Give peace a chance...

Please consider signing a petition (link here) to save the US Institute of Peace!  The USIP is a non-partisan organization created in 1984, signed into law by President Ronald Reagan.  Read about it here.  The cost of the USIP is tiny compared to our defense budget... truly tiny.  Please, let us invest in peace.

Road to Emmaus

This Easter, I preached a sermon based on the "Road to Emmaus" story.  Ever since, this song has been in my head:

Dean Stevens, David Dodson and Friends in Concert at the UUCiA

From uuandover.org:

"For 25 years, Dean Stevens has delighted audiences of all ages throughout the Americas. An exuberant performer of distinctive style and wit, he combines an intricate, self-taught guitar style with a versatile and expressive singing voice. A formidable creator and interpreter of songs in English and Spanish, Dean explores a variety of personal and social topics, paints sketches of people and places, celebrates the Earth, and annoys the narrow minded.

 

"Born and raised in Costa Rica, Dean is a lifelong student of Latin America. He learned Spanish at an early age, and readily absorbed the musical and topical influences of the region. He travels frequently to Central America, and has become known for his humanitarian efforts on behalf of refugees returning to their homes in El Salvador and Guatemala.

 

"Dean will be joined by David Dodson and performer friends from Andover and vicinity. Join us for a very special evening of music."

 

When: Saturday, May 21

Doors open at 7pm, music at 8pm

 

Where: 6 Locke Street

Suggested donation: $15

Beverages and light snacks will be available.

my appreciation....

On Sunday, March 27, I tried my best to express my appreciation for the Hindu tradition.

The service ended with kirtan, led by John Calabria on harmonium and dhotara (sometimes spelled "dotara").  John is pictured above with his dhotara (which means "two strings").  It was wonderful to have John's music and gentle spirit there with us.

Here's a picture of the sanctuary space on Sunday. You will notice a banner with Hanuman, and John's harmonium. You will notice that we used orange, too, as an important color in Hinduism.

Below is a close-up of the altar, where you will see Hanuman, Krishna, Ganesh, Lakshmi, Saraswati (very small) and Shiva... On the floor are Lakshmi, Ganesh, and Ram and Sita and Lakshman with Hanuman.