Author: Rev. Tom Disrud

The Eliot Chapel Turns 100

Did you know that the Eliot Chapel turns 100 this year? It was 1924 when First Unitarian moved to its present location, which, back in 1924, was the western edge of downtown Portland. Up until then, the church’s home was just a couple blocks away … read more.

Report on General Assembly

Hello good people. Happy summer.

The Unitarian Universalist Association General Assembly met last month in Pittsburgh, PA. The General Assembly is the annual gathering of our denomination. GA serves an important governance function in our movement—representatives from congregations vote on the major decisions that affect the … read more.

I sat in on one of the Community Conversations yesterday and left feeling inspired about the church. If you haven’t signed up for one, I hope you will do so. There are still several times—in person and virtually—when you can attend. And if you haven’t … read more.

The End of Covid?

This morning as I was reading the news my eyes paused over the headline that as of today the government is declaring the Covid public health emergency over. The story in the New York Times talked about the range of emotions that brings, especially for … read more.

Welcome Spring!

The first really warm days of spring—like yesterday and today—are such gifts. And this year especially so. Winter’s grip has felt especially tenacious. That’s probably why the warmth feels so good.

Signs of rebirth are all around right now and it really is amazing to witness. … read more.

The Journey from Good Friday to Easter

Staying Connected Blog

Rev. Thomas Disrud offers a reflection today.

How is it we make the journey from Good Friday to Easter? It has been said, and I think I agree, that Unitarian Universalists sometimes want to get to Easter before we fully experience Good Friday. That … read more.

Impermanence

On Sunday I preached on the theme of death—or perhaps more precisely how it is we live knowing the reality that we’ll all die someday.

Since Sunday I’m thinking about two deaths around me and still reflecting on what they mean. On Tuesday morning I was … read more.

Yes It Hurts When Buds Burst

I’m thinking a lot about change these days. Change in the world. Change at the church. Change in our lives. Change.

Of course, we know on some level that change in life is constant. Everything is impermanent. Everything is in flux. All that said, my experience … read more.