Minister’s Message

A Minister’s Message – Trust as a Spiritual Practice – November 12, 2019

Rev. Dr. John Morehouse

Rev. Dr. John Morehouse, Senior Minister Last Sunday I spoke about the importance of committing ourselves to a spiritual practice. I said that the only way we really deepen our spiritual life is to hone in on one or two spiritual disciplines, such as walking in nature, meditation or music. As the Buddhist scholar Jack … Read more

A Minister’s Message – Our Past Is Not Destiny – November 5, 2019

Rev. Dr. John Morehouse

Rev. Dr. John Morehouse, Senior Minister Last week I attended the Annual Mental Health Breakfast hosted by the Westport Department of Human Services. This event, held largely for teachers and mental health providers, gives me a chance to connect with those in our larger community who are on the front lines of helping our children, … Read more

A Minister’s Message – Belonging – October 29, 2019- Rev. Shelly Thompson

Rev. Shelly Thompson

Rev. Shelly Thompson My Dear Ones, Creating belonging for ourselves and one another is the heart of what it means to build beloved community. After our last Family Friendly worship, I had the privilege of reading your reflections about Belonging. What a delight to hear your heartfelt wisdom and to see that our congregation has … Read more

A Minister’s Message – Hope Keepers – October 22, 2019

Rev. Dr. John Morehouse

Rev. Dr. John Morehouse, Senior Minister In the normal course of a week, our congregation provides two worship services complete with soul-stirring music; five choir rehearsals; two adult classes; and numerous children’s classes including Our Whole Lives, a Youth Group, and a field trip. We provide outreach services to refugees, and to children who need … Read more

A Minister’s Message – I-Thou – October 15, 2019

Rev. Dr. John Morehouse

Rev. Dr. John Morehouse, Senior Minister Some of my deepest learnings have been at store checkout lines. In that moment of waiting for the cashier, I have seen the best and worst of humanity. I remember the mother who was so exasperated with her life that when her three-year-old began to cry about not getting … Read more

A Minister’s Message – Resiliency – October 8, 2019

Edward Thompson, D.M.A., Minister of Music

Rev. Dr. Ed Thompson, Minister of Music OK. It is now Thursday afternoon. About an hour ago I discovered that AOL had just ‘lost’ 800 emails. This is a problem. I need some of those to do my work. What to do? Remind myself that anger will do me no good Remind myself to change … Read more

A Minister’s Message – Grace Happens – October 1, 2019

Rev. Dr. John Morehouse

Rev. Dr. John Morehouse, Senior Minister Grace is a funny word. Christianity views grace as an unbidden gift from God. For me grace is anytime we are given insight, meaning and purpose to our lives. Grace lives in the everyday of our experiences. Grace happens when we least expect it. Several days ago Francis and … Read more

A Minister’s Message – Brave Spaces – September 24, 2019

Rev. Dr. John Morehouse

Rev. Dr. John Morehouse, Senior Minister Last week I had the honor of speaking at a community gathering in front of the Westport Library on the occurrence of hate symbols being scrawled at Staples High School in Westport. Many wonderful community leaders stood up and spoke to the crowd, including school officials, the police chief, … Read more

A Minister’s Message – Hope – September 17, 2019

Rev. Dr. John Morehouse

Rev. Dr. John Morehouse, Senior Minister As the church year begins, we thought we’d start with a new offering to our congregation and friends: a short message each week from one of our ministers that speaks to us as spiritual beings. Here is the first one, from me – Reverend John Someone told me the … Read more