From the Minister, Fri Jun 15

Dr. Seuss's "Oh, The Places You'll Go" is especially popular during this time of graduations and send-offs. To the jaunty journey that he describes, I add these lines:
Doctor Seuss laid it out – the good doc got it right.
You will soar through bright days – and you’ll struggle dark nights.
What he failed to mention, no, he said not a word,
is you’re NOT on your own. That would be too absurd.
Life is for friendship, community, love:
The people, the beings, that you most think of.
He said you’d be lonely – that’s probably true.
You’ll feel heartsick, despairing, and anxious, and blue.
These feelings you’ll have tell you something that matters:
That friends make you whole when your heart is in tatters.
Oh, the places you’ll go, you won’t go alone.
(I’m not talking ‘bout Facebook, or swiping right on your phone)
The companions you’ll find, and the love that awaits you --
That's the besty-best part of where this life takes you.
Success feels nice, and failure feels sad –
Of both, you’ll have plenty, the good and the bad.
There’s Community, too – the folks who don’t see you
For mountains you moved, but for just how you be you.
Who you will be is such fun to be scheming.
WHOSE you will be is what gives it all meaning.

(See the full post HERE). Yours in the faith we share,
Meredith

The Liberal Pulpit. New this week:

• What Changed the Meaning of Marriage ("LGBTQ: Language and Justice," part 2)
• "Oh, The Places You'll Go" Addendum
• Gender Identity: Continua and Ambiguities ("LGBTQ: Language and Justice," part 3 -- with substantial expansion from the sermon of May 27)
• Fifteen Years Ago. Out West. ("Immigration," part 1)

Index of past sermons: HERE.
Index of other reflections: HERE.
Videos of sermons are on the Liberal Pulpit Youtube Channel: HERE.

Practice of the Week. Stay on Your Path and Explore New Paths. From Jun 15 through Jul 31, we won't be highlighting any particular Practices. We'll return in August to highlighting one each week -- sometimes introducing a new one and sometimes drawing your attention to a previously mentioned practice. In the meantime, stay on your path! And explore new paths! There are 165 "Practices of the Week" listed and indexed HERE. Look over this list and choose your own Practices to highlight until August.

Your Moment of Zen. Later in the same meeting, Owl then asked another question: "Right Thinking comes immediately after Right Views. I have problems with my thinking. What is Right Thinking?" Brown Bear said, "The point." Owl said, "My thoughts go on and on." Brown Bear asked, "Is that your focus?" Owl blinked and said nothing. READ MORE
Zen at CUUC: Sat Jun 16

Let's Talk
Office hours, and the Weekly Coffee Chat will resume in August.

I'm off to General Assembly -- leaving early on Tue Jun 19 and getting back late on Mon Jun 25.

From Tue Jun 26 through the end of Jun, I'm available by appointment.

The two Common Reads for 2017-18: HERE. Of particular note, regarding Centering: See recommended reading HERE

On the Journey, Jun: Justice. HERE