Reflection on All Saints Day
November 3, 2019 — Rev. Paula Norbert Last Friday, the day after Halloween, was All Saints Day, when the Christian church has historically honored those who have died as witnesses to their faith. All Saints Day originated sometime in the 4th Century, most likely in Ireland, and was originally celebrated on the first Sunday […]
Making Room for the Divine Within
October 27, 2019 — Rev. Paula Norbert Luke 18:9-14 He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and regarded others with contempt: “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax-collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, was praying thus, […]
The Rituals of Autumn
October 20, 2019 — Rev. Paula Norbert We are now a full month into the season of autumn, a beautiful season in New England as we enjoy the spectacular foliage, the slightly cooler days, the chores we undertake to prepare our yards for the coming of winter as well as the traditional fall cleaning […]
On the Meaning of Life
October 13, 2019 — Rev. Paula Norbert Today’s passage from Jeremiah presents some advice to the community of that day for how to live a full life. I imagine that there are countless books that have been written on the search for the meaning of life. Great minds have pondered this question over the centuries, […]
Meditations for World Communion
October 6, 2019 — Rev. Paula Norbert But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope […]
Everyday Grace
September 29, 2019 — Rev. Paula Norbert We have often called the writings in the New Testament the Good News, because they speak of the words and actions of Jesus that brought good news to a people desperately in need of hope, of healing, and mercy. In a writing from Isaiah (52:6-8), we hear […]
Standing With Those Who Often Suffer Silently
September 22, 2019 — Rev. Paula Norbert Today, we gather to share our collective concern and support for those suffering with mental health issues and for their families and friends. It’s a difficult topic to speak about and yet struggles with mental health affect many, many families. September is the month dedicated to raising […]
On Laughter
September 8, 2019 — Rev. Paula Norbert For many years, I enjoyed the Prairie Home Companion whenever I could listen to it on Saturday evenings. You may recall that he had a segment that always started out, “It’s been a quiet week in Lake Woebegone…” and then Garrison Keillor would weave together a story with […]
Who Will Share Our Table?
September 1, 2019 — Rev. Paula Norbert Focus Scripture: Luke 14:1, 7-14 True hospitality is welcoming the stranger on her own terms. This kind of hospitality can only be offered by those who’ve found the center of their lives in their own hearts. —Henri Nouwen On one occasion when Jesus was going to the house […]
The Consolation of Animals
August 18, 2019 — Rev. Paula Norbert The great romantic poet, William Wordsworth, once wrote, The World is too much with us, late and soon, Getting and spending, we lay waste our powers: Little we see in Nature that is ours; We have given our hearts away.” Wordsworth often wrote about the relationship between the […]