From the River's Edge

The Pastors' Blog
Just Go For It!

Just Go For It!

by Rev. Racquel Ray Associate Minister of Congregational Life   Have you ever had a big idea?  I’m talking about a life changing, once in a blue moon, out of this world idea!  An idea so great that it would change the course of your life and the lives of your families and friends for future generations.  After thinking through all the scenarios and possible outcomes, you were ready to Go...

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Soup for the Soul

Soup for the Soul

by Rev. Dr. Dale Azevedo,  Sr. Minister “Ask someone at the table a question (any question) and then share with them something you admire or appreciate about them.” These were the words on the bottom back of the card I drew from the pile at our table. Today was our first Lenten Lunch, and what a wonderful lunch it was! It was wonderful because the food, company, and conversation were each...

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Turning toward the sunshine and the sacred

Turning toward the sunshine and the sacred

by Rev. Racquel Ray Associate Minister of Congregational Life   The Song of the Snowdrop Fairy by Cicely Mary Barker (1895-1973) Deep sleeps the Winter, cold, wet and grey: Surely all the world is dead; Spring is far away. Wait! The world shall waken: it is not dead, for lo The Fair Maids of February stand in the snow!    February is here. The month of transitional days begins with the...

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A Team for Every Member and Every Member on a Team

A Team for Every Member and Every Member on a Team

by Rev. Dr. Dale Azevedo,  Sr. Minister Last October, we approved our new church structure in principle. This Sunday we will be voting on our new by-laws and (hopefully) moving to our new structure in practice. This will be a fluid transition that we hope will lead to ministries that are more flexible, relevant, and meaningful. One of the hallmarks of the new structure is its reliance on...

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Draw Inspiration from MLK

Draw Inspiration from MLK

by Rev. Racquel Ray Associate Minister of Congregational Life   As we observe the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday over the coming days, may we take a moment to reflect. Most of us know the history and legacy of MLK. What can we glean and carry forward from that knowledge? Dr. King was a revolutionary and influential leader of the American Civil Rights Movement often quoted and...

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What does Christmas mean to you?

What does Christmas mean to you?

by Rev. Dr. Dale Azevedo,  Sr. Minister What does Christmas mean to you? I thought it would be fun to explore what the "true" meaning of Christmas is. Frankly, because Christmas is such a cultural phenomenon, there are many different, and sometimes conflicting, understandings of what it means. In fact, we each have our own understanding of what it means to us. For some of us, there may be...

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