WellSprings Congregation: Recent Episodes
Revs. Lee Paczulla & Ken Beldon
Rev. Lee ponders the question "What Would Jesus Do?" in today's message. Also included is a conversation with Rev. Doug Hagler
In today's podcast, Beth Monhollen tells us about Frances Ellen Watkins Harper, and how her actions have helped our faith tradition today.
Rev. Lee Paczulla takes us through a brief history of Unitarian Universalism, from the very beginnings of the once-separate belief systems on Unitarianism and Universalism, up through today when the two traditions are combined and practiced in new ways.
Today, Rev. Lee, with the help of a YouthSpirit friend, takes us through the activity of creating paper "fortune tellers," and sharing the results with one another.
Ministerial Intern, Beth Monhollen, takes us through the classic story Stone Soup, where a village comes together with small contributions to create a filling meal for all. Beth tells us how small actions we take now can help add to make big changes.
Lay preacher, Chris Chepel, takes us through the history of WellSprings, and invites us into an activity of constructing a WellSprings timeline.
Rev. Ken leads the congregation through an activity where we plant seeds. He discussed the importance of not knowing what the seeds are, but trusting that they will grow and bloom regardless.
Rev. Ken begins this week with remembering his father, who passed away last Fall. He shares with us a poem/song his father wrote called 'Tsuris," a Yiddish word equating to "stress." He tells us about his father's experiences in the Korean war, and how traumatic they must have been. We are invited to listen to a poem quietly, and consider the busy nature of our lives, and whether that's serving us. He shares a story about another veteran recounting his war experiences at the end of his life, and dedicates the lessons learned from that story to his late father.
Rev. Ken begins this week with remembering his father, who passed away last Fall. He shares with us a poem/song his father wrote called 'Tsuris," a Yiddish word equating to "stress." He tells us about his father's experiences in the Korean war, and how traumatic they must have been. We are invited to listen to a poem quietly, and consider the busy nature of our lives, and whether that's serving us. He shares a story about another veteran recounting his war experiences at the end of his life, and dedicates the lessons learned from that story to his late father.
This week, Beth Monhollen talks to us about a Brene Brown blog post about a "midlife unravelling" that became very meaningful in her life in 2018. She tells us about how she changed career paths after being very well established in a different field, and what those feelings were like. During this time, she looked to her husband, who had undergone a midlife unravelling of his own as well.
This week, Beth Monhollen talks to us about a Brene Brown blog post about a "midlife unravelling" that became very meaningful in her life in 2018. She tells us about how she changed career paths after being very well established in a different field, and what those feelings were like. During this time, she looked to her husband, who had undergone a midlife unravelling of his own as well.
Today, lay preacher Josie Waldman talks to us about how "The Great Resignation" affected her, just as she was beginning down a new path in her life.
Today, lay preacher Josie Waldman talks to us about how "The Great Resignation" affected her, just as she was beginning down a new path in her life.
Rev. Lee begins this sleepy DST morning by reading to us. She reads a story about a leaky faucet, and how the way the leak grew larger felt like a symbol of a person breaking down. She talks about how this feeling might have added to what experts are calling "The Great Resignation." She also leads us through a talking/journaling activity.
Rev. Lee begins this sleepy DST morning by reading to us. She reads a story about a leaky faucet, and how the way the leak grew larger felt like a symbol of a person breaking down. She talks about how this feeling might have added to what experts are calling "The Great Resignation." She also leads us through a talking/journaling activity.
This message by Rev. Ken is the first in our new series, The Great Integration. He asks us to consider the ways in which we integrate and segregate things in our lives. He shares a story about a lesson he once learned by volunteering in a preschool; contemplates the differences between the two creation stories inn Genesis; and talks about the pros and cons of selecting your top 25 Beatles songs.
This message by Rev. Ken is the first in our new series, The Great Integration. He asks us to consider the ways in which we integrate and segregate things in our lives. He shares a story about a lesson he once learned by volunteering in a preschool; contemplates the differences between the two creation stories inn Genesis; and talks about the pros and cons of selecting your top 25 Beatles songs.
This week, Ministerial Intern, Beth Monhollen spends some time speaking with fellow seminary school students. They talk a bit about the work they hope to accomplish in their communities as Unitarian Universalist ministers.
This week, Ministerial Intern, Beth Monhollen spends some time speaking with fellow seminary school students. They talk a bit about the work they hope to accomplish in their communities as Unitarian Universalist ministers.
Today, Rev. Ken speaks with Kate Parsons, PCC, CRS - Leadership and Recovery Coach and founder of The Brightening Center. They both discuss their own recovery journeys, and also offer some options for anyone who may be considering recovery for themselves.
Today, Rev. Ken speaks with Kate Parsons, PCC, CRS - Leadership and Recovery Coach and founder of The Brightening Center. They both discuss their own recovery journeys, and also offer some options for anyone who may be considering recovery for themselves.
For this week's message, Rev. Lee is joined by Nina Guzmán, Executive Director of Alianzas De Phoenixville & Rachel Rutter, Executive Director of Project Libertad.
For this week's message, Rev. Lee is joined by Nina Guzmán, Executive Director of Alianzas De Phoenixville & Rachel Rutter, Executive Director of Project Libertad.
In today's message, Rev. Lee spends some time speaking with Nydia Graves (they/them), a community organizer and activist based out of Coatesville, PA. Nydia has been working for years to help support their community in a variety of ways, up to and including holding an elected office position. They have wisdom and advice to share for all of us seeking to make our communities stronger, safer, and equitable for all.
In today's message, Rev. Lee spends some time speaking with Nydia Graves (they/them), a community organizer and activist based out of Coatesville, PA. Nydia has been working for years to help support their community in a variety of ways, up to and including holding an elected office position. They have wisdom and advice to share for all of us seeking to make our communities stronger, safer, and equitable for all.
In today's message, Rev. Ken talks about his decision to conclude his ministry at WellSprings in June. He tells us a bit about what it was like to found this congregation and to guide it through some tough times. He also tells us a little about what he hopes the future will hold.
In today's message, Rev. Ken talks about his decision to conclude his ministry at WellSprings in June. He tells us a bit about what it was like to found this congregation and to guide it through some tough times. He also tells us a little about what he hopes the future will hold.
Rev. Ken talks a bit about our typical New Year's ritual where we write down things we want to let go of, and release them into a fire. This year, he wants to try something a little different, and he walks us through a brief guided meditation where we look at our insecurities with compassion. He also invites us to participate in a different way.
Rev. Ken talks a bit about our typical New Year's ritual where we write down things we want to let go of, and release them into a fire. This year, he wants to try something a little different, and he walks us through a brief guided meditation where we look at our insecurities with compassion. He also invites us to participate in a different way.
Rodney begins this week's message by talking about the joy he feels when listening to music. He recounts a story of his typically-stern father making space for joy in his life too. After telling us about an experience where he saw a procession of people heading to a church, he shares a list of songs that make him feel joyful. Rodney is releasing a companion podcast to this one. You can listen to Rodney's Music Ministry podcast on this feed!
Rodney begins this week's message by talking about the joy he feels when listening to music. He recounts a story of his typically-stern father making space for joy in his life too. After telling us about an experience where he saw a procession of people heading to a church, he shares a list of songs that make him feel joyful. Rodney is releasing a companion podcast to this one. You can listen to Rodney's Music Ministry podcast on this feed!
In this companion episode to Rodney's Message "The Economy of Joy," Rodney highlights some songs that bring him joy.
Rev. Ken opens this week's message by taking a moment to talk about the recent passing of his father. He talks about the importance of play, and how sometimes competition can take play away from us. We can find joy when we look beyond winning or losing, and instead engage in self-directed, spontaneous, and creative play. He shares with us some examples of poorly but lovingly made cakes, and a story about an adult kickball team.
Rev. Ken opens this week's message by taking a moment to talk about the recent passing of his father. He talks about the importance of play, and how sometimes competition can take play away from us. We can find joy when we look beyond winning or losing, and instead engage in self-directed, spontaneous, and creative play. He shares with us some examples of poorly but lovingly made cakes, and a story about an adult kickball team.
Beth begins this week by talking about the concept of "deserving joy." She remembers certain moments in her childhood where she experienced huge amounts of joy, and worrying that those feelings may have been lost. She reminds us that paying attention can lead to joy, but being busy, stressed, or not in the moment can cloud that feeling over. It's important to not ignore the bad things going on in the world, but - as Beth says - to grab a bucket and sing along with others as you work together to put the fire out.
Beth begins this week by talking about the concept of "deserving joy." She remembers certain moments in her childhood where she experienced huge amounts of joy, and worrying that those feelings may have been lost. She reminds us that paying attention can lead to joy, but being busy, stressed, or not in the moment can cloud that feeling over. It's important to not ignore the bad things going on in the world, but - as Beth says - to grab a bucket and sing along with others as you work together to put the fire out.
We welcome five different speakers from our congregation - ranging in age from 9 to 96 - to answer the question from Mary Oliver: "Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?"
We welcome five different speakers from our congregation - ranging in age from 9 to 96 - to answer the question from Mary Oliver: "Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?"
Kathleen begins with a story about a child who knocks down a younger playmate, and who is asked an important question about kindness. She asks us to consider what happens when we experience joy. She reminds us of the parable of not hiding your light under a bushel, because the world needs all the light we can get right now. She offers us some advice from a Buddhist monk about how to find joy amidst sorrow. We also take a moment to remember a departed friend.
Kathleen begins with a story about a child who knocks down a younger playmate, and who is asked an important question about kindness. She asks us to consider what happens when we experience joy. She reminds us of the parable of not hiding your light under a bushel, because the world needs all the light we can get right now. She offers us some advice from a Buddhist monk about how to find joy amidst sorrow. We also take a moment to remember a departed friend.
Ken beings by telling a story from when he was three years old, and he made a funny comment about an older person. Our message series is called "God Laughs," based on the Yiddish saying "We plan, God laughs," and there is nothing more disruptive to our plans than death. He shares thoughts about a book called "No Cure For Being Human," written by a woman who discovered she had stage 4 cancer at age 35; and a story about a quote he saw on in a hospital chapel.
Ken beings by telling a story from when he was three years old, and he made a funny comment about an older person. Our message series is called "God Laughs," based on the Yiddish saying "We plan, God laughs," and there is nothing more disruptive to our plans than death. He shares thoughts about a book called "No Cure For Being Human," written by a woman who discovered she had stage 4 cancer at age 35; and a story about a quote he saw on in a hospital chapel.
Beth begins by sharing a story from when she was a child and she experienced a near drowning. She talks about how she thought she'd been standing on solid ground, but that it seemed to melt beneath her feet. This pandemic has felt very much like the sensation of the ground beneath your feet dissolving. She shares a story about a person refusing to leave a flooded home because they're clinging to a belief that they'll be saved. Finally, she reminds us of the importance of the fourth UU principle.
Beth begins by sharing a story from when she was a child and she experienced a near drowning. She talks about how she thought she'd been standing on solid ground, but that it seemed to melt beneath her feet. This pandemic has felt very much like the sensation of the ground beneath your feet dissolving. She shares a story about a person refusing to leave a flooded home because they're clinging to a belief that they'll be saved. Finally, she reminds us of the importance of the fourth UU principle.
Rev. Lee begins by talking about the saga of the Maryland zebras on the loose. She then shares a story about a friend's baby learning the words of things in the world - dog, ant, goat, fish - and how naming these things once calmed him down in the middle of a bad crying fit. This is actually a powerful tool for bringing someone out of an anxiety attack. She talks a bit about what it means to heal, and how that process will look different for everyone.
Rev. Lee begins by talking about the saga of the Maryland zebras on the loose. She then shares a story about a friend's baby learning the words of things in the world - dog, ant, goat, fish - and how naming these things once calmed him down in the middle of a bad crying fit. This is actually a powerful tool for bringing someone out of an anxiety attack. She talks a bit about what it means to heal, and how that process will look different for everyone.
This week, Rev. Ken begins by talking about the concept of "yucking someone else's yum." He also reflects on the meaning of nervous laughter and sarcasm, and shares a story about a time when he laughed nervously while making a 911 call. A concept called "The four horsemen of relationship apocalypse" is shown, as is a story about a man who suffered from OCD as a child.
This week, Rev. Ken begins by talking about the concept of "yucking someone else's yum." He also reflects on the meaning of nervous laughter and sarcasm, and shares a story about a time when he laughed nervously while making a 911 call. A concept called "The four horsemen of relationship apocalypse" is shown, as is a story about a man who suffered from OCD as a child.
This week, Rev. Lee shares stories of things that are held together in unconventional ways. She shares stories from a colleague who have a late 90s Suburban - now held together with duct tape as more and more systems fail over the years - and a colleague who keeps what remnants she still has of her baby blanket in a small ceramic container. We find ways of holding things together when they mean something to us.
This week, Rev. Lee shares stories of things that are held together in unconventional ways. She shares stories from a colleague who have a late 90s Suburban - now held together with duct tape as more and more systems fail over the years - and a colleague who keeps what remnants she still has of her baby blanket in a small ceramic container. We find ways of holding things together when they mean something to us.
This week, our Message begins with a story about Beethoven. Rev. Ken remarks on how apropos our new message series, “God Laughs,” is this week, since we are not gathered together in Bell Hall like we were just a week ago. This message seried gets its name from a Yiddish proverb “We plan, God laughs.” He talks about the importance of keeping covenants with one another, even though we realize that plans may fall through. This was demonstrated recently when Steve Burns, host of Blues Clues, made a video to thank his fans years after he abruptly left the beloved TV show.
This week, our Message begins with a story about Beethoven. Rev. Ken remarks on how apropos our new message series, “God Laughs,” is this week, since we are not gathered together in Bell Hall like we were just a week ago. This message seried gets its name from a Yiddish proverb “We plan, God laughs.” He talks about the importance of keeping covenants with one another, even though we realize that plans may fall through. This was demonstrated recently when Steve Burns, host of Blues Clues, made a video to thank his fans years after he abruptly left the beloved TV show.
Rev. Lee begins by remembering how much has changed since the beginning of the pandemic, and holding space for the people we’ve lost. She also talks about the song we sang during service, “Hard Times.” It tells us that the answer to hard times is to dance.
Rev. Ken also speaks. He shares a post from an Episcopal priest who commented on their own husband’s twitter post thinking he was a “random stranger,” for lack of paying attention. He emphasizes that we are not inherently flawed, but originally blessed. He also explains how we can continue a beloved ritual even during a pandemic.
Rev. Lee begins by remembering how much has changed since the beginning of the pandemic, and holding space for the people we’ve lost. She also talks about the song we sang during service, “Hard Times.” It tells us that the answer to hard times is to dance.
Rev. Ken also speaks. He shares a post from an Episcopal priest who commented on their own husband’s twitter post thinking he was a “random stranger,” for lack of paying attention. He emphasizes that we are not inherently flawed, but originally blessed. He also explains how we can continue a beloved ritual even during a pandemic.
Chris begins this week's service by talking about the nature of happiness. He highlights the Kurt Vonnegut quote "If this isn't nice, what is?" He also brings up the concept of tragic optimism, which means being clear-eyed about a situation, while remaining hopeful. He concludes with The Five Remembrances of Buddhism. He goes through each and explains how - even though some of them might seem gloomy on the surface - they can hold the key to happiness.
Chris begins this week's service by talking about the nature of happiness. He highlights the Kurt Vonnegut quote "If this isn't nice, what is?" He also brings up the concept of tragic optimism, which means being clear-eyed about a situation, while remaining hopeful. He concludes with The Five Remembrances of Buddhism. He goes through each and explains how - even though some of them might seem gloomy on the surface - they can hold the key to happiness.
This week, Rev. Ken begins by talking about he voices of loved ones on answering machines.
Minari is a movie about a Korean family's move to rural Arkansas during the 80s, and Rev. Ken remarks on how poignant it was to watch this movie during the pandemic, when hatred against people of Asian descent is still continuing.
Ultimately, this is a movie about connective love in the midst of discouraging circumstances
Also shared is a Twitter thread that went viral, full of people encountering lost loved ones on the images in Google Maps.
This week, Rev. Ken begins by talking about he voices of loved ones on answering machines.
Minari is a movie about a Korean family's move to rural Arkansas during the 80s, and Rev. Ken remarks on how poignant it was to watch this movie during the pandemic, when hatred against people of Asian descent is still continuing.
Ultimately, this is a movie about connective love in the midst of discouraging circumstances
Also shared is a Twitter thread that went viral, full of people encountering lost loved ones on the images in Google Maps.
Rev. Lee begins with speaking about last week’s in-person service. She also speaks to the times we’re living in right now: parents deciding what to do about school, and all of us watching the scenes in Afghanistan unfold. In talking about this week’s series, The White Lotus, she remarks upon the different ways in which we try to escape. Sometimes they’re healthy and sometimes they’re unhealthy – but all are temporary. She asks us to consider how we react when we are faced with uncomfortable situations.
Rev. Lee begins with speaking about last week’s in-person service. She also speaks to the times we’re living in right now: parents deciding what to do about school, and all of us watching the scenes in Afghanistan unfold. In talking about this week’s series, The White Lotus, she remarks upon the different ways in which we try to escape. Sometimes they’re healthy and sometimes they’re unhealthy – but all are temporary. She asks us to consider how we react when we are faced with uncomfortable situations.
This week, Carol Breslin, our YouthSpirit Director talks about the themes and meanings in the much-loved Nickelodeon series, Avatar: the Last Airbender. Miss Carol and the YouthSpirit kids have been watching this series together throughout the summer, and linking the 7 UU Principles to lessons learned in each episode.
This week, Carol Breslin, our YouthSpirit Director talks about the themes and meanings in the much-loved Nickelodeon series, Avatar: the Last Airbender. Miss Carol and the YouthSpirit kids have been watching this series together throughout the summer, and linking the 7 UU Principles to lessons learned in each episode.
Lee revisits one of the classics this week by talking about The Wizard of Oz. At its heart, this is a story about a girl who experiences trauma (literal head trauma, in her case) and spends much of the rest of the story trying to determine when and how things will feel safe again. This is very much what we’ve experienced in the pandemic. She also talks about the meaning of the Arabic word “Inshallah” and shares a poem contemplating its meaning.
Lee revisits one of the classics this week by talking about The Wizard of Oz. At its heart, this is a story about a girl who experiences trauma (literal head trauma, in her case) and spends much of the rest of the story trying to determine when and how things will feel safe again. This is very much what we’ve experienced in the pandemic. She also talks about the meaning of the Arabic word “Inshallah” and shares a poem contemplating its meaning.
Rodney talks about the first time he saw the movie Grease on vacation with a friend when he was 14. He mentions that when we are on vacation, we’re almost like different people. We go outside of our comfort zone, and we’re more present and mindful in our day to day because everything is new. Grease is a movie about a romance that began on a vacation. While some parts of the movie may seem silly, especially now, at its heart, it’s a movie about two people working on a relationship. They each discover new aspects of themselves as they build a meaningful partnership.
Rodney talks about the first time he saw the movie Grease on vacation with a friend when he was 14. He mentions that when we are on vacation, we’re almost like different people. We go outside of our comfort zone, and we’re more present and mindful in our day to day because everything is new. Grease is a movie about a romance that began on a vacation. While some parts of the movie may seem silly, especially now, at its heart, it’s a movie about two people working on a relationship. They each discover new aspects of themselves as they build a meaningful partnership.
This week, Bev Fox talks to us about "The Good Place," which is a show about life after death. Bev talks about how summer is a particularly tough time for her in terms of mental health, but while watching, she remembers the message of the show: “What matters isn’t if people are good or bad, it matters if they’re better today than yesterday." Just like in real life, characters grapple with finding happiness in what feels like pandemonium. To end, Bev leads us through a quick mindfulness exercise
This week, Bev Fox talks to us about "The Good Place," which is a show about life after death. Bev talks about how summer is a particularly tough time for her in terms of mental health, but while watching, she remembers the message of the show: “What matters isn’t if people are good or bad, it matters if they’re better today than yesterday." Just like in real life, characters grapple with finding happiness in what feels like pandemonium. To end, Bev leads us through a quick mindfulness exercise
Rev. Ken begins with a fun explanation about why Die Hard is a Christmas movie. He explains that this isn’t just a cultural Christmas movie about a family trying to come back together to heal, it’s also a theological Christmas movie. Rev. Ken points to songs like “Oh Come Emannuel,” and “Oh Holy Night.” Rev. Ken admits that the darkness and cynicism present in the movie made a little too much sense to him when he watched it in December 2020. But he takes comfort in the fact that what saves the day in the real world isn’t just one guy riding in – it’s lots of people working together.
Rev. Ken begins with a fun explanation about why Die Hard is a Christmas movie. He explains that this isn’t just a cultural Christmas movie about a family trying to come back together to heal, it’s also a theological Christmas movie. Rev. Ken points to songs like “Oh Come Emannuel,” and “Oh Holy Night.” Rev. Ken admits that the darkness and cynicism present in the movie made a little too much sense to him when he watched it in December 2020. But he takes comfort in the fact that what saves the day in the real world isn’t just one guy riding in – it’s lots of people working together.
Chris talks about the lessons we can learn from the comedy series, Ted Lasso. Beginning with a personal story about joining a soccer team, he goes on to celebrate the idea of a “beginner’s mind” as shown in the series. Have a small snack nearby for this message. There’s a bit of interaction requested.
Chris talks about the lessons we can learn from the comedy series, Ted Lasso. Beginning with a personal story about joining a soccer team, he goes on to celebrate the idea of a “beginner’s mind” as shown in the series. Have a small snack nearby for this message. There’s a bit of interaction requested.
Rev. Lee shares her last message from her Philadelphia home about the movie Nomadland. This film focuses on the demise of a company town after the industry supporting it shuts down. She reflects on the fact that she’s about to move into a place that once used to be a company town too. She reflects on how the story of a company town suddenly closing down speaks to our own pandemic experiences, when the things we thought would always be there were unexpectedly taken away. She also shares a mindfulness exercise from the Foothills Unitarian congregation in Colorado.
Rev. Lee shares her last message from her Philadelphia home about the movie Nomadland. This film focuses on the demise of a company town after the industry supporting it shuts down. She reflects on the fact that she’s about to move into a place that once used to be a company town too. She reflects on how the story of a company town suddenly closing down speaks to our own pandemic experiences, when the things we thought would always be there were unexpectedly taken away. She also shares a mindfulness exercise from the Foothills Unitarian congregation in Colorado.
In this week's Message, Rev. Ken tells us about a Christmas musical unlike any other: Anna and the Apocalypse. It's a zombie movie largely focused on breaking away from the old you, from your old understanding of civilization, and moving bravely into something new. He also brings up an episode of Queer Eye where Jonathan Van Ness revisits their high school, not only to help make over a beloved music teacher, but also so they can heal some past wounds suffered while discovering who they were as a person.
In this week's Message, Rev. Ken tells us about a Christmas musical unlike any other: Anna and the Apocalypse. It's a zombie movie largely focused on breaking away from the old you, from your old understanding of civilization, and moving bravely into something new. He also brings up an episode of Queer Eye where Jonathan Van Ness revisits their high school, not only to help make over a beloved music teacher, but also so they can heal some past wounds suffered while discovering who they were as a person.
Rev. Ken begins this week's Message with the President’s statement about the Armenian Genocide, along with the response from the Turkish government. Many of our historical stories are difficult to reckon with, but it’s important that we’re honest about what happened, even if it’s painful. If that pain opens up a productive gap between reality and our aspirations, there can be growth and healing. Ken also shares a quote from James Baldwin about how accepting the past doesn’t mean drowning in it.
Rev. Ken begins this week's Message with the President’s statement about the Armenian Genocide, along with the response from the Turkish government. Many of our historical stories are difficult to reckon with, but it’s important that we’re honest about what happened, even if it’s painful. If that pain opens up a productive gap between reality and our aspirations, there can be growth and healing. Ken also shares a quote from James Baldwin about how accepting the past doesn’t mean drowning in it.
Rev. Lee continues our SpiritFlix series with a Message about the HBO show "Mare of Easttown," much of which features our local area. In particular, she shares her thoughts about how one of the central themes of the show is how falling apart or unraveling is sometimes a part of life, as depicted in the show.
Rev. Lee continues our SpiritFlix series with a Message about the HBO show "Mare of Easttown," much of which features our local area. In particular, she shares her thoughts about how one of the central themes of the show is how falling apart or unraveling is sometimes a part of life, as depicted in the show.
Ken introduces a "gifts discernment" chart which asks you to plot things you both like and dislike, and things you're good at and things you aren't. This connects with our first SpiritFlix movie of this year: Soul. A movie which explores this very question. What are you good at, and what what brings you vitality. Holding tightly versus holding lightly. This is demonstrated in the movie by showing souls in a flow state, versus souls in a state of fixation. What happens if we hold onto experiences, even positive ones, too tightly? What happens if we hold them with a lighter touch.
Ken introduces a "gifts discernment" chart which asks you to plot things you both like and dislike, and things you're good at and things you aren't. This connects with our first SpiritFlix movie of this year: Soul. A movie which explores this very question. What are you good at, and what what brings you vitality. Holding tightly versus holding lightly. This is demonstrated in the movie by showing souls in a flow state, versus souls in a state of fixation. What happens if we hold onto experiences, even positive ones, too tightly? What happens if we hold them with a lighter touch.
This week, Rev. Lee talks about little moments that sneak up on you and stay with you forever. She remarks on the differences between what “adulting” looks like to younger people observing adults, and what it actually means to the people living it.
Our Heirloom Connection Penpals this week are Nan and Tina, and Julie and Ron. Nan and Tina talk about a shared interest in counseling, and how their life circumstances effected their ability to pursue that. Ron shares a story about how he met his wife. Julie shares a story about her first year as a mother.
This week, Rev. Lee talks about little moments that sneak up on you and stay with you forever. She remarks on the differences between what “adulting” looks like to younger people observing adults, and what it actually means to the people living it.
Our Heirloom Connection Penpals this week are Nan and Tina, and Julie and Ron. Nan and Tina talk about a shared interest in counseling, and how their life circumstances effected their ability to pursue that. Ron shares a story about how he met his wife. Julie shares a story about her first year as a mother.
Josie opens this message by talkin gabout the thrill of playing Pong on the TV for the first time. She also mentions the moral panic about videogames taking place at the time, whereas Josie sees them as an intro to crucial computer skills. This highlights the need for communication and connection among the generations. We share more conversations between pen pals born in the 2010s and the 1940s, respectively, about everything from the differences in technology and playground equipment, to what everyday life is like now and then. We conclude with a song about "trying" from a young friend.
Josie opens this message by talkin gabout the thrill of playing Pong on the TV for the first time. She also mentions the moral panic about videogames taking place at the time, whereas Josie sees them as an intro to crucial computer skills. This highlights the need for communication and connection among the generations. We share more conversations between pen pals born in the 2010s and the 1940s, respectively, about everything from the differences in technology and playground equipment, to what everyday life is like now and then. We conclude with a song about "trying" from a young friend.
This week, Rev. Ken opens with a quote about spirituality by Walt Whitman. Continuing in our Heirloom Connections series, we share Evan and Micah’s pen pal videos. They’re asked to describe their “Ows and their Wows.” This brings them to some heavy topics, with some big and broad ideas, but they also look at the smaller things too – particularly superheroes. Ken also ponders astronaut Michael Collins, who had some spiritually enlightened things to say about being the furthest person ever away from the Earth.
This week, Rev. Ken opens with a quote about spirituality by Walt Whitman. Continuing in our Heirloom Connections series, we share Evan and Micah’s pen pal videos. They’re asked to describe their “Ows and their Wows.” This brings them to some heavy topics, with some big and broad ideas, but they also look at the smaller things too – particularly superheroes. Ken also ponders astronaut Michael Collins, who had some spiritually enlightened things to say about being the furthest person ever away from the Earth.
Rev. Lee opens our new Message series by recounting "The Josh Battle." She remarks how right it feels that “Little Josh” was allowed to win. This is the way it’s supposed to be when we say we want better for our kids. She also shares a recent "Maslow Got it Wrong" article. She highlights the difference between the Maslow Hierarchy of Needs and the “teepee” of the Blackfoot Indian Tribe. Rev. Lee speaks a bit about our current message series by remarking on the importance of tradition and connecting with younger generations. We share the first of several pen pal videos from two congregation members.
Rev. Lee opens our new Message series by recounting "The Josh Battle." She remarks how right it feels that “Little Josh” was allowed to win. This is the way it’s supposed to be when we say we want better for our kids. She also shares a recent "Maslow Got it Wrong" article. She highlights the difference between the Maslow Hierarchy of Needs and the “teepee” of the Blackfoot Indian Tribe. Rev. Lee speaks a bit about our current message series by remarking on the importance of tradition and connecting with younger generations. We share the first of several pen pal videos from two congregation members.
This week, Rev. Ken talks about the Mountain Goats album "Life of the World to Come" and explains how it's the inspiration for this message. He talks about the concept of "temporal distancing" and how it can be a useful tool in mindfulness practice. He tells us about a time when - quite unexpectedly - he experienced a profound change in perspective. Given this week's events, Rev. Ken takes a moment to reflect on the George Floyd murder trial, before taking us through a thought exercise about being a child in a classroom.
This week, Rev. Ken talks about the Mountain Goats album "Life of the World to Come" and explains how it's the inspiration for this message. He talks about the concept of "temporal distancing" and how it can be a useful tool in mindfulness practice. He tells us about a time when - quite unexpectedly - he experienced a profound change in perspective. Given this week's events, Rev. Ken takes a moment to reflect on the George Floyd murder trial, before taking us through a thought exercise about being a child in a classroom.
This week, Chris reflects on the entirety of the weight of the pandemic. There are different levels of loss, but she validates the fact that we’ve all lost something. Perhaps we’ve remained healthy, perhaps we’ve kept our jobs, perhaps all our loved ones are safe; yet we’ve all lost things this past year. She contemplates why we are encouraged to shout our joyful moments, but to keep our lamentations quiet. Naming our grief and giving it space can be healing. We’ve all been through a traumatic year.
This week, Chris reflects on the entirety of the weight of the pandemic. There are different levels of loss, but she validates the fact that we’ve all lost something. Perhaps we’ve remained healthy, perhaps we’ve kept our jobs, perhaps all our loved ones are safe; yet we’ve all lost things this past year. She contemplates why we are encouraged to shout our joyful moments, but to keep our lamentations quiet. Naming our grief and giving it space can be healing. We’ve all been through a traumatic year.
This week, Rev. Lee explains the meaning of Belonging Sunday in our congregation. She reflects on what it means to belong to a community, especially now that we’re in a pandemic. Later, she asks us to consider how there can be a cloud and sunshine in something as simple as a piece of paper. Our new members are introduced, and Rev. Lee goes over what’s in the welcome package we delivered to each household. There's also a special welcome from some of our younger friends.
This week, Rev. Lee explains the meaning of Belonging Sunday in our congregation. She reflects on what it means to belong to a community, especially now that we’re in a pandemic. Later, she asks us to consider how there can be a cloud and sunshine in something as simple as a piece of paper. Our new members are introduced, and Rev. Lee goes over what’s in the welcome package we delivered to each household. There's also a special welcome from some of our younger friends.
Rev. Lee begins this week by acknowledging that we are all “in need of a resurrection.” She sympathizes with the women in the Easter story of the resurrection who were visiting his grave that Sunday. She reminds is that when Jesus is resurrected, he isn’t recognized by his friends and family - he's unfamiliar. A messenger reminds the women that we can not look for the living among the dead. We can’t find new life in what is past. We conclude with a story from a pastor about a memorial service, where the symbolism of sunflowers plays a large role, as does a very active toddler.
Rev. Lee begins this week by acknowledging that we are all “in need of a resurrection.” She sympathizes with the women in the Easter story of the resurrection who were visiting his grave that Sunday. She reminds is that when Jesus is resurrected, he isn’t recognized by his friends and family - he's unfamiliar. A messenger reminds the women that we can not look for the living among the dead. We can’t find new life in what is past. We conclude with a story from a pastor about a memorial service, where the symbolism of sunflowers plays a large role, as does a very active toddler.
This week, Rev. Ken begins with an analogy about how chatacters in a horror movie often have a moment of thinking the danger has past. Rather than thinking those characters are acting foolishly, we're invited to find empathy for traumatized people. He's also made a playlist looking back on a year in a pandemic, and he focuses on the song lyris “How am I gonna be an optimist about this?” Rev. Ken talks about Transgenerational trauma, and how trauma travels through families until someone is ready to heal. He also discusses the difference between “safeness” and “safety.” “Safeness” is connection and a comfort with others.
This week, Rev. Ken begins with an analogy about how chatacters in a horror movie often have a moment of thinking the danger has past. Rather than thinking those characters are acting foolishly, we're invited to find empathy for traumatized people. He's also made a playlist looking back on a year in a pandemic, and he focuses on the song lyris “How am I gonna be an optimist about this?” Rev. Ken talks about Transgenerational trauma, and how trauma travels through families until someone is ready to heal. He also discusses the difference between “safeness” and “safety.” “Safeness” is connection and a comfort with others.
This week, rather than having a traditional Sunday service, we're giving you back the hour you lost in Daylight Savings Time last week. We're inviting you to use this time to do whatever it is that charges you full. Take a walk, spend time with your family, rest, or check out the resource guide from our Spiritual Development Ministry for ideas here: http://www.wellspringsuu.org/new/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/New_Normal__or___How_Not_to_Waste_an_Apocalypse___Message_Series_Resources.docx-1.pdf
This week, rather than having a traditional Sunday service, we're giving you back the hour you lost in Daylight Savings Time last week. We're inviting you to use this time to do whatever it is that charges you full. Take a walk, spend time with your family, rest, or check out the resource guide from our Spiritual Development Ministry for ideas here: http://www.wellspringsuu.org/new/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/New_Normal__or___How_Not_to_Waste_an_Apocalypse___Message_Series_Resources.docx-1.pdf
Rev. Lee begins with a story about a healthcare worker isolating from her family, and the stress it caused on her young son. This worker asks her son to “remember this feeling” as we move towards a return to normal. Rev. Lee invites us to remember those who became sick, or those who were lost to this pandemic in the past year. She also references an essay which went viral last year which pointed out that the “old normal” wasn’t all that great, and we have a chance right now to reimagine things.
Rev. Lee begins with a story about a healthcare worker isolating from her family, and the stress it caused on her young son. This worker asks her son to “remember this feeling” as we move towards a return to normal. Rev. Lee invites us to remember those who became sick, or those who were lost to this pandemic in the past year. She also references an essay which went viral last year which pointed out that the “old normal” wasn’t all that great, and we have a chance right now to reimagine things.
This week, Rev. Ken opens our new message series called "New Normal (or How Not to Waste an Apocalypse), by talking about a sculpture unveiling in honor of his father's service to an art museum. As we approach the one year anniversary of Covid lockdown, he reminds us that the Greek word apocalypse means "unveiling." We can look at this time as potentially a time of awakening. Rev, Ken also invites us to complete the lyric: “It’s the end of the world as we know it, and I feel…?”
This week, Rev. Ken opens our new message series called "New Normal (or How Not to Waste an Apocalypse), by talking about a sculpture unveiling in honor of his father's service to an art museum. As we approach the one year anniversary of Covid lockdown, he reminds us that the Greek word apocalypse means "unveiling." We can look at this time as potentially a time of awakening. Rev, Ken also invites us to complete the lyric: “It’s the end of the world as we know it, and I feel…?”
Rev. Lee begins this week's message by telling us about a tree she used to climb as a child. She also shares a passage from a book called 'Wintering," which acknowledges that life has a natural ebb and flow. Did you ever think you might learn an important lesson about life from a pecan tree? Perhaps you will. Rev. Lee also takes us into the John Heinz refuge in Philadelphia for a few moments of quiet mindfulness together.
Rev. Lee begins this week's message by telling us about a tree she used to climb as a child. She also shares a passage from a book called 'Wintering," which acknowledges that life has a natural ebb and flow. Did you ever think you might learn an important lesson about life from a pecan tree? Perhaps you will. Rev. Lee also takes us into the John Heinz refuge in Philadelphia for a few moments of quiet mindfulness together.
This week, Rev. Michael Bush takes us through the practice of Lectio Divina, which is Latin for “divine reading." It encourages the reader to follow four practices when reading scripture or spiritual texts. "Lectio, Meditatio, Oratio, Contemplatio." (Translated as: Read, Reflect, Respond, and Rest/Contemplate.) You'll have a chance to practice this along with Rev. Michael as he takes us through a passage from the Gospel of Mark.
This week, Rev. Michael Bush takes us through the practice of Lectio Divina, which is Latin for “divine reading." It encourages the reader to follow four practices when reading scripture or spiritual texts. "Lectio, Meditatio, Oratio, Contemplatio." (Translated as: Read, Reflect, Respond, and Rest/Contemplate.) You'll have a chance to practice this along with Rev. Michael as he takes us through a passage from the Gospel of Mark.
Rev. Ken speaks about the issues that come along with having the news on all the time, and how sometimes it's impostant to turn it off. He shares a story about a news reporter who shows emotion while reporting on a family. In the spirit of Valentine's Day, we walk through a heart practice you can do at home. Rev. Ken also shares a prayer for kindness, then a lovingkindness meditation where we can practice compassion even for people we don’t know well.
Rev. Ken speaks about the issues that come along with having the news on all the time, and how sometimes it's impostant to turn it off. He shares a story about a news reporter who shows emotion while reporting on a family. In the spirit of Valentine's Day, we walk through a heart practice you can do at home. Rev. Ken also shares a prayer for kindness, then a lovingkindness meditation where we can practice compassion even for people we don’t know well.
Rev. Aisha Ansano is our guest preacher this week, and she tells us about the importance and ritual surrounding family meal time when she was growing up. For this message she asks that you have a bite of food and a sip of something to drink nearby. She also invites you into the ritual of making a simple recipe along with her, such as vinaigrette or cinnamon sugar.
Rev. Aisha Ansano is our guest preacher this week, and she tells us about the importance and ritual surrounding family meal time when she was growing up. For this message she asks that you have a bite of food and a sip of something to drink nearby. She also invites you into the ritual of making a simple recipe along with her, such as vinaigrette or cinnamon sugar.
This week, Rev. Lee begins with telling us a story about how pandemic stress has affected some friends of hers, and how, in a moment of intense pressure, her friend as able to think "I'm alive right now and with the people I love." The idea of "Coming Home" to your own body might not be something we think of often, but it's an important practice. During this message, yoga instructor Gael Alba takes us through some gentle guided movement and breathing. All you'll need is some comfortable clothing and either a space on the floor or a chair.
This week, Rev. Lee begins with telling us a story about how pandemic stress has affected some friends of hers, and how, in a moment of intense pressure, her friend as able to think "I'm alive right now and with the people I love." The idea of "Coming Home" to your own body might not be something we think of often, but it's an important practice. During this message, yoga instructor Gael Alba takes us through some gentle guided movement and breathing. All you'll need is some comfortable clothing and either a space on the floor or a chair.
In this week's message, lay preacher, Chris Groppe, shares his spiritual practice of drawing. He talks a bit about his personal history with drawing, and how it's sometimes been set aside as an activity for another time. But once he began looking at is as a means of creating a sacred space, he realized it can be used as a spiritual practice anywhere and anytime.
This message provides two opportunities to draw along with Chris, so be sure to have a pencil and paper somewhere nearby!
In this week's message, lay preacher, Chris Groppe, shares his spiritual practice of drawing. He talks a bit about his personal history with drawing, and how it's sometimes been set aside as an activity for another time. But once he began looking at is as a means of creating a sacred space, he realized it can be used as a spiritual practice anywhere and anytime.
This message provides two opportunities to draw along with Chris, so be sure to have a pencil and paper somewhere nearby!
Rev. Ken begins by telling us that mindfulness is about perspective. He brings up Schoolhouse Rock, and challenges the idea that a person is a noun. He believes that a person is much more of an active state of being. Mindfulness isn’t just about accessing more calm. It’s about opening up our experiences. He also gives us an invitation to participate in a short mindfulness practice. He concludes with a story about the Buddha.
Rev. Ken begins by telling us that mindfulness is about perspective. He brings up Schoolhouse Rock, and challenges the idea that a person is a noun. He believes that a person is much more of an active state of being. Mindfulness isn’t just about accessing more calm. It’s about opening up our experiences. He also gives us an invitation to participate in a short mindfulness practice. He concludes with a story about the Buddha.
Rev. Lee struggles a bit with what to say about the events at the Capitol this week. She planned to introduce the practice of generosity, but thought the message might not make sense this week. But when she thought more about it, she realized that generosity is a practice of pushing back against toxic individualism “I’ve got mine, and you’ve got yours… good luck.” She shares with us how she began practicing generosity herself this year, now that her everyday expenses are down during the pandemic. She ends by asking us to take up a small generosity practice that we can do today.
Rev. Lee struggles a bit with what to say about the events at the Capitol this week. She planned to introduce the practice of generosity, but thought the message might not make sense this week. But when she thought more about it, she realized that generosity is a practice of pushing back against toxic individualism “I’ve got mine, and you’ve got yours… good luck.” She shares with us how she began practicing generosity herself this year, now that her everyday expenses are down during the pandemic. She ends by asking us to take up a small generosity practice that we can do today.
This week, Rev. Ken opens our annual New Year's service with the story of The Epiphany, and talks about the restoration of a painting of the Magi by Leonardo da Vinci. After the painting was cleaned, more detail and color than anyone expected was revealed. Isn't that how life is sometimes? So many things can build up and get in the way of us living the lives we really want.
This week, Rev. Ken opens our annual New Year's service with the story of The Epiphany, and talks about the restoration of a painting of the Magi by Leonardo da Vinci. After the painting was cleaned, more detail and color than anyone expected was revealed. Isn't that how life is sometimes? So many things can build up and get in the way of us living the lives we really want.
Rev. Lee talks about a friend's policy towards internet use with children: Before you click on something, think about whether you really want to watch, becauase once you see it, you can't unsee it. She also talks about a reality show where drag performers put on shows in small communities to help let people know that there are all types of people in every community. She includes a parable from the bible wherein Jesus talks about men given land, but not realizing what they have.
Rev. Lee talks about a friend's policy towards internet use with children: Before you click on something, think about whether you really want to watch, becauase once you see it, you can't unsee it. She also talks about a reality show where drag performers put on shows in small communities to help let people know that there are all types of people in every community. She includes a parable from the bible wherein Jesus talks about men given land, but not realizing what they have.
Rev. Lee brings us our annual Christmas Eve service - this year inspired by the movie Home Alone.
Rev. Lee brings us our annual Christmas Eve service - this year inspired by the movie Home Alone.
Rev. Ken shares a story from Anne Lamott wherein she talks about calling around to different friends trying to find the true meaning of Advent. She doesn’t have much luck until she reaches a Jesuit friend who has 35 years of sobriety. He shares a dramatic event which happened early in his own recovery wherein folks at a 12-step meeting showed compassion to a man in a terrible state. The patience they showed then, evoked the feeling of Advent for this friend.
Rev. Ken shares a story from Anne Lamott wherein she talks about calling around to different friends trying to find the true meaning of Advent. She doesn’t have much luck until she reaches a Jesuit friend who has 35 years of sobriety. He shares a dramatic event which happened early in his own recovery wherein folks at a 12-step meeting showed compassion to a man in a terrible state. The patience they showed then, evoked the feeling of Advent for this friend.
Lay preacher, Kathleen Higgins shares her message, beginning about a close encounter with a rattlesnake. She mentions the Gavin deBecker book "The Gift of Fear" which focuses on figuring out what is real danger and what is dread. Dread is more about imagination. She also shares a story about her grandson experiencing seizures, and a story about attending a conference of gun violence survivors where a fire alarm went off and frightened many people in the audience.
Lay preacher, Kathleen Higgins shares her message, beginning about a close encounter with a rattlesnake. She mentions the Gavin deBecker book "The Gift of Fear" which focuses on figuring out what is real danger and what is dread. Dread is more about imagination. She also shares a story about her grandson experiencing seizures, and a story about attending a conference of gun violence survivors where a fire alarm went off and frightened many people in the audience.
This week, Rev. Ken talks about how he is a fan of scary stories, even horror movies, even living as a person with an anxiety disorder. He shares how sometimes, experiencing fear as a story can help us realize why fear is an important part of life. He also talks about being a fan of Taylor Swift's album, Folklore, especially a song which seems to approach fear from a child's perspective.
This week, Rev. Ken talks about how he is a fan of scary stories, even horror movies, even living as a person with an anxiety disorder. He shares how sometimes, experiencing fear as a story can help us realize why fear is an important part of life. He also talks about being a fan of Taylor Swift's album, Folklore, especially a song which seems to approach fear from a child's perspective.
Lay preacher, Rodney Whittenberg, talks about feeling afraid often in life, but reminds us that fear is sometimes a useful emotion. Fear can help us make decisions in our own best interests. To illustrate, he shares a story of his father feeling afraid while driving, and also a story from a friend of his who happens to be an Army Ranger. What happens when we embrace the fear we feel, rather than trying to shove it aside?
Lay preacher, Rodney Whittenberg, talks about feeling afraid often in life, but reminds us that fear is sometimes a useful emotion. Fear can help us make decisions in our own best interests. To illustrate, he shares a story of his father feeling afraid while driving, and also a story from a friend of his who happens to be an Army Ranger. What happens when we embrace the fear we feel, rather than trying to shove it aside?
Each year, we ask different WellSpringers to answer the question "What is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?" Today, you can hear thoughtful, creative, honest, and inspiring stories from five different people in our congregation.
Each year, we ask different WellSpringers to answer the question "What is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?" Today, you can hear thoughtful, creative, honest, and inspiring stories from five different people in our congregation.
This week, Rev. Lee discusses the concept of living with our fear, but not in it. This past week, with the election and the rising Covid cases, has made us realize how fragile and vulnerable we still are. Rev. Lee also admits her fear of snakes and shares a story about a recent encounter with a snake on a hike. In the moment, she was able to be with her fear, and realize that not only was it a harmless type of snake, but that it was also afraid of her. Of course, there's a difference between the type of fear that occurs naturally, and someone manipulating you into a fearful situation; Rev. Lee explores those important distinctions.
This week, Rev. Lee discusses the concept of living with our fear, but not in it. This past week, with the election and the rising Covid cases, has made us realize how fragile and vulnerable we still are. Rev. Lee also admits her fear of snakes and shares a story about a recent encounter with a snake on a hike. In the moment, she was able to be with her fear, and realize that not only was it a harmless type of snake, but that it was also afraid of her. Of course, there's a difference between the type of fear that occurs naturally, and someone manipulating you into a fearful situation; Rev. Lee explores those important distinctions.
Rev. Ken begins our new Message series "How to Be Afraid" with a late-recorded message about the election.
He remembers a slogan "Pain is just weakness leaving the body," while recounting a time when he himself got injured during a half marathon. He also talks about the use and abuse of fear. There are some who believe that fear is only weakness, but the denial of fear is sometimes why people stop listening not only to themsevles, but to each other too.
Rev. Ken begins our new Message series "How to Be Afraid" with a late-recorded message about the election.
He remembers a slogan "Pain is just weakness leaving the body," while recounting a time when he himself got injured during a half marathon. He also talks about the use and abuse of fear. There are some who believe that fear is only weakness, but the denial of fear is sometimes why people stop listening not only to themsevles, but to each other too.
In this week's message, Rev. Lee talks about the upcoming election, and admits that she'd gone back and forth on what kind of message to deliver this week: one where she reassures us that everything will be okay, and one that warns us that it won't be. She remembers words Rev. Ken said to her at her ordination: "Let your ministry break your heart," and tells us that out broken hearts are good enough. She concludes with a story about a unique political canvassing project which focuses on listening, and which is helping folks to better understand marginalized people.
In this week's message, Rev. Lee talks about the upcoming election, and admits that she'd gone back and forth on what kind of message to deliver this week: one where she reassures us that everything will be okay, and one that warns us that it won't be. She remembers words Rev. Ken said to her at her ordination: "Let your ministry break your heart," and tells us that out broken hearts are good enough. She concludes with a story about a unique political canvassing project which focuses on listening, and which is helping folks to better understand marginalized people.
In this short introduction to our annual Remembrance Service, Rev. Ken assures us that it's okay to not "cheer up" every time we feel sad. Sometimes, we can sit with sadness, especially in the wake of a loss. If we sit with grief and sadness, what we find at the root of it is love.
In this short introduction to our annual Remembrance Service, Rev. Ken assures us that it's okay to not "cheer up" every time we feel sad. Sometimes, we can sit with sadness, especially in the wake of a loss. If we sit with grief and sadness, what we find at the root of it is love.
In this week's message, lay preacher Bev Fox shares the story of her brother who died after a years-long struggle with addiction. She tells us how the slow processing of his death led to her own struggles with mental health.
A NOTE FROM OUR WORSHIP LEADER: “Before we move forward, I want to let you all know that in this morning’s message, our preacher Bev shares a personal story that might be difficult or triggering for some folks to hear, about suicide and self-harm. Please take care of yourselves in whatever way you need to, this morning. If now is not the time for you to listen to this type of story, you can step away... or maybe plan to listen to this service another time.”
In this week's message, lay preacher Bev Fox shares the story of her brother who died after a years-long struggle with addiction. She tells us how the slow processing of his death led to her own struggles with mental health.
A NOTE FROM OUR WORSHIP LEADER: “Before we move forward, I want to let you all know that in this morning’s message, our preacher Bev shares a personal story that might be difficult or triggering for some folks to hear, about suicide and self-harm. Please take care of yourselves in whatever way you need to, this morning. If now is not the time for you to listen to this type of story, you can step away... or maybe plan to listen to this service another time.”
Rev. Lee begins this week's message by talking about a new framework for the stages of grief, including an added a sixth stage: “finding meaning.” Of course, that’s a very hard concept to accept, especially if we’re in the early stages of grief.
She also talks us through the conundrum of how we can all support each other when we’re all going through the same thing. She shares the “Parable of the long spoons,” where the answer isn’t to feed yourself, but to feed each other.
Rev. Lee begins this week's message by talking about a new framework for the stages of grief, including an added a sixth stage: “finding meaning.” Of course, that’s a very hard concept to accept, especially if we’re in the early stages of grief.
She also talks us through the conundrum of how we can all support each other when we’re all going through the same thing. She shares the “Parable of the long spoons,” where the answer isn’t to feed yourself, but to feed each other.
Rev. Lee begins this week's message by mentioning a meme about an imaginary coworker, "Cheryl," on whom to blame things. She explains that what we're actually doing in these moments is making space to protect our relationships. There's a lot of grief right now with the pandemic, and many of us are feeling that if this had never happened, our lives would be different. But when things don't turn out the way we want, maybe we can make a practice of saying "It's not you, and it's not me... it's grief."
Rev. Lee begins this week's message by mentioning a meme about an imaginary coworker, "Cheryl," on whom to blame things. She explains that what we're actually doing in these moments is making space to protect our relationships. There's a lot of grief right now with the pandemic, and many of us are feeling that if this had never happened, our lives would be different. But when things don't turn out the way we want, maybe we can make a practice of saying "It's not you, and it's not me... it's grief."
Quarantine has led us to new forms of entertainment, and this week, Rev. Ken begins by talking about a "table read" of the Princess Bride which the original stars reunited for recently. One of his main takeaways from that movie is that when life doesn't turn out the way we want, maybe we can then open ourselves to a different kind of story. Rev. Ken also talks about unique experiences of grief, and how the "stages" aren't always linear.
Quarantine has led us to new forms of entertainment, and this week, Rev. Ken begins by talking about a "table read" of the Princess Bride which the original stars reunited for recently. One of his main takeaways from that movie is that when life doesn't turn out the way we want, maybe we can then open ourselves to a different kind of story. Rev. Ken also talks about unique experiences of grief, and how the "stages" aren't always linear.
Rev. Ken begins this week's message by offering the Mourner's Kaddish for Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg. He talks about a videogame he's playing now where a being called "Stella" guides souls to the afterlife, and how surprisingly touching it is. He also talks about how we can help each other through our collective mourning process by honoring the connections between us.
Rev. Ken begins this week's message by offering the Mourner's Kaddish for Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg. He talks about a videogame he's playing now where a being called "Stella" guides souls to the afterlife, and how surprisingly touching it is. He also talks about how we can help each other through our collective mourning process by honoring the connections between us.
Rev. Lee opens this week's message with a story about a friend who lost her home in a fire. In those first panicked moments, her friend reached for the things she thought she'd need, only to find out later that what she really needed was never in that house. This week's Spiritflix series asks us what and who we reach for in a crisis, and shows us how sometimes the things we thought we'd need aren't what we wind up needing later.
Rev. Lee opens this week's message with a story about a friend who lost her home in a fire. In those first panicked moments, her friend reached for the things she thought she'd need, only to find out later that what she really needed was never in that house. This week's Spiritflix series asks us what and who we reach for in a crisis, and shows us how sometimes the things we thought we'd need aren't what we wind up needing later.
Lay Preacher Chris Chepel talks to us this week about the Star Trek series, Picard. After taking us through the history of the various Star Trek series, and how they always seem to hold up a mirror to the current time. The Picard series seems more informed by trauma than its predecessors, and that feels very important in our current situation.
Lay Preacher Chris Chepel talks to us this week about the Star Trek series, Picard. After taking us through the history of the various Star Trek series, and how they always seem to hold up a mirror to the current time. The Picard series seems more informed by trauma than its predecessors, and that feels very important in our current situation.
Rev Ken. Continues our Spiritflix series with a message about the Netflix series "The Midnight Gospel." He reminds us that it's okay if we're not okay right now.
Rev Ken. Continues our Spiritflix series with a message about the Netflix series "The Midnight Gospel." He reminds us that it's okay if we're not okay right now.
This week, Rev. Lee opens with a story about a man being filmed by a helpful bystander during a traffic stop, and how looking out for one another like this is a new way to show love. Love requires unexpected things from us right now, just like in this week's Spiritflix movie, The Farewell. She also ponders the nature of truth in a stressful environment.
This week, Rev. Lee opens with a story about a man being filmed by a helpful bystander during a traffic stop, and how looking out for one another like this is a new way to show love. Love requires unexpected things from us right now, just like in this week's Spiritflix movie, The Farewell. She also ponders the nature of truth in a stressful environment.
Lay preacher Rodney Whittenberg shares a story of growing up Catholic, and his amazement at people who are able to be nonviolent in the face of adversity. His Spiritflix movie is The Camden 28 - a documentary about a group of devoted Catholics who planned to break into a federal building and destroy the draft cards of hundreds of young men.
Lay preacher Rodney Whittenberg shares a story of growing up Catholic, and his amazement at people who are able to be nonviolent in the face of adversity. His Spiritflix movie is The Camden 28 - a documentary about a group of devoted Catholics who planned to break into a federal building and destroy the draft cards of hundreds of young men.
This week, Rev. Ken continues our Spiritflix series with a message about the movie Blinded By the Light - a film where the main character is asking the question "How do I fit in?" Rev. Ken talks about how this film reminded him of the eulogy President Obama gave for John Lewis, calling us to a "Vibrant, big-hearted, tolerant America of perpetual self creation." He also reflects on the importance of the Bruce Springsteen lyric "No one wins unless everybody wins."
This week, Rev. Ken continues our Spiritflix series with a message about the movie Blinded By the Light - a film where the main character is asking the question "How do I fit in?" Rev. Ken talks about how this film reminded him of the eulogy President Obama gave for John Lewis, calling us to a "Vibrant, big-hearted, tolerant America of perpetual self creation." He also reflects on the importance of the Bruce Springsteen lyric "No one wins unless everybody wins."
This week, Rev. Lee preaches about the Ava Duvernay documentary, "13th." She begins by talking about her family's experiences, both spoken and unspoken, which led to her growing up in the suburbs. It's important to realize that the racist ideas that allowed slavery are still operating in our politics and criminal justice system today, but she reminds us that our actions have power, even if it doesn't seem to "work" in the moment.
This week, Rev. Lee preaches about the Ava Duvernay documentary, "13th." She begins by talking about her family's experiences, both spoken and unspoken, which led to her growing up in the suburbs. It's important to realize that the racist ideas that allowed slavery are still operating in our politics and criminal justice system today, but she reminds us that our actions have power, even if it doesn't seem to "work" in the moment.
This week, Rev. Ken discusses the Netflix series "Dead To Me." In discussing it's themes of grief, he reveals that he has an app on his phone that reminds him about death five times a day. He talks about the five stages of grief and how complicated they are - especially now when so many Covid deaths might be the result of a rush to get back to normal.
This week, Rev. Ken discusses the Netflix series "Dead To Me." In discussing it's themes of grief, he reveals that he has an app on his phone that reminds him about death five times a day. He talks about the five stages of grief and how complicated they are - especially now when so many Covid deaths might be the result of a rush to get back to normal.
Lay preacher Beverly Fox continues our SpiritFlix series with a message about the film Garden State. Her message explores the concept of home. What does that mean to you? Where can you find home? If you enjoyed this message and would like to support the mission of WellSprings, go to our website at http://www.wellspringsuu.org
Lay preacher Beverly Fox continues our SpiritFlix series with a message about the film Garden State. Her message explores the concept of home. What does that mean to you? Where can you find home? If you enjoyed this message and would like to support the mission of WellSprings, go to our website at http://www.wellspringsuu.org
For this week's SpiritFlix message, Rev. Lee preaches on the Netflix movie "The Willoughbys." This movie is about a group of children who are mistreated by their parents, until a person with a higher standard of care shows up in their lives. What if we all held ourselves to a higher standard of care right now? It just might save someone's life.
For this week's SpiritFlix message, Rev. Lee preaches on the Netflix movie "The Willoughbys." This movie is about a group of children who are mistreated by their parents, until a person with a higher standard of care shows up in their lives. What if we all held ourselves to a higher standard of care right now? It just might save someone's life.
This week, lay preacher Josie Waldman shares the movie Troop Zero with us, and what the film meant to her, as a girl who was picked on in school. She shares some of her personal experiences and wonders what it is that makes some kids act the way they do. She asks us to consider the essential question of the movie: "What kind of world would it be if every homely, strange little girl thought she could do whatever she wanted?"
This week, lay preacher Josie Waldman shares the movie Troop Zero with us, and what the film meant to her, as a girl who was picked on in school. She shares some of her personal experiences and wonders what it is that makes some kids act the way they do. She asks us to consider the essential question of the movie: "What kind of world would it be if every homely, strange little girl thought she could do whatever she wanted?"
Rev. Ken continues our SpiritFlix series with the award winning documentary film, "I Am Not Your Negro." He begins his message with a story about an uncomfortable moment at a baseball game, before getting into the subject matter of the film. This unfinished memoir by James Baldwin is about his relationships with slain civil rights leaders. Now, more than ever, this film and message offer us a chance to wake up to the realities of being black in America.
Rev. Ken continues our SpiritFlix series with the award winning documentary film, "I Am Not Your Negro." He begins his message with a story about an uncomfortable moment at a baseball game, before getting into the subject matter of the film. This unfinished memoir by James Baldwin is about his relationships with slain civil rights leaders. Now, more than ever, this film and message offer us a chance to wake up to the realities of being black in America.
Rev. Ken (appropriately) brings us a second SpiritFlix Message about Groundhog Day where he addresses the repetitiveness of our days right now. How do we break the cycle of "Groundhog Day?" We can do it by being of service to others, but also by fully inhabiting our own lives. Even if you don't know where your life is going right now, Rev. Ken emphasizes the importance of keeping after your pursuits, and your spiritual practices. That's how we finally make it to the metaphorical February 3rd.
Rev. Ken (appropriately) brings us a second SpiritFlix Message about Groundhog Day where he addresses the repetitiveness of our days right now. How do we break the cycle of "Groundhog Day?" We can do it by being of service to others, but also by fully inhabiting our own lives. Even if you don't know where your life is going right now, Rev. Ken emphasizes the importance of keeping after your pursuits, and your spiritual practices. That's how we finally make it to the metaphorical February 3rd.
Rev. Lee kicks off our summer SpiritFlix series by talking about the 1989 Spike Lee "Do The Right Thing." Even though this movie is over 30 years old, it's incredibly pertinent to the police brutality we're still seeing today. This film shows us imperfect characters interacting over the course of a single day, and asks us to consider what it means to do the right thing - both in small ways and in larger, society-changing ways.
Rev. Lee kicks off our summer SpiritFlix series by talking about the 1989 Spike Lee "Do The Right Thing." Even though this movie is over 30 years old, it's incredibly pertinent to the police brutality we're still seeing today. This film shows us imperfect characters interacting over the course of a single day, and asks us to consider what it means to do the right thing - both in small ways and in larger, society-changing ways.
