In nature, death is not a factor of special importance; it’s simply part of the turning wheel of Being as it rolls onward through time. But to us in our human world, death is a factor of huge significance. At this time of the year when the “veil between the worlds is thinnest,” and taking … Continue reading Death in Dual (and Dueling) Perspectives
We’ve been seeing in the news recently that empathy is bad, even toxic. How could this be? Going to the research, we find three distinct empathies. Each has unique qualities worth exploring. This week, we’ll reflect on the three empathies and explore how we can build our skills to use this awesome, human gift for … Continue reading The Three Empathies
At various times in our lives, we find ourselves, personally or communally, hitting a wall or falling off a cliff. In some ways, life seems to throw catastrophic imperatives at us. Then we have choices, and perhaps those are our greatest teachers. The values we live by give us the guardrails to recovery – not … Continue reading It’s Like This: The Value of Perspective
We gather to celebrate Gavin Barnes’s graduation and to take joy in knowing that life’s journeys and explorations never end. May we all free our inner navigator and take command of the ship of our lives. Reverend Margo Rinehart serves Cedars by welcoming people from diverse theological and religious backgrounds and spiritual beliefs on their journeys … Continue reading Finding Your True North: Celebrating the Graduation of Gavin Barnes
Late second temple Judaism poses the question of God’s fairness in the Book of Job, a question that is finally answered in Jesus’ preaching of the coming Kingdom of God; The Bhagavad Gita presents the Hindu system of (hidden) fairness in the caste system and reincarnation. Is the only path to fairness (justice) by way … Continue reading It Isn’t Fair!
Artificial intelligence is the latest in a long line of tools which shape how we relate to our world and to each other. As we grapple with how AI is changing us, it is important to ground ourselves in our uniquely human experiences to cultivate closer communities and a healthier planet. Nate Kremer-Herman teaches computer … Continue reading How Artificial Intelligence Shapes Our World
An exploration together of some of the Russian painter and art theorist Wassily Kandinsky’s thoughts about how spiritual and emotional truths are communicated through shapes and colors in painting. We will reflect together about how these spiritual and emotional truths might manifest in our own experience. Reverend Bill Comfort is a sort of retired UCC … Continue reading Kandinsky, Seeing What Cannot Be Seen
This evening we will be celebrating the winter solstice, the shortest day and the longest night of the year. It is a time of both mystery and expectancy, as the longest dark leads to the return of the sun. Join us in this ancient celebration that still brings restoration and hope into our lives today.Childcare … Continue reading Winter Solstice Service
It feels like the world, our world, is going to hell in a handbasket, as my grandmother would say. And it is, but the pendulum is starting to swing. In our lives, in our country, in our world, we can still lift up our heads and hearts, and reach out to be a clear light … Continue reading Still Thankful
At this time of year All Souls Day and the Day of the Dead provide ritual and ceremony that help us reflect on the gifts given to us by our loved ones who have passed on. Join us for this service of memory that includes building a communal altar to honor those whose inspirations and influence we … Continue reading Day of the Dead: A Service to Honor Our Departed Loved Ones
