You know: the minister who established liberal religion in New Orleans, and in his day served, like Thomas Starr King, as a bridge figure between the Unitarians and the Universalists. He has no Wikipedia article; a fact I discovered when I read about Judah Truro, himself an interesting figure.
Category: Unitarian Universalists
“Oh, God, no!”
This is exactly what I cried aloud — unironically — when I first saw the Standing on the Side of Love clergy shirt. Hideous and sectarian. Speaks of deep inauthenticity. Clericals are not a costume to be pulled out for dramatic effect, and certainly not shock value.
Revisiting Service 11 for future use
This is an outline of Service Eleven from Hymns of the Spirit, previously mentioned. I’ve removed a couple of prayers, including the litany, written by Von Ogden Vogt, and which are probably copyrighted. More about what it means later. Prelude The Service may begin with a Chorale, an Introit, a Processional Hymn, or with… Continue reading Revisiting Service 11 for future use
Donald Wilson as blogger returns, re-welcome!
Blogs come and go, but I miss very few of those that vanish. Donald Wilson — a Unitarian Universalist, a handy fellow, kilt-wearer and Michigander — was one. Following him on Twitter wasn’t quite enough. But good news: he’s back, with a hope of old posts being restored. Do encourage him. Coffee, Beer Geek, Repeat.
How the Hymns of the Spirit editors saw the services
Another phone-typed blog post as I wait for my bus to church this morning. Yesterday I wrote that one service was unlike the others. This is incorrect: there are two. In the editor’s words: The first five services are of a traditional type, based upon forms long familiar, but printed with greater detail and choice… Continue reading How the Hymns of the Spirit editors saw the services
The shape of services in Hymns of the Spirit
The old 1937 joint Unitarian and Universalist hymnal, the Hymns of the Spirit had orders of service and liturgical elements that I suspect were well used through the 1960s and 70s, with use continuing til today. You could divide the services into clearly Christian, something other than Christian but familiar and services for holidays and… Continue reading The shape of services in Hymns of the Spirit
Bible study in Unitarian Universalist congregations
Unitarian Universalist blogger Plaid Shoes (Everyday Unitarian) is frustrated by the lack of Unitarian Universalist-produced bible study material and got helpful suggestions from commentors. Dairy State Dad followed up, but otherwise there haven’t been any follow-on blog posts so far as I’ve seen. And I have an idea or two. I understand the concern, but I’m… Continue reading Bible study in Unitarian Universalist congregations
Giving up Unitarian Universalism for Lent
I wrote this three years ago, and on March 1, 2014 — for some reason, perhaps Google searches — it was the number one item read here. So I thought I’d give it some attention. I’ll keep this short. I have a maxim I live by: if something you desire or rely-on continues to fail… Continue reading Giving up Unitarian Universalism for Lent
Please remember Tim Jensen in prayer
According to his brother Erik, he died yesterday (Sunday) morning. He was a minister (most recently at Portland, Maine) but perhaps known equally as well in Unitarian Universalist circles as a blogger. I think of him in that generation of Christian ministers that immediately preceded my own, and who held on when there didn’t seem… Continue reading Please remember Tim Jensen in prayer
Liberal Christian #4 pushed back
Who says it gets quiet in Washington? Between day job work and a much needed vacation, I will push back the publication date of the Liberal Christian magazine to give it justice. Look for it on August 24 instead of its scheduled August 17 release date. Not ideal, but I suppose disclosure is something.