Lay preacher, Kathy Burke-Howe, concludes our “Love the Hell Out of This World” series by asking us to consider what love looks like today, during a pandemic. How have our definitions of love changed with the rapidly changing and evolving situation around us? What can dogs – both real and animated – teach us about caring for one another?
Lay preacher, Kathy Burke-Howe, concludes our “Love the Hell Out of This World” series by asking us to consider what love looks like today, during a pandemic. How have our definitions of love changed with the rapidly changing and evolving situation around us? What can dogs – both real and animated – teach us about caring for one another?
This week, Rev. Ken talks about how he's been using social media as a means of reaching out during the pandemic. He also talks about challenging emotions many of us are feeling right now. What do both Buddhist teachings and Pixar movies have to say about challenging emotions, and how can we apply those lessons to our lives? He ends with a story about a wrongfully imprisoned man, and a prayer rug which helps him in more ways than one.
This week, Rev. Ken talks about how he's been using social media as a means of reaching out during the pandemic. He also talks about challenging emotions many of us are feeling right now. What do both Buddhist teachings and Pixar movies have to say about challenging emotions, and how can we apply those lessons to our lives? He ends with a story about a wrongfully imprisoned man, and a prayer rug which helps him in more ways than one.
Lay-preacher Chris Groppe shares his first ever message with us. He shares what we can learn about love from Mr. Rogers, a person taught us what it really means to love all people. He also talks about what a challenging concept that can sometimes be, and shares a meditation which might help us better understand lovingkindness.
Lay-preacher Chris Groppe shares his first ever message with us. He shares what we can learn about love from Mr. Rogers, a person taught us what it really means to love all people. He also talks about what a challenging concept that can sometimes be, and shares a meditation which might help us better understand lovingkindness.
This week, Rev. Lee continues our Love the Hell Out of This World message series. She opens with a story of a Universalist church making the decision to remain closed during the 1918 flu pandemic. She also shares a story from a inside a hospital in the Bronx, where front-line workers are making a conscious effort to honor the humanity in their patients in the midst of so much fear and uncertainty. There's power in saving what we love, and now more than ever, "what we love" means all of us.
This week, Rev. Lee continues our Love the Hell Out of This World message series. She opens with a story of a Universalist church making the decision to remain closed during the 1918 flu pandemic. She also shares a story from a inside a hospital in the Bronx, where front-line workers are making a conscious effort to honor the humanity in their patients in the midst of so much fear and uncertainty. There's power in saving what we love, and now more than ever, "what we love" means all of us.
Rev. Ken kicks off our message series, “Love the Hell Out of this World,” by exploring the concept of Universalism through the lens of – wait for it – Weird Al Yankovic. What can we learn from a painfully shy, almost cloistered youth who made so much safe space for others who have always felt like outsiders?
This week, Rodney Whittenberg takes us on a musical journey through his life. He plays selected songs, and tells us about the friends he most associates with each piece. How can we use music now to be a healing force in these unprecedented times? How can we use music to stay connected when we must stay physically apart?
This week, Rodney Whittenberg takes us on a musical journey through his life. He plays selected songs, and tells us about the friends he most associates with each piece. How can we use music now to be a healing force in these unprecedented times? How can we use music to stay connected when we must stay physically apart?
This week, Rev. Lee brings us a different kind of message. We all have to accept the idea that we don't know how long we'll in this strange new situation. She shares a story of a friend going through labor, and how sometimes, when we're faced with something that feels impossible, the only thing we can do is focus on breathing and living through the next few minutes, over and over again.
This week, Rev. Lee brings us a different kind of message. We all have to accept the idea that we don't know how long we'll in this strange new situation. She shares a story of a friend going through labor, and how sometimes, when we're faced with something that feels impossible, the only thing we can do is focus on breathing and living through the next few minutes, over and over again.
In our Easter Sunday message, Rev. Ken talks about the empty spaces around us, and how they connect to the imagery of the empty tomb. He reminds us that Easter is about people who, in the face of death, continued to live. He also shares a lovely memory about holding his mother's hand when he was little.
In our Easter Sunday message, Rev. Ken talks about the empty spaces around us, and how they connect to the imagery of the empty tomb. He reminds us that Easter is about people who, in the face of death, continued to live. He also shares a lovely memory about holding his mother's hand when he was little.
Rev. Lee brings us the story of Exodus, and what we can find in the story of the burning bush right here and now, as we all wait out a necessary quarantine. She recounts a walk through South Philadelphia so quiet, she could hear the stoplight timers whirring - a sound she's never heard before. Above all, she reminds us that there is no place so dark and frightening that holiness cannot touch it. Stay safe and stay well!
Rev. Lee brings us the story of Exodus, and what we can find in the story of the burning bush right here and now, as we all wait out a necessary quarantine. She recounts a walk through South Philadelphia so quiet, she could hear the stoplight timers whirring - a sound she's never heard before. Above all, she reminds us that there is no place so dark and frightening that holiness cannot touch it. Stay safe and stay well!
Rev. Ken speaks to us from his home to share a message about how small acts that we perform now can be not only meaningful, but even heroic. He talks about how important it is for us to create meaningful connection, even as we stay physically apart. He also tells us what the 1990s movie "Armageddon" and the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel have in common, and what they can teach us in the context of a quarantine.
Rev Lee speaks about how drastically things changed in the span of 10 days, and why it's okay to feel like you don't have anything under control. She shares a story from the 1918 flu epidemic, and shows why stories like this can help us see that others have been through this before. She shares the concept of "Digital Campfires" and reassures us that we're still connected, even if we're physically far apart.
Rev Lee speaks about how drastically things changed in the span of 10 days, and why it's okay to feel like you don't have anything under control. She shares a story from the 1918 flu epidemic, and shows why stories like this can help us see that others have been through this before. She shares the concept of "Digital Campfires" and reassures us that we're still connected, even if we're physically far apart.
Our first ever remote worship service! As we practice keeping physical distance as an act of care, we come together in different ways. Rev. Lee talks about how all of us need all of us, and how nobody can do everything themselves - even in times when we need to stay apart. Perhaps what we're doing right now as a country is a kind of large-scale spiritual practice. She shares a beautiful story about the power of a whisper, and how something as simple as that can remind you that you're okay.
Our first ever remote worship service! As we practice keeping physical distance as an act of care, we come together in different ways. Rev. Lee talks about how all of us need all of us, and how nobody can do everything themselves - even in times when we need to stay apart. Perhaps what we're doing right now as a country is a kind of large-scale spiritual practice. She shares a beautiful story about the power of a whisper, and how something as simple as that can remind you that you're okay.
Rev. Lee continues our Being a Friend message series with her message "Fully Known." If you had to boil your life down to a phrase like "I'm the [person] who [blanks]," how would you fill in that sentence? Rev. Lee talks about the difficulty of making new friends as an adult, but also offers some ideas about how to remove imaginary barriers we might be setting up for ourselves. Maybe we just need permission to host a "crappy dinner party" once in a while with no stress and no expectations except making space for one another.
Rev. Lee continues our Being a Friend message series with her message "Fully Known." If you had to boil your life down to a phrase like "I'm the [person] who [blanks]," how would you fill in that sentence? Rev. Lee talks about the difficulty of making new friends as an adult, but also offers some ideas about how to remove imaginary barriers we might be setting up for ourselves. Maybe we just need permission to host a "crappy dinner party" once in a while with no stress and no expectations except making space for one another.
Rev. Ken Beldon opens our new message series for early spring called "Being a Friend." He talks about the way the towering hills you tackled as a child suddenly seem small as an adult, how important it is to see your own story reflected in others, and reminisces a bit about the wonderful weirdness of Sid & Marty Krofft shows. You'll also hear a bit about the term "lovingkindness," and a book by Bob Greene titled "And you Know, You Should be Glad."
Rev. Ken Beldon opens our new message series for early spring called "Being a Friend." He talks about the way the towering hills you tackled as a child suddenly seem small as an adult, how important it is to see your own story reflected in others, and reminisces a bit about the wonderful weirdness of Sid & Marty Krofft shows. You'll also hear a bit about the term "lovingkindness," and a book by Bob Greene titled "And you Know, You Should be Glad."
Rev. Ken Beldon concludes our Daily Bread message series by talking about the most important book he's never read (Watchmen, Alan Moore), and how it's continuing story brought the destruction of Black Wall Street into the news once again. He also discusses inter-generational trauma by referencing the book My Grandmother's Hands by Resmaa Menakem, and a quote from Dr. Gabor Maté. He finishes up by sharing a dream he once had about a favorite Valentine's Day candy.
Rev. Ken Beldon concludes our Daily Bread message series by talking about the most important book he's never read (Watchmen, Alan Moore), and how it's continuing story brought the destruction of Black Wall Street into the news once again. He also discusses inter-generational trauma by referencing the book My Grandmother's Hands by Resmaa Menakem, and a quote from Dr. Gabor Maté. He finishes up by sharing a dream he once had about a favorite Valentine's Day candy.
Worship Leader Josie Waldman shares her message "Embrace Vulnerability" by sharing her personal story of changing careers. She also shares some inspirational quotes from Brene Brown, and tells us what we can learn from Demi Lovato's struggles with mental illness and substance abuse.
Rev. Lee Paczulla shares with us the "Kindness Prayer," and unpacks the often misunderstood bible verse about turning the other cheek. She gives examples of the way we might talk to friends versus the way we might talk to ourselves, and relays a valuable message from the one and only Lizzo.
Rev. Ken Beldon continues our Daily Bread message series with stories about life's unexpected interruptions. He references a Mountain Goats song about an injured football player, he shares a story about a running injury he sustained, and he also plays an Iranian short film for our congregation.
In this message, Rev Lee Paczulla continues our Daily Bread series with stories about reading a book to a baby, the NYT Bestseller "Educated," and her own difficulties in beginning the spiritual practices of meditation and mindfulness.
Rev. Ken Beldon continues our Daily Bread series with his message titled "Watching the Wheels." In this message, Rev. Ken speaks a bit about his history with the WellSprings congregation, the first album he ever owned, and the phrase "there is another way to do life."
Rev. Lee Paczulla introduces our new winter message series "Daily Bread" with her sermon titled "In the Beginning." No matter where or who we are, all of us live each day one at a time. So often, we have a yearning for more meaning and connection, in the small moments of our lives. Where, and how, can we find the holy when the big, shiny, bright lights aren’t quite reaching us – or seem far too dim? When all that we’ve been taught about “religion” and “spirituality” falls short, how can we make room for the daily experiences of this life to simply be enough?
At WellSprings, we have two traditions for the services right before the new year: we feature music from artists who've passed away during the year, and we also practice an intentional "letting go." During this message, Rev. Ken Beldon encourages the congregation to think of a negative thing they say about themselves, and to write it down on a piece of paper to be burned later.
Revs Ken Beldon and Lee Paczulla lead our congregation through a lovely Christmas Eve service. Special guest appearance by Buddy the Elf, and lots of help from the littlest WellSpringers!
Rev. Lee Paczulla congludes our Entertaining Angels holiday series with her message titled "Let's Go Outside!" We talk a bit about the Christmas movie, Elf, and our congregation is invited to play a fun and unexpected game!
Rev. Ken Beldon continues our holiday message series, Entertaining Angels, with his message titled: "Taken Lightly"
Rev. Lee Paczulla continues our holiday message series, Entertaining Angels, with her message titled "Audience of One"
Each year, we ask WellSprings congregants from each decade of life (this year, from childhood through 80-somethings) to speak about what they plan to do with their one wild and precious life. This takes place over two services, but both have been condensed into one hour-long podcast here. Enjoy these amazing, deeply-felt, entertaining, and educational stories!
Terry Rothermel, a member of our Leadership Development Ministry, shares a short speech about how leadership works at WellSprings, and how others can get involved.
Language Warning Special guest speaker, Dave Warnock, came to WellSprings to share his philosophy and message called "Dying Out Loud." Diagnosed with ALS, he speaks about what it's like to face the end of his life as an atheist.
Language Warning Special guest speaker, Dave Warnock, came to WellSprings to share his philosophy and message called "Dying Out Loud." Diagnosed with ALS, he speaks about what it's like to face the end of his life as an atheist.
Lay preacher Chris Chepel shares a message in our Entertaining Angels series titled "A Different Lens."
Rev. Ken Beldon introduces out new holiday message series called Entertaining Angels. The title of his message is "Home Cooking."
Rev. Lee concludes our series "Me & We, Us & Them" with her message titled "Whose Side?"
Our annual remembrance service where we place mementos and pictures of loved ones on an altar. Rev. Ken shares a special message on loss.
Rev. Lee Paczulla continues our message series "Me & We, Us & Them" with her message titled "Add One More."
Rev. Ken Beldon continues our Me & We, Us & Them series with his message titled "Whose Am I?"
Worship Leader, Frank Zinni continues our Me & We, Us & Them series with his message titled "One Tenth of One Percent."
Rev. Ken Beldon kicks off our latest message series, Me & We, Us & Them, with a message titled "Room in the Heart."
Rev. Lee and Rev. Ken hold a special, all-ages service to welcome our congregation back from summer vacation.
Reverend Lee continues our SpiritFlix series by speaking about the documentary Knock Down the House.
Rev. Ken Beldon's message on the Netflix series Russian Doll for our SpiritFlix series.
Rodney Whittenberg presents his message on Pulp Fiction for our summer SpiritFlix series.
Rev. Ken's message from 7/7/2019 based on the movie Yesterday, titled "The Song Remains." Part of our 2019 SpiritFlix series.
What does the fairy tale “Jack and the Beanstalk" have to say about being human? WellSprings member Josie Waldman continues our message series "Behind the Magic." We explore a different fairy tale each week; we'll focus on what it's like to become disillusioned with magical stories - and how, on the other side of this disillusionment, we find a deeper kind of faith and re-enchantment with our lives.
In this annual Thanksgiving service, WellSprings members from across the decades of life speak on the question from the poet Mary Oliver: “Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?”
In this annual Thanksgiving service, WellSprings members from across the decades of life speak on the question from the poet Mary Oliver: “Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?”
In this annual Thanksgiving service, WellSprings members from across the decades of life speak on the question from the poet Mary Oliver: “Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?”
In this annual Thanksgiving service, WellSprings members from across the decades of life speak on the question from the poet Mary Oliver: “Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?”
In this annual Thanksgiving service, WellSprings members from across the decades of life speak on the question from the poet Mary Oliver: “Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?”
In this annual Thanksgiving service, WellSprings members from across the decades of life speak on the question from the poet Mary Oliver: “Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?”
In this annual Thanksgiving service, WellSprings members from across the decades of life speak on the question from the poet Mary Oliver: “Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?”
In this annual Thanksgiving service, WellSprings members from across the decades of life speak on the question from the poet Mary Oliver: “Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?”
In this annual Thanksgiving service, WellSprings members from across the decades of life speak on the question from the poet Mary Oliver: “Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?”
The Addictions and Recovery Expo Oct. 21 is a community effort to lift the stigma of addiction. WellSprings member Maria Jacobs says those of us who don't suffer from an addiction disorder can help smooth the rocky path for others, and she explains how people can dive in to help with the Expo. Part of our Charged-Full Living series.
Rev. Ken Beldon says we need an honest look at the past to end the cycle of suffering and achieve racial justice. It's part of this fall's message series: Failures, Frustrations, & Fresh Starts.
