cheryl Walker’s story a few years back to exemplify the problem: