Good News from Hopedale

Rev. Tony Lorenzen preaches a sermon in the Unitarian Universalist tradition about why it is so difficult for white people to talk openly and honestly about race. He reflects on the Developmental Model of Intercultural Sensitivity and offers suggestion for white people on how to deal with the discomfort, fears, and anxiety that arise when confronted with the realities of racism, white supremacy, and giving up white privilege.

Rev. Tony Lorenzen preaches a sermon in the Unitarian Universalist tradition reflecting on growth and rebirth, why quitting is not the same thing as giving up, how to walk out of failing systems and walk on to new life, and how to liberate ourselves from things that drag us down so we can get to work on what lifts us up,  even if that means leaving things behind to take on new challenges.

Karen Gehm and Rev. Tony Lorenzen reflect on creating heartspace to enter into another's Truth.

Rev. Tony Lorenzen reflects on the romance of science and how our acceptance of science saves us from idolatries of the heart and mind.

Rev. Tony Lorenzen reflects on the difference between Restorative Justice and Retributive Justice and how this difference affects our view of forgiveness  from parenting to our penal system.

Mona Ives offers a primer on Islam and reflections on interfaith work, forgiveness, and being Muslim in America.

Rev. Tony Lorenzen reflects on why forgiving yourself can be so difficult. He explores the practice of humility as a tool for knowing when to go easy on yourself and when to hold yourself accountable.

Rev. Tony Lorenzen reflects on the phrase "service is our prayer" found in many UU congregational covenants.  He compares service being the prayer of Unitarian Universalists to various concepts from other religious traditions such as Tikkun Olam, Engaged Buddhism,The Reclaiming Tradition, the concept of the  Active-Contemplative.

Rev. Tony Lorenzen reflects on what qualities make something a spiritual practice. Discipline, dedication,and depth are among the qualities that differentiate spiritual practices from other activities.

Rev, Tony Lorenzen reflects on the concept and practice of prayer, and how it is so much more than oversimplified wishful thinking. He explores the need for a "language of reverence" as well working definitions of God, Spirit, Soul, and Prayer. He agrees with Anne Lamott that there are only three basic types of prayer: Help, Thanks, and Wow OR  Need, Gratitude, and Awe.  He encourages us to "pray without ceasing."