Rev. Lee Paczulla says we can learn a lot from pre-schoolers as we learn to live with our mistakes and failures. It's part of this fall's message series: Failures, Frustrations, & Fresh Starts.
Rev. Ken Beldon talks about the power of something bigger than success. It's part of the message series Failures, Frustrations, & Fresh Starts.
Every fall, WellSprings celebrates the return to a new school year with our WellCome Back Sunday service. Revs. Ken Beldon and Lee Paczulla share the stage for this message.
Rev. Ken Beldon talks about one of his favorite films, "Wings of Desire," about an angel who longs to become human. It's part of our summer message series, SpiritFlix, about the meaning behind the movies.
All Americans do not share the same history. Rev. Ken Beldon calls on us to wrestle for a better, more mature understanding of our country. His message is inspired by the film "The Straight Story," a true story about a man's cross-country drive on a tractor as a journey of repentance, as we continue our SpiritFlix series. Note: Adult subjects and language.
A colleague of Revs. Ken Beldon and Lee Paczulla, Rev. Andrew Weber is guest preacher for this Sunday.
Telling the truth, like all spiritual practices, is best done on a daily basis. Rev. Ken Beldon finds the little truths in the romantic comedy "The Big Sick," the real-life courtship co-written by actor Kumail Nanjiani and his wife, Emily V. Gordon. All summer we explore the meaning in the movies in our SpiritFlix series.
Inspired by the Oscar-winning film "Hidden Figures", Rev. Ken Beldon talks about racism and whitewashing in our culture, and says it stops us from getting in touch with the fullness of our humanity. It's part of our summer message series SpiritFlix exploring meaning in the movies.
The '90s teen rom com "Clueless" was the inspiration for a message with a lot of laughs and a big truth: there is so much we don't know. This message from Rev. Lee Paczulla is part of our summer series, SpiritFlix, finding the meaning behind the movies.
In the '90s film "Sister Act," an unexpected and headstrong newcomer shakes up a church choir, and not everyone is happy about it. Rev. Lee Paczulla says the comedy can teach us about navigating tough relationships. It's part of our SpiritFlix series, finding the meaning in the movies.
Well, this is a new one! On this Sunday, our worship space lost almost all electrical power. So WellSprings went all acoustic, including Rev. Ken Beldon, who delivered his message sans mic and on the fly. His theme: “powerfully powerless.” Please forgive the audio quality of the recording.
In the movie "The Edge of Seventeen," teenager Nadine is suffering through the ups and downs (mostly downs) of high school. Rev. Ken Beldon says it's a good illustration that our lives are not seamless, but seam-full. It's the latest in our SpiritFlix series about the meaning behind the movies. Note: minor spoilers
How do our parents shape the world? The animated film "Moana" is the inspiration for this funny and meaningful message delivered by Rev. Lee Paczulla on Father's Day. It's part of our summer message series, SpiritFlix, about the deeper meaning in movies. Note: This message contains minor spoilers about "Moana."
In the award-winning sci-fi movie "Arrival," the human characters ultimately must grapple with a huge and painful truth about life. Rev. Ken Beldon's message is part of our summer series SpiritFlix, Sunday messages inspired by the deeper meaning in movies. Note: This message contains spoilers about the film "Arrival."
"Moonlight," Oscar winner for Best Picture, is a touching portrait of growing up black, poor, and gay. In this story is the hope of the fulfillment of Universalism, "a revolution of tenderness." Rev. Ken Beldon's message is part of our summer SpiritFlix series about the deeper meanings in movies. Note: This message contains spoilers about the film "Moonlight."
Rosie Revere dreams of becoming an engineer, but she has to learn how to fail. This kids' story is part of our series Stories with Soul, about the deeper meaning in children's literature.
What is the difference between productivity and creativity? Rev. Ken Beldon continues the series "Stories with Soul," spiritual wisdom found in children's literature, by exploring the kids book "The Most Magnificent Thing."
We all share imperfect families. Inspired by the children's book "When The Wind Stops," Rev. Ken Beldon assures us we are all still growing. It's the latest in a series of messages called "Stories With Soul" about wisdom in children's literature.
Dr. Seuss' classic book The Sneetches inspired Rev. Ken Beldon to talk about inequality and racial injustice. It's the latest in a series of messages called "Stories With Soul" about wisdom in children's literature.
A new baby, Julius, is beloved by everyone...except his sister. The children's book gives both kids and adults a way to think about compassion and love. It's part of our series Stories with Soul about the deeper meaning in children's literature.
We all face a battle in the mind between feeling fear and experiencing what is. Rev. Ken Beldon continues the series "Stories with Soul," spiritual wisdom found in children's literature, by exploring "Wemberly Worried," a kids story about a nervous mouse.
Rev. Ken Beldon delivers an Easter message about being open and vulnerable without fear: the gift of being heard.
Rev. Ken Beldon reminds us there is so much we cannot know, especially as we look toward the end of life, but we can be present. This is part of our message series "The World Between Us."
Occasionally, one of our members will share a story about how WellSprings changed their lives. We call it Charged Full Living. Sue Scales describes that first walk into WellSprings and where she is today.
Can we explode our preconceived notions? Rev. Ken Beldon delivers this message in our series exploring the world between us, connecting despite our differences.
What does it feel like to let down our burdens and share them with others? Rev. Lee Paczulla says we cannot do it on our own. It's part of our message series "The World Between Us."
Rev. Ken Beldon reminds us that to listen is to love, especially now. It's part of our message series "The World Between Us."
This message series explores the world between us. As Rev. Ken Beldon says, cultivate the power of listening. Spoiler alert: If you are the rare person who has NOT seen "Citizen Kane," "The Usual Suspects," OR "The Sixth Sense," Rev. Ken gives away those plots. Skip ahead to 2:00.
Do you long for a space to explore differences between each other without fear? How can you make that longing known? This message series explores the world between us, and as Rev. Lee Paczulla shows us, we all long to connect despite our differences.
How has love invited you to change and grow? Rev. Ken Beldon continues our winter message series, "Bouncing Back," about our capacity for resilience.
Are you willing to be a witness? Rev. Ken Beldon encourages us to show up as witnesses for those who ache to connect. This is part of our message series about resilience, "Bouncing Back."
Stories of hatred, fear, and exhaustion can make us feel hopeless, but we can live a life of justice and compassion. Rev. Ken Beldon weaves together stories small and large, inspired by the TV series "This Is Us." It's part of our message series about resilience, "Bouncing Back."
WellSprings started 10 years ago as a "community charged full with the charge of the soul," but it wasn't an overnight success. Hear Rev. Ken Beldon's funny and touching stories of the birth and (eventual) success of WellSprings in this birthday message.
What sorts of things have shaped your inheritance? What has stayed with you, through the joys and difficulties of your life? Rev. Lee Paczulla continues our message series, "Bouncing Back," exploring strength and resilience.
How are you helping to bring greater, love, compassion, and justice into being in the midst of change? What brilliant thing are you noticing today? Rev. Ken Beldon, with a wink to the Sixers, continues our winter message series, "Bouncing Back," about our capacity for resilience.
How can you look at the bandaged places of the past with love and compassion? How are you being a part of making Universalism more real in our world? Rev. Ken Beldon continues our winter message series, "Bouncing Back," about our capacity for resilience.
Where and how have you learned what soft strength means for you? What have been the most resilient moments in your life? Rev. Ken Beldon kicks off our winter message series, "Bouncing Back," about being both strong and soft.
In this New Year's Day message, Rev. Ken Beldon asks, what sets your heart on fire so the light will guide you through the future?
What do you really wish for this holiday season? Guest minister Rev. Greg Pelley has his own wish list to Santa in this bittersweet message, inspired by the song "Happy Christmas (War is Over)."
What does hope look like for you today? How can you find a way to lean towards your longing? Rev. Lee Paczulla delivers this message in our series "Sounds of the Season," inspired by a song by Carrie Newcomer, "Lean In Toward the Light."
In this season of darkness, what is being revealed to you? How do you practice seeing the light in others, especially those you are less likely to see, or those with whom you disagree? Inspired by some of WellSprings' favorite songs, Rev. Ken Beldon looks for the glow in the Peter Mayer song "Where Is the Light" in the Sounds of the Season message series.
Annual Thanksgiving Service; speakers representing each decade of life from children up to the 80's.
What renewal is in your body right now? Where is the spirit moving in your life? The message series ReNew explores transformation of our spirits.
Our service was in honor of all the people we hold in our hearts even as they have left this life. It's the deeper meaning of Halloween, the Day of the Dead/All Souls Day in many cultures. We constructed an altar of remembrance that day in front of our pulpit, and people brought pictures, keepsakes, and mementos of their beloved departed to place on the altar.
When the mess becomes clear, what brings you energy and hope? What's one regenerative practice that you could incorporate into your work or home life? The message series ReNew explores transformation of our spirits.
What are the most important promises you've made? Are they in need of renewal? The message series ReNew explores transformation of our spirits.
What resetting experiences have you known that have helped you shift and open your awareness? What is your primary work? And how do you set it down? The message series ReNew explores transformation of our spirits.
How do you recognize the danger of a single story in your life? How do you practice enlarging your stories? The message series ReNew explores transformation of our spirits.
What helps you to look again and see things and yourself anew? Do you need to subtract from your perception to enlarge your perceiving? The message series ReNew explores transformation of our spirits.
Rev. Ken Beldon asks, what is greening in your life today? The message series ReNew explores transformation of our spirits.
What experiences of love have allowed you to change? How do you learn how to "use your freedom?"
The film "The Martian" inspires Rev. Ken Beldon to ask: What relationships in your life have helped you name and realize your strengths in the face of adversity? What are your sources of true refuge?
What “ghosts between your ears” are you most likely to believe? How do you distinguish between fantasy and ethical imagination?
The film "Magnolia" is a story of extraordinary coincidences in people's lives. It's also a story that asks us: What do you trust and who do you love when you're confused? What are your practices for facing your “stuff?”
The animated film "Finding Dory" inspired some questions: What self-considered weakness or challenge of yours has become a source of strength and connection? What have you learned at the times in your life when you were lost?
The sci-fi movie "Gravity" is not only a visual marvel, it's a meditation on connection. What has you feeling disconnected and untethered? What helps you feel connected and close, even in difficult times?
The title character of the film "Joy" struggles to break out of her life and into a new one. Is there someone, or something, that wants to be seen in your life? How might you make space to watch and wait for it to emerge?
In the weird world of "The Lobster," love is turned into a strange race against an uncertain fate. Where do you crave connection in your life right now? Despite the risks, how might you practice staying open to love?
The movie "Glengarry Glen Ross" pits man against man in a cruel office contest. What are the expectations of gender that you grew up with? How are you participating in non-exploitative, healing ways of being?
How do you invite yourself to see what you may be missing? What difficult thing happened to you that helped you to wake up? This message was inspired by the movie "Me and Earl and the Dying Girl."
Where does the impulse to fix show up in your life? How might you practice standing firm around one of your core values?
A stray sock not only inspired today's message, it inspired an original song! Rev. Ken Beldon reminds us that playfulness is an expression of the Buddhist concept of "beginner's mind." Words by Rev. Ken, music by Teresa Nazario, performed live by Melissa Davignon.
Are there pains in your life right now that are asking for time to be digested? Are there areas in your life for which you are compensating that you might learn to let be? This message is inspired by children's literature
Have you had any ecstatic experiences that have changed and enlarged your perspective on life? What are your experiences of flowing ways of being, and how do you open to flow in your life?
1) What practices teach you how to hold different energies together in your life? 2) Where in your life are you currently integrating opposing values?
1) How do you allow yourself space for creative inconsistency? 2) How does your practice of self-care show up in your most important relationships?
1) In what kinds of situations are you likely to see your life as functional? 2) What practices of self-care can you use to interrupt those moments?
1) How do you disengage the auto-pilot and return to presence? 2) What are the ways that you experience “enough, for now?”
1) Do you make self-care a priority? 2) How do you show faith in what's unfolding in you?
1) How do you experience the “all that is in each of us?” 2) What in your life is asking for permission to be let go?
1) How do you allow yourself to be with what is, as it is? 2) Have you experienced important moments of loss that helped re-orient your perspective? If so, what were they?
1) How are you hospitable with your body? 2) What people have taught you most about birth and death?
1) What are you fighting against right now? 2) Where might the healthy expression of anger lead to healing in your life?
1) Do you think you think about death too little, too much, or the right amount? 2) How has grief grown your heart?
1) What is here in this day for you? 2) How do you bring your wandering mind back to presence?
1) How can you tell that you lost connection with the present moment? 2) What brings you back home to your present moment experience?
1) How does your love lead your learning? 2) What stories do you cling to about yourself? Who would you be if that story was in doubt?
Rev. Ken touches on his process of change and growth in the past year and shares a vision for promising times to come for our community.
Rev. Ken recorded the following from his “To Be Solved or To Be Loved?” message, part of our “Being Here” series that he intended to give this morning at WellSprings. He’ll preach the whole message on Sunday, February 7th. But for now, he shares the following story about his recent trip to Haiti.
1) When has a relationship helped to change or shift the meaning of an event in your past? 2) Where might you open now to a new connection in your life?
When, in your life, has staying in place actually helped you to grow? What would help you to make peace with where you are right now?
How do you acknowledge your fear and/or anger about the state of the world, and still stay connected to love?
What are the funny, healing stories that you've shared with others? Who gets to see your true faces?
How can you build some "stop signs" into your life over the next month? What helps you steady yourself in slow moments? What practices help you remain open to the things that ground you?
How do you leave space for grieving? When in your life has a weakness become a strength?
When have you received a gift that you didn't have to earn? How might a new form of grace be emerging in your life right now?
1) What watershed moments in your life are you still unpacking the meaning of? 2) How have your watershed moments taught you to love?
1) How do you allow yourself to contain multitudes? 2) In situations of complexity, are you able to locate simplicity? If so, how so?
1) When have you experienced “falling” into something beautiful and good? 2) How did that experience change you? What were you afraid to let go of at the time?
"What is in this world is much more than we make with our hands." 1) What change are you “allergic” to right now that wants your attention and care? 2) How do you participate in immortality?
Kevin shares about a service trip to Haiti--one that he and his son participated in and the next one planned for January 2016.
In our yearly September service called WellCome Back Sunday, Rev. Ken Beldon and Assistant Minister Lee Paczulla spoke about "How Does Your Life "Hold Water?" The passage ways of our lives are meant to flow, move and connect.
This message is about David Foster Wallace: an excerpt from his best-known speech, "This is Water." Rev. Ken talked about the new movie "The End of the Tour," a biopic about the complex and powerful life of the late author, as part of the SpiritFlix series finding meaning in movies.
1) How do you leave space for new stories to emerge, especially when they challenge what you thought was true? 2) What gives you the resilience to embrace vulnerability rather than giving into fragility?
Movie critic Roger Ebert understood the power of stories. As he faced cancer, he gave us important lessons about empathy, lovingly captured in the documentary "Life Itself." Rev. Ken Beldon continues the WellSprings SpiritFlix summer message series, finding meaning in movies.
1) What first steps have you already taken in your life?? 2) How might you faithfully offer your own gifts, to inspire someone else?
Inspired by the Jon Favreau movie "Chef," Rev. Ken Beldon, himself an amateur chef, encourages us to look at the raw ingredients of our lives instead of always looking at the menu for what we want and need. This is the latest in the SpiritFlix message series, finding meaning in movies.
