Memories have a way of opening doors within us; some doors we close immediately! Some memory doors we open with joy, eagerness, and sometimes with reverence. Most of these latter doors – the ones we want to open & not linger on their threshold, seem to invite us to re-enter fully into the room of that memory. Behind those doors we probably experienced sheer goodness in some form or other.
Read MoreAs we look forward to celebrating Jesus who became man that we might learn of God’s love and compassion, we might think of those who need our compassion especially during these cold, wet days and nights of December.
Read MoreNo matter how much you anticipate it, wish it were different, or enjoy it just as it is, the seasons are always with you, embracing you with messages.
Read MoreThank you for your willingness to be open to life.
Read MoreWhat is your immediate reaction when you see a detour sign? “Oh, no!” “I’m going to be late!” “Not again!” Typical reasons for a detour include: Road construction, flooded area ahead, road or bridge is washed out or inaccessible, on-coming traffic ahead, or an accident blocks the way.
Complaining about the inconvenience does not remove the detour, nor does it change the fact that the detour was provided as a safety precaution.
Read MoreCan you imagine how the disciples felt about being called to be companions with Jesus, this charismatic person who spoke surprising things about God’s love to crowds gathered around him?
Read MoreI struggle at times with my son's passion for baseball. I have posted about the behavior of some of the folkx in Future Stars and Little League- the way they bully and yell at the each other, take it all so seriously, and have taught my son new turns of phrase like "that sucks" or "we're screwed," or have told him to "walk it off" or "don't rub it" when he is really hurting to the point of tears (I have stepped in and will continue to do so).
Read MoreProblem solving and/or making choices are like putting a puzzle together.
Read MoreNo matter how much you anticipate it, wish it were different, or enjoy it just as it is, the seasons are always with you, embracing you with messages.
Read MoreClive’s 4th grade class has been raising baby chicks. It has been a community endeavor. We all watched with breath held and eyes wide open as the little cracks appeared in the eggs, and the chicks wriggled out one by one.
Read MoreIt’s never going to be finished, is it?
Never going to change
that split between the haves and the have-nots
so obvious throughout the centuries
Read MoreI received a lovely gift surprise this week. (And as you ‘all know, carefully thought-out handmade gifts are my “love language.”) I was deeply touched to unpack a Harry and David carton- and discover a rustic, handmade wooden box filled with Paperwhite (Narcissus) bulbs-already planted in a fertile soil mix- and just waiting for me to water them and put them in the window, or outside in the garden.
Read MoreSo here we are, less than a week before Lent 2023. What does that mean for us, for you? I have been listening, for the better part of my life, to all kinds of suggestions as to what I should or should not do, what I can or cannot do, what the season is about, and how I can be more prepared for Easter.
Read MoreThin places are those rare locales where the distance between Heaven and Earth collapses. -Eric Weiner, Man Seeks God
Read More“We are the ones for whom we have been waiting.” Hopi Elders
Read More“I cannot tell you how the light comes, but that it does. That it will. That it works its way into the deepest dark that enfolds you though it may seem long ages in coming or arrive in a shape you did not foresee.” -Jan Richardson
Read MorePatterns of behavior can be very comfortable. Yet, as you look around you and back a couple of generations, we see how much these expected behavior patterns have changed.
Read MoreI am so glad to be greeting old friends (mostly clergy) in our Social Media Group that gathers every November to engage in the spiritual practice of posting 5 things we are grateful for each day.
Read MoreFor the disciples, trusting Jesus during his public ministry seems to be going well as Jesus feeds the multitude, gives sight to the blind, and heals the sick. And then - Wham! One fine Friday their entire world turns upside down! Their perspective is thrown out of whack.
Read MoreWisdom has built her house; she has set up its seven pillars. She has prepared her meat, mixed her wine, and set her table. She has sent out her servant girls to wave signs and call from the highest point of the city, ‘You who crave simplicity…Turn in here!’” -- Proverbs 9
One of my favorite places on Christy’s family farm in Arkansas is the Native American Marker Tree.
Read MoreThe United Church of Hayward is an open and affirming church that serves the Bay Area community.
We are glad you’ve found us!
When the Israelite people were in the wilderness, Moses invited everyone whose "hearts were stirred and spirits were willing" to offer their gifts, time, and talents so the people could gather, worship God and serve the community. They discovered they had everything they needed and then some! Is your heart being stirred to support our UCH ministries in the Hayward area? Click here to make a difference!
