Category: Message for All

The Line

By Jesse Greist
September 24, 2023

Some unspecified amount of time ago, in an undisclosed location there was a town called Wimachimaligned. The people of Wimachimaligned went about their business every day, with the farmers farming, the smiths smithing, the builders building, the lawyers lawyering and the … read more.

Monoculture V. Polyculture

By Jesse Greist

September 17, 2023

Growing up on an organic vegetable farm in North Haven, the “sermon” I heard most from my father was about the dangers of monoculture:  The way it depleted the soil of nutrients.  The way it contributed to erosion and led farmers … read more.

Doubt of the Benefit

Message for All
Doubt of the Benefit- Jesse Greist
January 22, 2023

“Give them the benefit of the doubt”.   “Assume good intentions.” These ideas have always been such an important part of my Unitarian Universalist education, as important as any of the principles.  In many situations, these … read more.

Please Discard Attachment

Message for All -by Jesse Greist

Where do we turn when we are struggling?  The answer is different for each and every one of us, though I imagine the desire for sanctuary, for safe space is probably universal.  For some of us, that safe, sacred space … read more.

Daffodil Awakenings

“Daffodil Awakenings” by Jesse Greist

April 3, 2022

I am a daffodil.  Until mere days ago, I lay curled up, asleep beneath the fallen leaves and frozen soil of winter.  In December, January and February, my sleep was deep, unquestioning, and reassured.   In every cell of … read more.

The Cook Who Forgot to Eat

The Cook Who Forgot to Eat

January 27. 2022

There once was a woman who loved to cook.  She chopped and sauteed and seasoned and created the most incredible delicacies from dawn each morning until long after dark each night.  The few moments when she wasn’t cooking, she’d … read more.

Message for All- “Procession”

Unitarian Universalism is often described as a living tradition.  Rev. Lindasusan, you are a scientist, so I can assume that to you, like me, this idea probably raises a great curiosity.  A living tradition… I have always been fascinated by the idea that my spiritual … read more.

Message for All:Beloved Community in Jayankufa

February 7, 2021
“Beloved Community in Jayankufa”
By Jesse Greist

I spent the summer of 1998 in a small town in the West African nation of Ghana called Jayankufa. I was working with a mixed group of Ghanaian, European and North American volunteers to re-plant a … read more.

“Hibakuijumoku”

 

Message for All “Hibakuijumoku”
by Jesse Greist

December 6, 2020

In our world, there are times of great stillness.  A frozen winter night can be a time of stillness.  Or a hot desert day.  The fear of an animal when a predator is near, or the relaxation … read more.