Rev. Debra Guthrie-Joyce

Technical and Adaptive Changes

There is an issue that pops up frequently in churches. It pops up when we finally realize we need to change something. Upon realizing this, people begin to think of relatively easy things that can be done to “fix it”. Make a rule or a policy, write a welcoming statement, change the bathrooms to unisex. What if all these things don’t work and we are still having the same issue. What then?… more

Memorial Day

This day before Memorial Day, we will honor those who have served and sacrificed in the U.S. military. It will be a service rich in story and in ritual. I invite everyone to bring a picture or a me- mento of their family members who have served in the military. We will hold space to share stories of our family members as well.… more

Congregational Polity

On this High-Holy day of Unitarian Universalism, as in previous years, I present stories and examples in UU history that emphasize the beauty and the downfall of Congregational Polity. As Winston Churchill said of democracy “it is the worst way of governing a nation (a church) except for all the rest.”… more

Help Yourself to Some Free Stuff

Inspired by a story in Braiding Sweet Grass by Robin Wall Kimmer, I will explore the customs and tendencies of human beings around the idea of economies based on sharing versus profit. How might our ingrained Western capitalism have spoiled us to the beauty of bounty.… more

Bless our Mother

As the effects of climate change are becoming more and more deadly and the fate of our environment is tenuous, is there any message that can keep us hopeful as we advocate for strong measures to reverse the devastation of the planet.… more

Easter

What can non-Christians glean from this most sacred of Christian holy days? Service will be followed by an Easter egg hunt for the children and brunch. Please bring a brunch appropriate dish or beverage to share.… more

Palm Sunday

Rev. Debra will offer a message grounded in the story of Jesus and Palm Sunday, touching on the Jewish observance of Passover. There will be cake at coffee hour to celebrate the church birthday 04/04 – 19 years.… more

The Next Right Thing

This morning the minister will explore this theme from Disney’s Frozen 2, our intergenerational movie this mouth.… more

From Jefferson to Thoreau

Today the minister will explore the changes in our religious thinking as a movement and as individuals. How can we consider our own journeys without assigning value to beliefs and avoid casting movement as improvement.… more