There is a tree in front of member Ed Martoglio’s house that has turned a brilliant red. I ride my bike past it most days hoping that those bright red leaves will hold to the tree’s branches just a little bit longer. Truly though, I’m certain that when the leaves fall, and I can then...
Category: Rev. Anya’s Blog
Derek Chauvin Trial: Guilty on All Counts
We know as a people committed to justice that America is guilty on all counts of white supremacy. This is why we fight for black lives. There are too many times and too many days when that fight feels like a losing battle. We can say the names George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Daunte Wright, Adam...
We Need the Blessing of the Dark as Well as the Light: Imagination, Rest, and Depth
From Rev. Anya Sammler-Michael, Senior Co-Minister In these times of pandemic exhaustion, when rest is necessary, we need the blessing of the dark. Also, as a community committed to anti-racism, we recognize the danger of equating light or white with good and dark or black with bad. To affirm the blessing of the dark is...
I Hear Leaf Blowers: A Reflection on Deep Listening
I have gotten to the place in my meditations where I can listen through most challenging noises, to hear a stillness beyond, but leaf blowers are different.
We Renew. We Prepare for Focused Action.
“It was my conviction and determination that the church would be a resource for activists — a mission fundamentally perceived. To me it was important that individuals who were in the thick of the struggle for social change would be able to find renewal and fresh courage in the spiritual resources of the church.” —Rev....
What Does Compassion Look Like in These Times?
From Rev. Anya Sammler-Michael, Senior Co-Minister Compassion looks like bold Black Lives Matter signs and direct action in accordance. Compassion looks like your faces in a Zoom meeting. Compassion looks like love in action. Compassion also looks like the making of tough decisions. Our Board of Trustees in concert with our ministers, as well as...