Author: Kelli De Graw

Pastor Jack’s Weekly Message (June 4, 2021)

Dear Friends,

I think you’d relish the spirit of the Berkeley Zen Center’s meditation hall.  Enter the airy hall through the garden, place cushions in the communal setting, bow to place, bow to room, sit in peace.  Roshi Mel Weitsman rings the temple bowl, offers brief … read more.

Pastor Jack’s Weekly Message (May 28, 2021)

Dear Friends,

Got awe?

UC Berkeley psychology Professor Dacher Keltner researches biological and evolutionary origins of emotion— particularly, prosocial states such as compassion, awe, love, and beauty.  

He reports that awe – sensing something vast that challenges your understanding of the world –diminishes bounded self-focus and expands sense … read more.

Pastor Jack’s Weekly Message (May 21, 2021)

Dear Friends,

The time is coming fast when an interim minister will be here helping our congregation assess our religious journey to date and where we want it to go henceforth – answering perhaps three questions foremost:

1) Who as a religious congregation do we serve?
2) What … read more.

Pastor Jack’s Weekly Message (May 14, 2021)

Dear Friends,

Emptiness is not a value UU congregations affirm or promote. Our values in brief are Dignity, Encouragement, Growth, Meaning, Rights, Community, and Relationship – in a phrase, Spiritual Fullness.

The pandemic has taught us a lot about Emptiness as a depressing feeling we have good reason … read more.

Social Justice (May 7, 2021)

Wendy’s Board Recommends that Shareholders Vote FOR Social Responsibility Resolution

Patience and determination really do work. UUSP marched with the Coalition of Immokalee Workers (CIW) here in St Pete in March 2015 — demanding that Wendy’s sign their Fair Food Agreement. We also prepared food … read more.

Pastor Jack’s Weekly Message (May 7, 2021

Dear Friends,

It seems possible that we are seeing some light at the end of the pandemic tunnel. Groups are gathering here and there, some with precaution, some not. I myself most appreciate the cautious, and especially their caution for the sake of others.

May we continue to pay … read more.

Pastor Jack’s Weekly Message (April 30, 2021)

Dear Friends, 

I hope you’re doing well – and doing good, for yourself and others.  As the UUA Covenant says, You’re worth it.  

Doing what’s good requires understanding what’s good.  That’s why our fourth covenantal affirmation – seeking truth and meaning – is also important.  

And understanding requires … read more.