Tag Archives: unitarian universalism

Tears of Joy and Sorrow: The Work Is Not Yet Done

Posted on June 28, 2015 by revsteffi

In the beloved community I serve time is set aside on most Sundays for something called “Joys and Sorrows”. Valued as a time in which to plum the depths of our hearts, to affirm the complexity of grief and of … Continue reading →

Tagged accountability, activism, beloved community, black lives matter, brokenness, celebration, change, community, current events, diversity, glbtq, marriage equality, obamacare, racial justice, racism, unitarian universalism | Comments Off

A Poem Inspired by Holy Week

Posted on March 19, 2015 by revsteffi

Much has been said of the brokenness That brings us – to our knees That causes us to lift our hands to the heavens Twinkling with “indifference”. Many tears are shed each and every day. Songs of desperation sung. What … Continue reading →

Tagged brokenness, compassion, hope, LOVE, palm sunday, tough love, unitarian universalism, vision | Comments Off

“Sometimes”

Posted on January 6, 2015 by revsteffi

“Sometimes” A poem shared with UUFRC 01/04/15 By Reverend Stefanie Etzbach-Dale PART 1 Sometimes Life just bowls you over with – “Grace”! Knocks you down, So you have no choice But to let those shimmering, soul-quenching waves of “Undeserved” bliss Seep into … Continue reading →

Posted in bliss, brokenness, comfort, community, fair, grace, grief, hope, unfair, unitarian universalism, worship resrouce | Tagged awe and wonder, beloved community, bliss, brokenness, comfort, community, cruelty, fair, forgiveness, grace, grief, hope, life, LOVE, rage, religious community, unfair, unitarian universalism, worship resource | Comments Off

LOVE, LENT AND LETTING LOOSE

Posted on January 3, 2015 by revsteffi

In preparation for Lent 2015 I’ve written the following poem, to be shared during the 02/15 Worship Service at the UU Fellowship of Redwood City. You are welcome to share it with attribution – and I’d love to hear from … Continue reading →

Posted in carnival, current events, discpline, jesus, lent, love, love masks, mardi gras, sacrifice, unitarian universalism, worship resource | Tagged carnival, current events, lent, LOVE, mardi gras, masks, sacrifice, unitarian universalism, worship resource | Comments Off

Ordination Charge to the Minister, 12/07/14

Posted on December 11, 2014 by revsteffi

The following charge was written in honor of the ordination of Reverend David Helfer, 12/07/14 Reverend Helfer: Shema. Listen! Listen, as if your Soul depended upon it. Because it does! Listen, as you travel forward along this ancient sacred road, … Continue reading →

Posted in beginnings, current events, friendship, hope, inner voice, listen, love, ministry, ordination, religious authority, truth, unitarian universalism, worship resource | Tagged david helfer, inner voice, justice, listen, ministry, religious authority, shema, unitarian universalism | Comments Off

Today Is The First Day of The Rest of Your Life!

Posted on September 12, 2014 by revsteffi

Opening Words for the 09/14/14 Worship Service: “Fresh Start” Today is the “first day, of the rest of your life”! A time to step out, of old sorrow or strife! To lay down the burden, of “things left undone” To … Continue reading →

Posted in beginnings, fresh start, hope, love, search for truth, spirituality, time, truth, unitarian universalism | Tagged beginnings, beloved community, change, co-creation, community, compassion, current events, fresh start, integrity, LOVE, opening words, unitarian universalism, worship | Comments Off

Interview Questions!

Posted on September 8, 2014 by revsteffi

I was recently sent a list of questions intended to inspire a press release in support of my new position as Minister to the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Redwood City. Here are the responses (press release text to follow soon!): … Continue reading →

Posted in religious authority, search for truth, spirituality, unitarian universalism | Tagged interview, ministry, press releaase, redwood city, unitarian universalism, uufrc | Comments Off

MERCY > COMPASSION

Posted on April 4, 2014 by revsteffi

Mercy is defined as “compassion shown toward someone whom it is within one’s power to punish or harm”. It is considered by many to be one of the most important attributes of God, and is lifted up as one of … Continue reading →

Tagged accountability, compassion, COVENANT, healing, letting go, MERCY, POWER, shared ministry, SPIRITUAL, unitarian universalism, VALUES | Comments Off

Tears, Fears & Redemption (Who is your neighbor?)

Posted on February 27, 2014 by revsteffi

A few months back I found myself going through a really difficult time. And since I’ve found over the years that fresh air can help clear the mind I went to a local park – trying to focus on the … Continue reading →

Posted in search for truth, unitarian universalism, worship resource | Tagged beloved community, diversity, hope, racism, redemption, responsibility, unitarian universalism, vision, who is your neighbor | Comments Off

How Do You Know What You Know?

Posted on February 24, 2014 by revsteffi

There’s this thing, that happens all the time but that I notice, particularly each year in late February, she said. It’s a kind of “stirring” under the earth that I feel in my heart; in that space between one beat and another. … Continue reading →

Posted in friendship, spirituality, unitarian universalism | Tagged knowledge, search for truth, unitarian universalism, what's necessary | Comments Off