Services

Finding Balance in the Wheel’s Turning

In her first service as our Intern Minister, Alison encourages us to reflect on the wisdom of the Autumn equinox through engagement with the more-than-human world around us and Earth-honoring ritual. As the wheel of the year turns toward darkness, and Fall changes the face of the land where we make our home, how are we changed by this turning?
All are invited to bring an object or an image that represents the fall to symbolically place on our virtual autumn altar during the service.

Through Despair to Empowerment: Deep Ecology for Our Times

During this time of pandemic AND social unrest AND now wildfires raging all around – all in a context of we’re-heading-over-a-cliff Climate Change AND eroding trust in the pillars of Democracy – with ALL OF THIS HAPPENING it is easy to experience fear, anxiety, depression, anger, and something not named often enough: Despair. But when we allow ourselves to experience these feelings fully in the right context, we open ourselves up to a heartfelt, passionate, deep knowing of our interconnectedness and our own capacities to be flow-throughs for restoration, recovery, healing, and even joy. Rev. Stephen Landale, hospice chaplain from Eugene, returns to preach on some of the early writing and teachings of Dr. Joanna Macy, Buddhist, systems theorist, and groundbreaking root teacher of Despair and Empowerment Work, now called “The Work that Reconnects.”
(note: Rev. Landale originally scheduled for this date a sermon on Ralph Waldo Emerson, “Without Mediator or Veil” but decided that the once-again unusual circumstances dictated that this topic be punted again).

Possibilities: Affordable Housing

The lack of affordable housing is a local crisis and a crisis for Oregon as a whole. Jerry Allen, perceives it becoming a 4-way win for Josephine County and for Oregon, and he will describe some ways of addressing it.

The I CHING– the Chinese Book of Changes

Can an ancient book of divination yield insights that may serve us in these rapidly changing times? I will explore how this great culture became literate and wove its sciences and arts into a coherent belief system. And I’ll posit my question and see what answer arises.

Cultural Agility

How does it help us navigate these challenging times? Come join us as we take a look at what cultural agility is, and why we need it. Many feel at a loss as to how one person can make a difference when we face big questions like the ones this nation is currently tackling. Bring your curiosity and a peaceful mind. Let us be the change we wish to see!

The End of Empathy…and How to Get it Back

Research suggests a decline in empathy in American society. Our pulpit guest considers what this means, and the interesting role that faith can play—both in losing and re-gaining empathy for others. He serves as a dean at Lane Community College.

Travel as a Spiritual Act

When we plan time for a vacation, having amazing experiences is what we cherish most. Join me (virtually) traveling across the globe as we contemplate the rich experiences of spending time with people in other countries, enjoying their food and culture, learning a bit of their language and understanding their art, soaking it all up while creating amazing memories. This is travel as a spiritual act, and I hope you’ll come along for the ride.

The Second Mile (Love Your Enemies)

As John Lewis, the great civil rights champion and voice of conscience in Congress, is laid to rest this weekend, we’ll explore the teachings of Jesus that illuminated Martin Luther King and the Civil Rights movement.
We are at a pivotal moment in history, and the application (or not) of Nonviolence may make all the difference. You may find it transformative in your personal life as well. Stephen returns to our pulpit from Eugene, where he is a hospice chaplain.

Changing Lives Through Learning

The Literacy Council for Josephine County is an all-volunteer program, addressing a wide variety of learning needs. It matches tutors and adult students, one-on-one, to achieve goals that empower their lives. Hear about the special bonds that form, and some of the amazing success stories that are part of the Literacy Council legacy.

Grieve, Breathe and Engage

These are difficult times in the USA and around the globe. Corona virus infections, hospital admissions and death rates have continued to increase in many places. Additional excessive violence by the police against people of color has forced many to begin to respond to the realities of our country’s racial history. Perhaps this disruption-filled time may provide an opportunity to birth new possibilities. We need to acknowledge the pain before we prepare to begin anew.