Another "It gets better" video...

Here's another "It gets better" video, this one by UU minister Rev. Meg Riley. I really love her message:

Remembering Rev. Mary J. Harrington

I have just learned of the passing of the Rev. Mary J. Harrington after a long battle with ALS ("Lou Gehrig's Disease").

I did not know her personally, but I will always remember hearing her sermon ("A Lifetime Isn't Long Enough") at the 2009 Unitarian Universalist General Assembly's Service of the Living Tradition.  It was one of my favorite SLT sermons ever! 

Here's a link to that sermon: LINK. 

(The picture is from the UUA website.)

Full Moon Drumming Circle

It's that time again.... The Full (or Fool) Moon Drum Circle meets this Wednesday, October 27, from 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. at the UUCiA (6 Locke Street, Andover).

Bring a drum, water, a friend and your rhythmic energy. Join Jane and Sherry as we drum and dance to celebrate the full moon. No problem if you don't have a drum, we have extras! Also lots of fun rhythm instruments. Suggested donation: $15

So much fun! Don't miss it!

Standing with our immigrant sisters and brothers

This past Thursday, I attended a Boston New Sanctuary Movement clergy breakfast. It was a very good event, featuring (among other speakers) the Rev. Peter Morales, President of the UUA. Here's a write-up of the event: link. It made me feel even more committed to working for immigrant rights and justice. (The picture shows the view from the back, where I was sitting. It was a "SRO" event!)

This congregation does some great social justice work through the Refugee Immigration Ministry (RIM). I'm very thankful to the congregants who do so much work with RIM. They inspire me!

One of the handouts at the New Sanctuary Movement clergy breakfast was about the term "illegal immigrants". I have long stopped using the terms "aliens" or "illegal aliens" or "illegals" to describe immigrants who are in this country without documentation. These terms are clearly de-humanizing. But the handout I received also pointed out that the term "illegal immigrants" is also troubling. There's a campaign called "Drop the I-Word" -- click on the link to learn more. I was grateful for this wake-up.

It Gets Better....

This is a very moving 13 minute video... Joel Burns tells his story. Worth watching!

National Coming Out Day!

Today is National Coming Out Day -- Happy Coming Out!

I came out about 15-16 years ago as a lesbian. I have been very lucky to have a family and faith community that supports me.

But before I came out, I went through years of internal struggle. Adolescence and young adulthood can be a very tough time when you're struggling with your sexuality.

Here's a video made by a UU minister and a UCC minister, talking about their own stories -- and spreading the good news: It does get better!




Addendum: Interesting article about UUs Standing on the Side of Love with GLBT community...

Getting to know Islam

This past Sunday, I preached about my own appreciation of Islam, the second-largest religion in the world. Soon, that sermon will be up on the UUCiA website.

For anyone with Q & A about Islam, with basic questions or fears, I recommend watching this episode of 20/20 LINK for a good start.