1) When have you experienced heart-growth: the relationship between one expression of caring and the connections to a wider circle of compassion? 2) Where do you experience the most meaningful moments of “freedom with” in your life?
In the beloved '80s classic "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial," a little boy' s chance friendship with an alien teaches him about the delight of love and the sting of letting go. Rev. Ken Beldon gives an emotional sermon about the difference between letting go and moving on. This is the latest installment in the WellSprings summer movie series, SpiritFlix, finding meaning in movies.
When have you let go of an image you had of yourself so that you could experience life in a more true and deep way? What “false idols” have you worshiped in your life?
1) Are you, or one of your loved ones, stuck in any situations that seem impossible to escape? 2) What would it look like to open to vulnerability in that situation? Who might you reach out to?
1) What are the most significant w/ow moments of your life? 2) What ends in your life have provided you the most meaningful starts?
1) If you have a dominant emotion, how do you integrate it into the life of your other feelings? 2) Where are you being moved in your life right now?
1) What guilt do you carry around? How or where do you carry it? 2) What possibilities has guilt closed off for you, and how might you re-open those doors?
"Babadook," the popular horror movie, really is a psychological excavation of unhealed grief. Don't negate the sadness of your own heart, says Rev. Ken Beldon. This is the part of this summer's SpiritFlix message series, finding meaning in movies.
Everything is awesome in Rev. Ken Beldon's message about "The LEGO Movie," where an ordinary construction worker, Emmet, is told he's The Special, the one person who can save the world. What does it mean to be "special?" This is the first of this summer's SpiritFlix series, finding meaning in movies. "Ultimately Lego pieces are designed for one thing: to connect...and so are we." ~~Rev. Ken Beldon
1) What kind of “graduation day” might you be in the midst of right now? 2) Where is the call of love and devotion showing up in your life?
1) How do you get "out of your mind and into your life?" 2) Where and when have you most experienced the loving awareness that connects your life with the larger life?
1) What have been the most important chrysalis moments in your life? 2) When you know that forms of life change, how do you then hold your identity lightly and with love?
1) What have you noticed about your reactions this past week in response to the events in Baltimore? 2) When was a time in your life when the cost of staying the course was too much to bear, and you had to make a change?
1) How do you bring Universalism down to earth? 2) How do you look with the eyes of the heart at your body and others' bodies?
1) How do you recapture playfulness when you feel yourself getting stuck in competition? 2) Where do you experience extra yarn/extra grace in your life? Make time to play!
1) Have you ever turned toward a dragon in your life? What difference did it make for you? 2) How do you take "a long, loving look at the real?"
How do you draw close to "The Great Matter" of Life and Death? When in your life have you noticed that something/one that has gone has also stayed with you?
The thing you lack doesn't mean you are lacking. What sort of thing does your "wanting mind" typically latch on to these days? What's the true reward that might be waiting for you, beneath the craving?
How do you turn away from triangles and toward direct, even if difficult, communication that respects yourself and others? What would it look like if you turned your next "always" or "never" into an inquiry into "what's here, right now?"
You ARE so loved. Even among life's hurts, the love and blessing is always there. Do not respond to hurt with harm, rather be a blessing. May you live in blessing...the grace of healing and blessing!
Curiosity is sometimes considered a spiritual virtue. It can lead to discovery and growth.
"You don't need to defeat doubt. You don't need to be fearless. You just need your curiosity to be a step ahead of your doubt and fear." --Rev. Ken Beldon
"Your face will freeze like that!" That has literally never happened to a child, but it does happen symbolically to adults who forget our capacity for joy.
Monica shares her story of long-term recovery and healing, along with occasions of deep pain that opened the way for deep healing leading to transformation.
Sitting in awareness of our pain and grief can help us open the way through our mourning to embracing and celebrating the love that never dies.
New Year's Resolutions--easy to make, rarely kept. Changing from the inside out creates transformation. Series is about getting in touch with ourselves and healing.
Josh Ritter sang, "Every heart is a package tangled up in knots someone else tied." Inspired by the song, Rev. Ken Beldon offered an additional thought in today's message: "Every heart is a present waiting to be unwrapped by someone else's love and grace."
Black lives matter. Yes, all lives matter, but whose lives have been treated as less, that's where love matters most. Inspired by the protests against police brutality across the country, Rev. Ken Beldon includes words from Chris Rock, Ta-Nahisi Coates, Bruce Springsteen, and others
Where are you “in the dark” right now? What's unknown and waiting to emerge in your life? How might you keep watch by night, staying awake to what's here for you in the present?
"I'd rather walk a hard road than have a hard heart. A hard heart, we are alone. A hard road, we can walk together." --Rev. Ken Beldon
Rev. Ken this morning talked about love, belonging, and connection as essential to who we really are. "Knowing the awe in the awful doesn't mean we're grateful for what is awful. It means remembering how easily our hearts can break and how tenderly all our hearts are connected."
Some words from today's message on grace from Rev. Ken Beldon: "Universalism says that there is a love so special, we don't have to be special to be loved."
Creative and dynamic tension can help you grow and flourish. How do you open to tension as a dynamic source of meaning and fulfillment rather than just as a source of stress?
Continuing the message series based on Brene Brown's Daring Greatly, Rev. Ken Beldon examines how facing up to personal and societal challenges through honesty and vulnerability can help to heal shame and the belief that we're unworthy.
In what places, communities, or relationships might you bring out more of the things that are close to your heart?
Rev. Ken invited us to praise the ordinary in our lives, a way to really "be here" and see our lives more clearly. What ordinary experience are you praising today?
How do we find courage in the midst of our lives? How do we open up to the unknowns? The unfinished? The untidy? If we want to change the mess, first we have to bless the mess. Curses don't change anything.
In the wake of the events in Ferguson, Missouri, Rev. Ken Beldon talks about 12 Years A Slave, the awful reality of white supremacy in America, and how we can become people who stand for loving kindness.
How do you keep yourself open and awake instead of trying to beat vulnerability to the punch?
Can we have too much of a good thing? What are the blessings of abundance, even over-abundance?
This year we lost Colombian author Gabriel Garcia Marquez, winner of the 1982 Nobel Prize and perhaps the most renowned novelist in the genre of magical realism. Dreams and myths mix. Questions, explorations and answers intangibly flow together. At times with baffling confusion history, present times and the future are woven like gorgeous tapestry. How do and can our religious lives benefit from this important way of approaching life?
From where or whom do you seek affirmation of your gifts? How might you connect to practices or communities that help you “check out your worth”?
How has awkwardness, embarrassment, and uncomfortable growth shown up in your life? Where are you being forced to rest and receive?
It's the kind of question that can keep us up at night: Do we matter? How do we know we matter? Rev. Manish Mishra-Marzetti challenges us to look deep inside to find the answer.
Spirituality isn't about being perfect. It is only through being honest about where we are that we can come to know the true power of grace and love in our lives. Inspired by the movie "Waitress," the tale of a young baker and her pies, Ministerial Intern Lee Paczulla shares a message as part of our SpiritFlix series, about "coming clean" with our feelings and experiences.
Are you chasing happiness, hoping if you do the right things or go the right direction, you'll find it? How do you create real happiness? Rev. Justin Osterman reminds all of us that happiness is not a destination at which we arrive, it's a state we cultivate; he explains why the pursuit of happiness leaves so many people far from it. What are you doing today to cultivate happiness?
The Sandman, the Easter Bunny, the Tooth Fairy, Santa. In the animated tale "Rise of the Guardians," these fairytale heroes team up to save the world. Rev. Kathy Ellis brings us a playful message about nurturing each other and ourselves.
When successful Hollywood director Tom Shadyac suffered a life-changing injury, he asked, What's wrong with the world? Inspired by Shadyac's film "I AM," Rev. Ken Beldon reminds us to establish a spiritual practice and explore our capacity for compassion and connection.
In the wake of the Boko Haram kidnappings and the Santa Barbara atrocity, Rev. Ken Beldon was reminded of the action movie "Wanted," a disturbing fantasy of masculinity realized through bloodshed. "As a man," he said, "I want to see more clearly the pathological sludge we're swimming in and producing. I want to do better, and I want us to do better.
"When a child is hungry, he oughta be fed." Those are the opening words of soul singer Naomi Shelton's song "Am I Asking Too Much," this week's inspiration for Rev. Ken Beldon's message. In a competitive culture where many of us feel we're in survival mode, how do we continue to see clearly so that we can love deeply?
Allow yourself to be surprised by joy. Rev. Ken Beldon is inspired by the Sean Staples song "Joy Comes Back" as he reminds us to prepare ourselves to feel joy, even when it seems very far away indeed.
"Scabs are mercy. New skin is grace." A little scrawl on the street inspired ministerial intern Lee Paczulla in this message about the Christian rock song "Worn" by Tenth Avenue North. She discusses her own wounds, scars, and the gifts they have to offer.
How do we heal from painful legacies? Leonard Cohen sang these words: "Ring the bells that still can ring. Forget your perfect offering. There is a crack in everything; that's how the light gets it." Rev. Ken Beldon says at midlife, we can make better sense of what we inherited and leave behind a legacy of healing.
At midlife, we reflect on Emily Dickinson's insight: "Because I could not stop for Death, Death kindly stopped for me..." How has the awareness of your mortality, or the mortality of those you care about, deepened your spiritual journey? Rev. Ken Beldon quotes Lou Reed and Neil deGrasse Tyson in his message, "When I Leave This Joint At Some Further Point."
At midlife we often bump up against some frustrating limits. How can knowing our limitations at midlife teach us greater joy? Connection? Caring for our own life and the lives of others? In understanding the joy of limited possibilities, we can discover a more profound realization of our gifts.
In the '80s, the Talking Heads famously sang about a beautiful house and a beautiful wife and asked, "Well, how did I get here?" No matter where we are in life, we are not where we once were. And we don't know where we are going to be. Is midlife a crisis or an opportunity? Rev. Ken Beldon talks about faith in the midst of our lives.
In our daily lives, are we really seeing people? Or are we seeing them as objects? Rev. Ken Beldon encourages us to reach for a deeper understanding of self, community, and the world.
"Your heart is a drum keeping time with everyone," musician Beck sings. In this week's message, Rev. Ken Beldon reminds us all of how much we share in this world.
What do we do in the face of fear or pain? How can we work with the hard things in our lives? Ministerial intern Lee Paczulla delivers this week's message, "We Share the World."
Moved by the death of actor Philip Seymour Hoffman, Rev. Ken Beldon talks about the wisdom of the phrase "here I am" in the process of recovering from addiction.
The world will not perish for lack of information; it may perish from want of appreciation, said Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel. Explore playfulness, wonder, curiosity, and a story about how a blue balloon can help.
The most important question we can ask ourselves: Is the universe a friendly place or not? Paraphrasing Einstein, Rev. Ken Beldon continues his series "The Power of With" by exploring "cosmic friendliness" and the concept of "happification" as WellSprings celebrates its 7th birthday.
Inspired by Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King's teaching on interdependence, Rev. Ken Beldon discusses how we can move beyond "other" and see other people with love and compassion.
In his first installment of the message series "The Power of With," Rev. Ken Beldon invites us to take a New Year's inventory. Many religions tell us to be hostile to ourselves to grow. Instead let's cultivate humility and vulnerability to work with who we are and what we have.
To end our series about the regrets of the dying, ministerial intern Lee Paczulla asks how we can open our lives to be happier, even when life doesn't seem happy.
In his 2013 Christmas Eve message, Rev. Ken Beldon invites us to explore innocence as we commemorate the birth of Christ.
In this fourth message of the series Regrets of the Dying, Rev. Ken talks about losing and regaining connections with one's friends.
"I wish I hadn't worked so hard" is a painful deathbed regret. It's just one of the top five regrets of the dying listed in a book by a hospice nurse. How can we live a life so we have fewer regrets at the end? Rev. Ken Beldon brings in lessons from Dickens in his message series Un-Scrooge.
December's message series, "UnScrooge," is based on a book by a hospice nurse, "The Top Five Regrets of the Dying." The miserly Ebenezer Scrooge is a perfect illustration of them. What can we do to have a life without those regrets? Rev. Ken Beldon examines regret #1: "I wish I'd had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me."
Every November before Thanksgiving, members of WellSprings reflect on a poem by Mary Oliver and its final line: "Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?" Members from kids to seniors make us laugh and cry with the stories of their lives so far, and their lives yet to come. In part 2, we hear from speakers Cole Kerper, age 6, Chris Massi, who is in his 20s, Caroline Pelley, 40-something, and Kathleen Higgens, 60-something.
Every November before Thanksgiving, members of WellSprings reflect on a poem by Mary Oliver and its final line: "Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?" Members from kids to seniors make us laugh and cry with the stories of their lives so far, and their lives yet to come. In part 1 of these messages, we hear from Brian Scullion, 13, Vanessa Louis, 30-something, and Holly Beebee, 50-something
As we move into this season of Thanksgiving, Rev. Ken Beldon says to cultivate our spiritual lives, formation is more important than information. Curiosity, compassion, and openness are the fruits of character.
Life is full of tests: endurance, aptitude, "manliness." But as Rev. Ken Beldon shows us, the only tests that matter are those that reveal our character. He weaves together stories from his childhood, Dr. Seuss, and the current Miami Dolphins bullying scandal.
Rev. Ken Beldon explores the many ways we are created to connect. He talks about the "Hugging Point" and how beloved community can help us cultivate our character.
In his new message series "Sow Good Seeds," Rev. Ken Beldon challenges the idea that Unitarian Universalists can believe anything. Not if we want to grow spiritually, he says. Bigger than any belief is the content of our character.
How do we use our power well and wisely? In the wake of Coatesville, Pennsylvania school administrators caught sending racist and sexist texts, Rev. Ken Beldon calls a lack of empathy one of the great moral challenges of our time. In a powerful message, he pushes all of us to stretch closer to compassion.
On the date of the Breaking Bad TV series finale, Rev. Ken Beldon (a huge fan) explores why hurt people hurt people. How does faith deal with questions of pain, karma and forgiveness in the face of a monster like Walter White? (You'll hear some laughter when Rev. Ken notes how much Walter White resembles the church band's keyboardist.)
What can WellSprings do to bring people even closer together? Rev. Ken Beldon discusses couples retreats, mindfulness for teens, and other aspirations for the congregation as "WellSprings Stretches."
Living an intentional life means stopping to notice your life. Rev. Ken Beldon gives us ideas on how to slow down, relax, and turn off the auto-pilot to really learn to live.
WellSprings has a specific ritual for our first Sunday after Labor Day: blowing bubbles. It means more than play. They symbolize our new possibilities and our hopes for happiness. Rev. Ken Beldon asks, "What is the life waiting to be born within you right now?" Attendees might also know this as the "baby goat" message, for reasons that become clear.
In the movie "Mud," two boys meet a drifter and explore the wild side of life. As Rev. Ken Beldon tells us, life is untamed and unpredictable, so welcome the wild when it comes.
Obscure American musician Rodriguez inspired white progressives in apartheid-era South Africa with his 1970s folk albums. Then he disappeared. Rumors spread of a suicide on stage. Decades later, South African filmmakers went to find the truth. Rev. Ken Beldon talks about the remarkable story behind the music and the man, who had no idea the influence he had.
