Church of One Love

The Practice of "Welcome"

What if everything that shows up in our lives is truly for our good?  Would we learn to embrace and find the gifts in all the ways life presents itself, instead of those we predetermine to be “good”?  How much energy do we waste judging and fighting conditions?   Let’s explore the practice of greeting all of life with a hearty welcome.

The Gifts of "No"

None of us likes to be told “no,” and yet—a “no” from the universe might be just the re-direction we need to change course and find we are headed to a more enriching, fulfilling destination. In the same way, the “noes” we give to others define our boundaries and help determine the paths we take and those we avoid.  Every “no” leads to a “yes” of something else.  What gifts might we receive if we can learn to embrace- the wisdom of “no,” rather than fighting it?

The Power of Words

There is power in the thoughts we think and the words we use.  They illustrate the core beliefs behind them, and influence our actions and determine the reactions of the world around us.  Are we living the way we say we believe?  If we want to change our destiny it makes the best sense to start with our thoughts and words.  Are they filled with love?  Compassion? Cynicism? Suspicion?

Rev. Janet Ellis: Cut The String

Are you buried under crushing burdens? Projects that are too huge? Schedules that are too complicated? Maybe you are trying to do too much at once – trying to do everything instead of doing something.

CJMiller: Embracing Samhain: Removing Our Masks to Reveal the Unique Expression of God

Samhain is a sacred time when the veil between the physical and spiritual worlds thins. We are reminded of the ancient traditions that encouraged people to don masks for protection. The Celts wore these masks not only to hide from spirits but to shield themselves from what they feared most—being truly seen. Today, as we celebrate this ancient festival, I invite you to reflect on the masks we wear, not just physical ones but the invisible ones we carry to shield ourselves from being vulnerable and authentic. It’s a moment for us to pause and recognize the ways we’ve hidden parts of ourselves. But what if instead of masking who we are, we used this moment to reveal our truest self—the unique expression of God within?

There is Only Love...Really? w/ Daniel Nahmod

We profess to believe in the ultimate reality of the One Love - of which we are all a part, even as we face a world that can look very unloving. How do we reconcile our belief with the evidence of our eyes? Rev Mel & special guest Daniel Nahmod will engage in dialogue exploring this timely subject.

What We Can Learn From The Animals

As we remember our soul connection to the natural world on Pet Blessing day, we bless the animals that come into our lives to teach us.  They give lessons in love, care, and nurturing, responsibility, oneness, and non-resistance, and –ultimately--loss.  

Prayer or Blessing?

Prayer is often about what we want from life.  Blessing can be about what we bring to life.  We are all “blessings to the world,” as the song says—but how much more so when we are intentional with our blessing?  Can we truly bless life on purpose? Do we have that power?  Instead of “What’s in it for me,” we can practice, “What’s in it FROM me?”

Let Go Into the Mystery

When we live life in  box—with defined, clear edges, reasons, absolutes, we limit ourselves (and try to limit God) to a level of our human understanding.  Our perspective is small and centered in the self.   But to allow mystery—to rest in the process of life as a whole, rather than focus on the singular events we see and think we can define—is to open to being happy even when conditions do not seem to dictate it.  

Heaven is Now or Never

If not now, when?  If not me, who?  The life of the Spirit allows joy and  contentment without needing conditions to be perfect.  So why do we keep piling up our “good works” and denying “bad?”  What reward do we think will come in any time other than this, right now?  If heaven is now--how, then do we live in it?