Rev. Ben Meyers (he/him) The Rev. Ben Meyers loves living near Lake Merritt in Oakland, CA. His ministry spans 28 years: half of that time as a parish minister and half as a social justice/community minister. He is the proud father of two sons and loves spending as much time as possible with his two-year old grandson. His passion is working with individuals and faith-based communities throughout the country as a Solar and Clean Energy consultant. His mission is to accelerate the adoption of clean energy as a moral and spiritual imperative. As a proud parent of a transgender child, he is also a vocal ally and avid advocate for LGTBQ+ rights.
Healing is ‘usually’ presented to us as something binary: something is either broken, or it has been healed from that brokenness. But that’s not how healing happens. Leonard Cohen wrote; “There is a crack in everything…that’s how the light gets in.” The sermon aspires to ‘shed some light’ on ways of thinking about repairing ourselves … Continue reading How the Light Gets In
A service commemorating the Jewish High Holy Days – At this time each year, we, again, delve into the complex and profound spiritual journey of forgiveness, and the ‘turning’ which allows for both the giving and receiving of its healing powers. Through reflection, music, stories, and ritual we will foster compassion, encourage personal growth, and … Continue reading Understanding Forgiveness
It was at a gathering of white women in 1980 when this ritual first came to pass; making new meaning, shifting the old ethos. Today, may our gathering of the waters reflect our collective courage in service of the grace and love that is promised by our liberal faith. NOTE: This is not a ‘travelogue’ … Continue reading Gathering of the Waters Ceremony
In the theme of “Invitation”, which most UU congregations will explore this month, the sermon asks the question: “What do we rely upon to help us face the future boldly, and to accept Life’s invitation with joy, love, grace, hope and courage?” The Rev. Ben Meyers (he/him) loves living near Lake Merritt in Oakland, CA. His … Continue reading “Life Calls Us Up, Out and On…”
This timely quote from David Orr is essential to the work that lies before us in our lives, our community, and our country. Theo Kocs-Meyers, guest musician. Bring a friend! The Rev. Ben Meyers loves living near Lake Merritt in Oakland, CA. His ministry spans 28 years: half of that time as a parish minister … Continue reading “Hope is a verb with its sleeves rolled up”
I have become more and more distressed by what I perceive as a serious lack of joy in our day-to-day lives. In my own life, in casual conversations with friends and acquaintances, with what generally passes as “News”. It’s as if we have forgotten something basic about ourselves that we are trying to relearn. It’s … Continue reading The Default Dilemma; Despair or Delight?
One of the unique things about Unitarian Universalism is our denominational commitment to periodically assessing our beliefs and discerning how they have evolved–in both practice and expression. Right now we’re in the midst of a by-law mandated process for determining changes to Article II, commonly known as the Principles and Sources. As a ‘Living Tradition’ that … Continue reading At the Center is Love
Rev. Ben Meyers (he/him) ft. Guest Musicians The Conspiracy BeardsLeonard Cohen (1934-2016) was a Canadian singer-songwriter, musician, poet, novelist and painter. His career spanned over 50 years and his work continues to impact and inform the realms of religion, politics, sexuality and human relationships. Formed in June 2003 by Daryl Henline and Peter Kadyk, The … Continue reading A Service of Song; The Music of Leonard Cohen
Rev. Ben Meyers (he/him)Implicit biases are the unconscious attitudes, prejudices and judgements ‘hard-wired’ in every person through our individual experiences, upbringings and backgrounds. They affect what we think, do and say at an unconscious level. The antidotes are awareness, curiosity and hard consistent practice. This spiritual work is imperative and the core of transforming ourselves … Continue reading Lifting the Blinds on Our Implicit Bias Windows
There is no denying that our Earth is dying. The story of Easter can be one of resurrecting our spirits, our lives, and our garden/planet. By reclaiming our true role as partners in creation, we CAN restore Paradise before it is forever lost. The service will also observe the International Transgender Day of Visibility and … Continue reading Reviving Eden