Gifts in the Darkness

I've been deeply aware in these past few weeks of the irrefutable fact that there is sorrow in our world. Private sorrows of individual lives are amplified by the societal sorrows we see all around us, and sometimes the shadows seem to overpower the light. This is not a new…

On the Discomforts of Talking with God

The following is today's sermon, which was written and preached by Dr. Adrienne Major (11/30/14) ******* The prophets are not comfortable people with whom to spend advent.  They are rather too inclined to see what’s wrong with the world, rather than what’s right, and to let us know in no…

Compassionate Disagreement

Greetings! As I sit to write this reflection for the Late November Whistler, I’m still absorbing the results of the recent Election Day. I confess to feeling a little bruised by the whole experience of that season in which it’s so easy to revert to our ugliest base instincts of…

A Poem of Gratitude

As we approach Thanksgiving Day in the United States, it's good to remember the blessing of community, and the fact that there is much for which to be thankful even if riches are not ours. This poem helps me to remember that. What makes you feel grateful today? Consider praying…

Narrative Lectionary Nov. 16

If you're with us at church on Sunday, this is what you'll hear ~ a mish-mash of verses from Isaiah.  If you have a chance before church begins, why not read it through a few times and see what words or phrases jump out at you ... and then consider…

Servant-Leadership or Messiah Complex?

I've been reflecting today on the movie "The Overnighters." I saw it recently at the Brattleboro Film Festival, and I think I'm glad I did, but I can't say it was an enjoyable experience. It's the (documentary) story of Pastor Jay Reinke, leader of a Lutheran church in Williston, ND,…

Congregational Church of Westminster West

A new website is coming soon. The Westminster West Country Fair will be on Sept. 12, 2015. The Westminster West Church is at 44 Church St., Westminster West, VT. Service is Sunday at 10:00, Susie Webster-Toleno, Pastor. 802-387-2334

Whistler pre-fair

Greetings, beloved Community, I sit here on a beautiful August day, aware of how lucky we are to live in a place that is peaceful and beautiful, green and abundant with flowers and fresh produce. Even before my family added cable television to our lives this summer (so that we…