At WellSprings, small groups of members meet each week to support each other through a deeper exploration of life. It's emotional, fun, and fulfilling. Parents inspired by their small group are beginning a new WellSprings family ministry. Hear the funny and touching stories from parents Elizabeth Musewicz, Rebecca Klein Kerper, and Liz Casals. Sign-up information coming soon!
In the coming-of-age comedy "The Way Way Back," a boy is bewildered by the flawed adults surrounding him. In a sermon punctuated with laughs, Rev. Ken Beldon shows us how it's important to get out of the driver's seat sometimes (and how wiggling your butt can sometimes be downright holy). PG-13 content
In the short story "The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas," the happiness of thousands is dependent on the torture of a single innocent child. Rev. Ken Beldon ties that story to this summer's documentary "The House I Live In," criticizing the human toll of America's drug war.
Life is much more dangerous in the zombie film "World War Z" than in our world, but in both worlds, we must face fear. In the wake of Trayvon Martin's death, we must choose a better response to fear so we may live up to the ideals of universalism, a love that invites all in.
Who else to talk about internships, lessons, and gratitude than WellSprings intern minister-in-training Greg Pelley? His assignment this week was to dig deeper into this summer's movie comedy "The Internship," but it's what he's learned at WellSprings that will touch the heart.
Who else to talk about internships, lessons, and gratitude than WellSprings intern minister-in-training Greg Pelley? His assignment this week was to dig deeper into this summer's movie comedy "The Internship," but it's what he's learned at WellSprings that will touch the heart.
"You have to work your hardest and if you do, you have a shot at a silver lining." Do you think life is a competition to get that silver lining? Rev. Ken Beldon says competition can be fulfilling, but only if we don't think about winning as the only thing.
Ever notice how many superheroes wear masks? Superman doesn't. His identity is emblazoned right over his heart (until he's Clark Kent again, of course). How can we open our hearts and learn to peel back our own masks?
Why are there so many movies about time travel? The latest is one called "Safety Not Guaranteed." Greg Pelley shows us how the concept of time travel forces us to look back on our lives and ask ourselves what we would do differently — and what we regret.
The Great Gatsby is a jumping-off point for Rev. Ken Beldon to discuss moving from ego to life-changing connection. He quotes Einstein, Rumi, and even the Seven Dwarves to illustrate the message. Note: Contains adult language.
The Great Gatsby is a jumping-off point for Rev. Ken Beldon to discuss moving from ego to life-changing connection. He quotes Einstein, Rumi, and even the Seven Dwarves to illustrate the message. Note: Contains adult language.
In our summer series SpiritFlix, finding messages in movies, ministerial intern Greg Pelley digs deep into the latest Star Trek movie. In it, the young James Kirk goes on a journey of humility, but suffers a painful loss that threatens to push him to seek revenge. Greg draws from lessons in Buddhist tradition and his own journey from architecture to ministry to answer the question, how do we cope with pain in our lives?
In our summer series SpiritFlix, finding messages in movies, ministerial intern Greg Pelley digs deep into the latest Star Trek movie. In it, the young James Kirk goes on a journey of humility, but suffers a painful loss that threatens to push him to seek revenge. Greg draws from lessons in Buddhist tradition and his own journey from architecture to ministry to answer the question, how do we cope with pain in our lives?
When Pat Humphries wrote the folk song "Swimming to the Other Side," she created an enduring image. But do we recognize where we are? Or are we living unaware of the water around us? Rev. Ken Beldon draws lessons from John Updike, David Foster Wallace, the Beatles, and more.
When Pat Humphries wrote the folk song "Swimming to the Other Side," she created an enduring image. But do we recognize where we are? Or are we living unaware of the water around us? Rev. Ken Beldon draws lessons from John Updike, David Foster Wallace, the Beatles, and more.
Inspired by songwriter Mason Jennings' tune "I Love You and Buddha Too," Rev. Ken Beldon says whatever we believe, love is the main thing. Our lives have one common destiny. But he knows love is often met with fundamentalism or violence. How do we love then? Rev. Ken expands on words from Thoreau, Dan Gottlieb, Alice Walker, and Humberto Maturana, who said, "Love...is the only emotion that expands intelligence."
Inspired by songwriter Mason Jennings' tune "I Love You and Buddha Too," Rev. Ken Beldon says whatever we believe, love is the main thing. Our lives have one common destiny. But he knows love is often met with fundamentalism or violence. How do we love then? Rev. Ken expands on words from Thoreau, Dan Gottlieb, Alice Walker, and Humberto Maturana, who said, "Love...is the only emotion that expands intelligence."
In his series Songs of the Spirit, Rev. Ken Beldon delves into Bob Dylan's classic song "My Back Pages." The key lyric: "I was so much older then. I'm younger than that now." As we get older, how do we avoid hiding behind ego and fear, acquisitions and possessions? Rev. Ken ties together lessons from Thich Nhat Hanh, Joseph Campbell, Dr. Carl Jung, and even Homer Simpson. All of them teach us how to be younger tomorrow in spirit than we are today.
In his series Songs of the Spirit, Rev. Ken Beldon delves into Bob Dylan's classic song "My Back Pages." The key lyric: "I was so much older then. I'm younger than that now." As we get older, how do we avoid hiding behind ego and fear, acquisitions and possessions? Rev. Ken ties together lessons from Thich Nhat Hanh, Joseph Campbell, Dr. Carl Jung, and even Homer Simpson. All of them teach us how to be younger tomorrow in spirit than we are today.
Even in the wake of terrorism, we can choose opening, not closing. That's Rev. Ken Beldon's message after the bloodshed in Boston: "I have found this past week strength and solace in sweat, in blood and in tears … what is most precious about our common humanity." He quotes from Jesus, the Buddha, Harry Potter, Matisyahu, Pema Chodron, and Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on the first Sunday after the Boston Marathon bombings.
Even in the wake of terrorism, we can choose opening, not closing. That's Rev. Ken Beldon's message after the bloodshed in Boston: "I have found this past week strength and solace in sweat, in blood and in tears … what is most precious about our common humanity." He quotes from Jesus, the Buddha, Harry Potter, Matisyahu, Pema Chodron, and Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on the first Sunday after the Boston Marathon bombings.
Matisyahu's song "One Day" has become a spiritual anthem. One of the core beliefs of WellSprings is the “ripples of connection.” Our actions have untold effects in this world. In his message, Rev. Ken Beldon quotes from Kurt Vonnegut, Candace Lightner, Thich Nhat Hạnh, Ralph Waldo Emerson, and William Ellery Channing, who wrote those immortal Unitarian Universalist words, "I am a member of the living family of all souls.”
Matisyahu's song "One Day" has become a spiritual anthem. One of the core beliefs of WellSprings is the “ripples of connection.” Our actions have untold effects in this world. In his message, Rev. Ken Beldon quotes from Kurt Vonnegut, Candace Lightner, Thich Nhat Hạnh, Ralph Waldo Emerson, and William Ellery Channing, who wrote those immortal Unitarian Universalist words, "I am a member of the living family of all souls.”
In the Avett Brothers song "Ten Thousand Words," books cannot provide all of life's answers. Rev. Ken Beldon, inspired by the song's lyrics, weaves together lessons from St. Francis of Assisi, Corinthians, John Shelby Spong, Walt Whitman, Roger Ebert, and even South Park to illuminate this week's Song of the Spirit.
In the Avett Brothers song "Ten Thousand Words," books cannot provide all of life's answers. Rev. Ken Beldon, inspired by the song's lyrics, weaves together lessons from St. Francis of Assisi, Corinthians, John Shelby Spong, Walt Whitman, Roger Ebert, and even South Park to illuminate this week's Song of the Spirit.
"What’s in the way for you? What anger? What bitterness? What fear?" On Easter, Rev. Ken draws lessons from Buddhist traditions, Rumi, even The Shawshank Redemption. He asks us to look for the stones in our hearts to move toward wholeness.
"What’s in the way for you? What anger? What bitterness? What fear?" On Easter, Rev. Ken draws lessons from Buddhist traditions, Rumi, even The Shawshank Redemption. He asks us to look for the stones in our hearts to move toward wholeness.
Asking ourselves to HALT (when we're Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired) is a great tool. However, Rev. Ken Beldon says there's one state missing: Scared. Fear limits our ability to care and love. It doesn't have to. He quotes lessons from Jesus, Nietzsche, Buddhist teachers Tara Brach and Sylvia Boorstein, writer Andrew Sullivan, the TV show Breaking Bad, Pixar's film Finding Nemo, and Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Asking ourselves to HALT (when we're Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired) is a great tool. However, Rev. Ken Beldon says there's one state missing: Scared. Fear limits our ability to care and love. It doesn't have to. He quotes lessons from Jesus, Nietzsche, Buddhist teachers Tara Brach and Sylvia Boorstein, writer Andrew Sullivan, the TV show Breaking Bad, Pixar's film Finding Nemo, and Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Check the drugstore, and we'll find products to rev us up and to put us back to sleep. We treat our tiredness rather than listening to it. Rev. Ken Beldon discusses the last of the four emotional states of HALT (Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired). He quotes Jesus, Carl Jung, Reinhold Neibuhr, writer Kathleen Norris, poet Wendell Berry, Bob Dylan, even Pinocchio.
Check the drugstore, and we'll find products to rev us up and to put us back to sleep. We treat our tiredness rather than listening to it. Rev. Ken Beldon discusses the last of the four emotional states of HALT (Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired). He quotes Jesus, Carl Jung, Reinhold Neibuhr, writer Kathleen Norris, poet Wendell Berry, Bob Dylan, even Pinocchio.
The four states of HALT – Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired – are ones we try to avoid. Rev. Ken Beldon says loneliness, as painful as it is, is like "time in the chrysalis." It's a step before we really begin to connect. He draws lessons from Buddhism and quotes from Arno Michaels, preacher Fred Craddock, and The Who.
The four states of HALT – Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired – are ones we try to avoid. Rev. Ken Beldon says loneliness, as painful as it is, is like "time in the chrysalis." It's a step before we really begin to connect. He draws lessons from Buddhism and quotes from Arno Michaels, preacher Fred Craddock, and The Who.
The four states of HALT – Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired – can overwhelm us. The second, anger, is often fueled by misunderstanding. How can we understand better? Rev. Ken Beldon explores the power of anger with lessons from neurologist Dr. Andrew Newberg, writers like Mark Driscoll and Rachel Held Evans, musicians like Johnny Lydon and Soul Asylum, and even Monty Python.
The four states of HALT – Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired – can overwhelm us. The second, anger, is often fueled by misunderstanding. How can we understand better? Rev. Ken Beldon explores the power of anger with lessons from neurologist Dr. Andrew Newberg, writers like Mark Driscoll and Rachel Held Evans, musicians like Johnny Lydon and Soul Asylum, and even Monty Python.
The four states of HALT – Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired – are powerful states of being. Rev. Ken Beldon expands on hunger, one of the first we learn and how we still struggle to deal with it. He quotes from sources as diverse as rapper Ice Cube, writer Tara Brach, Pixar's Ratatouille, Bruce Springsteen, Katniss Everdeen in The Hunger Games, and musician Krishna Das.
The four states of HALT – Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired – are powerful states of being. Rev. Ken Beldon expands on hunger, one of the first we learn and how we still struggle to deal with it. He quotes from sources as diverse as rapper Ice Cube, writer Tara Brach, Pixar's Ratatouille, Bruce Springsteen, Katniss Everdeen in The Hunger Games, and musician Krishna Das.
In this kid-friendly Christmas message, we hear about Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer's lesson — we all have unique gifts!
Sharing about the transformative effects of Charged-Full Living in our WellSprings community.
In the movie Bridesmaids, Annie's life is falling apart. Her dream bakery failed. Her boyfriend's gone. She's dating a jerk. Now her best friend is getting married — and she gained a new rich, beautiful friend. Annie's scared. Been there? Rev. Ken explores how Annie begins the painful process of growing up, finding meaning, opening her heart, and how we can do the same despite our fear.
Karen and Michael share about Our Whole Lives (OWL), a recently completed human sexuality course which they led for our teens.
Karen and Michael share about Our Whole Lives (OWL), a recently completed human sexuality course which they led for our teens.
Close Encounters of the Third Kind is about adults who have seemingly lost that childlike ability to be in touch, to feel deep resonance. Rev. Ken Beldon explains how Steven Spielberg's characters are inspired to move past alienation into deeper connection with everyday life, and how we can learn to face the unknown with a sense of wonder and faith.
Close Encounters of the Third Kind is about adults who have seemingly lost that childlike ability to be in touch, to feel deep resonance. Rev. Ken Beldon explains how Steven Spielberg's characters are inspired to move past alienation into deeper connection with everyday life, and how we can learn to face the unknown with a sense of wonder and faith.
In "An Education," Carey Mulligan plays Jenny, a smart suburban British teen in 1962 yearning for adventure. She thinks she finds it in Peter Skaarsgard's character, David, a dashing man Jenny believes is her ticket to the beautiful life. Rev. Ken Beldon weaves lessons from Kierkegaard, Rumi, and Tal Ben-Shahar as he explores how Jenny learns the value of beauty and why it pales in comparison to true spiritual abundance.
In "An Education," Carey Mulligan plays Jenny, a smart suburban British teen in 1962 yearning for adventure. She thinks she finds it in Peter Skaarsgard's character, David, a dashing man Jenny believes is her ticket to the beautiful life. Rev. Ken Beldon weaves lessons from Kierkegaard, Rumi, and Tal Ben-Shahar as he explores how Jenny learns the value of beauty and why it pales in comparison to true spiritual abundance.
In Chris Nolan's film "Inception," Leonardo DiCaprio's character Cobb hides his guilty subconscious from his fellow band of thieves, putting all of them in mortal danger. Rev. Ken Beldon explains how Ellen Page as Ariadne teaches Cobb (and us) to discover the undiscovered self, stop fighting ourselves, and take a leap of faith.
In Chris Nolan's film "Inception," Leonardo DiCaprio's character Cobb hides his guilty subconscious from his fellow band of thieves, putting all of them in mortal danger. Rev. Ken Beldon explains how Ellen Page as Ariadne teaches Cobb (and us) to discover the undiscovered self, stop fighting ourselves, and take a leap of faith.
In Pixar's "Toy Story 3," Woody and Buzz Lightyear are literally facing unemployment when their owner Andy grows up. Rev. Ken Beldon explains how this loss of innocence and the start of maturity is part of almost every sacred literature ever written from Adam and Eve to the Buddha. What do we do after we've lost our innocence?
In Pixar's "Toy Story 3," Woody and Buzz Lightyear are literally facing unemployment when their owner Andy grows up. Rev. Ken Beldon explains how this loss of innocence and the start of maturity is part of almost every sacred literature ever written from Adam and Eve to the Buddha. What do we do after we've lost our innocence?
In Pixar's "Finding Nemo," Marlin (voiced by Albert Brooks) is a deeply worried helicopter parent to his only surviving son. Rev. Ken Beldon asks whether worry can ever really be caring, and shows what Jesus, Abraham Lincoln, and Jeff Spicoli (yes, really) say about the spiritual corrosion of worry and how a simple daily practice can help change it.
In Pixar's "Finding Nemo," Marlin (voiced by Albert Brooks) is a deeply worried helicopter parent to his only surviving son. Rev. Ken Beldon asks whether worry can ever really be caring, and shows what Jesus, Abraham Lincoln, and Jeff Spicoli (yes, really) say about the spiritual corrosion of worry and how a simple daily practice can help change it.