Five years at UUCGT have left their mark on me as much as I on them. These are only a few scenes from the richness of today. Today I close these doors with gratitude, joy, grief, and hope, knowing I'll return. What we built together will keep flying, like the monarchs still dancing in the sanctuary.

What a powerful service Miss Deija Vaton and I had on Sunday! Grateful for this being her third time with us at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Grand Traverse. Below is a link to her sermon Q&A. Deija, you are such a treasure. ❤️ open.substack.com/pub/revalexj...

My words from our Flower Communion service this morning. The story of the Flower Communion itself is a story for our times now. How can we protect one another in this time, finding our way back to being good neighbors? open.substack.com/pub/revalexj...

What does horror and religion have in common? Well, my friend, the Creature from the Black Lagoon, implores you to check out the sermon... open.substack.com/pub/revalexj...

My reflections on the power of transformative, comprehensive sexuality education. Grateful we offer Our Whole Lives in our congregations. My life wouldn't be the same without it! open.substack.com/pub/revalexj...

Some reflections on finding the extraordinary in ordinary life, the value of youth community, and a continued open posture I try to bring to daily living. open.substack.com/pub/revalexj...

Dr. King’s vision of the Beloved Community was never meant to stop at the church door. It is a vision for the world itself: just, interconnected, and whole. What might love ask of us, in stepping outside our doors? Link: open.substack.com/pub/revalexj...

Ministry begins in the simplest places: a cup of coffee, a conversation, someone who meets you exactly where you are. What might we build together if we made that our daily practice? (Artwork by my dear friend Betsy Coffia.❤️☕️☕️) open.substack.com/pub/revalexj...

A sermon reflecting on my journey with "Holy Envy," and an Owl City music video... Check it out! substack.com/@revalexjens...

What a beautiful and moving service this morning on "Centering Trans Joy" in our world today. Beautiful heartfelt reflections ❤️🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍🌈 See this link to watch the recoding: youtube.com/live/zK-rNlT...

Ready for tomorrow… #NoKings

This Ostara, I reflect on the Svalbard Global Seed Vault and it's messages of regeneration and hope for our world. How can we all be sowers of seeds for the kind of country and world we wish to see? open.substack.com/pub/revalexj...

Today's service was a lot of fun! Social Change Now meets Dungeons & Dragons! Each one of us has a role to play in making a better world... What's yours? open.substack.com/pub/revalexj...

I’m disappointed by Scouting America’s decision to discontinue the Citizenship in Society merit badge. As an Eagle Scout (Class of 2014), leader, and counselor, I’ve seen how this badge helped Scouts practice empathy, leadership, and moral courage. A Scout is Brave. Moral courage matters.

Reflected on some hard lessons learned in caring for myself and fostering resilience through connections with others. Caring for our whole selves requires we weave connections across many areas of care in our lives. open.substack.com/pub/revalexj...

Held our annual Scout Sunday service, this year looking at Scouting's Black History and the importance of inclusive Scouting in today's climate. Grateful for inclusive Scouting and the many lessons I've gained from this program. open.substack.com/pub/revalexj...

It's good to be "back in the saddle" (or the pulpit, I should say!). Here's my message from this morning on these fraught and perilous times we're in, as nature reminds us of the Earth's turning and sparks of new life begin to emerge. open.substack.com/pub/revalexj...

One of my favorite traditions is the "Question Jar," where people in my community get to ask me any question and I answer it in real time... Here's a transcript of the "sermon" from Sunday. Some heavy hitters in the mix! open.substack.com/pub/revalexj...

Fellow UU preachers: we need to take up more space. We cede religious ground when we grow quiet, afraid of sounding pushy. Share your sermons, your theology, your good news. Make it public. Create friction. Too much is at stake to stay silent.

Merry Christmas! Wishing you and yours good health, joy, peace, and abundant love. Below is a link to my words from our Christmas Eve service last night. This one had some teeth... yet it's true to what I know as the true spirit of the season. open.substack.com/pub/revalexj...

At Midwinter, after the longest night, I offer a Solstice message reflecting on surviving the darkest seasons without losing ourselves to despair. If you’re feeling worn, saturated by news, or in need of a little light, may these words meet you where you are. open.substack.com/pub/revalexj...

Some words for you as we head into the Winter Solstice and the longest night of the year. 🔥 open.substack.com/pub/revalexj...

Hope lifts us up… and sometimes weighs us down. This Soul Matters month of "Choosing Hope, we explore the Buddhist insight of the “twin thieves” of hope and fear and how we live meaningfully when hope feels distant. Link: open.substack.com/pub/revalexj...

How does Unitarian Universalism, drag, and communion go together? It's a pretty good story... You'll have to check it out! revalexjensen.substack.com/p/from-2023-...

Grateful for the love and support! Substack notified me that I’ve reached 100 subscribers to my podcast/sermon outlet. Glad to be walking life’s journey with all of you ❤️ open.substack.com/pub/revalexj...

My reflections on what it's like to come of age in our world today, with the many challenges facing our country and world. What is the promise of our world for younger generations? How do we pick up the pieces? (Link below.) open.substack.com/pub/revalexj...

Sharing another sermon from a few years ago, this time on prayer. What is prayer to you? open.substack.com/pub/revalexj...

While our neighbors are hungry, we must do all we can to depose scarcity & hierarchy. Share gifts. Give food, aid, money. Build relationships of care, interdependence, & aid. We are one body. One system. One humanity. Our flourishing is possible if we can out insist the lie that there isn’t enough

We have fun over here on Sundays... I made our service on Unitarian Universalist "Saints" into a game show! See the link in the comments to view the results... And yes, I dressed up for this one... revalexjensen.substack.com/p/unitarian-...

When was the last time you cried? Allowing yourself to feel what’s inside you, to grieve & weep? In this time of numbing, it’s a trauma response not to feel. To not let your tears (or your fears) break the surface. Don’t grow indifferent. Suffer with. Weep. It means your heart’s intact.

As the Veil between worlds grows thin, we honor our ancestors and those we have lost in the past year. Through ritual and remembrance, we carry their light forward.

From our service this morning: In honor of Indigenous Peoples’ Day and LGBTQ+ History Month, we reflect on the history and resilience of Two-Spirit people and the spiritual wisdom they offer our wider human story. (Link below.)

This Sunday, in honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month, I reflect on my own roots and heritage. How might be claim our whole selves, even when there are parts of ourselves that aren't often seen? (Link below)

"Saying What We Mean (And What We Don't)" What happens when our words miss the mark? Together we explore how vulnerability, curiosity, and courage can help us stay connected when communication goes sideways. (Link in comments.)

A necessary component for joy is having the space to experience it! What might Sabbath-taking mean for you? How can this countercultural practice of pausing for rest and renewal help us all to resist the culture of productivity and exploitation that harms so many? open.substack.com/pub/revalexj...

We had a beautiful Easter service this morning, using elements of Earth in our Communion service to remind us of our connections to one another and our planet. Proud of this one! open.substack.com/pub/revalexj...

Day 42 inspired by Dr.C Mindfulness helps us face intense emotions—fear, anxiety, sadness, or trauma—while avoiding them can lead to irritability and sleeplessness. While breaks are vital, staying connected to our feelings and bodies is crucial. Connect with your feelings via mindfulness.

Emotions are intertwined with physical health and relationships. Cultural teachings emphasize stoicism & self-sacrifice, but true strength includes self-compassion. Experiencing a range of emotions, including suffering, helps us grow in empathy & connect w others. Honoring emotions isn't a weakness.

Day 33 of Self-care. Many believe play is childish & creativity is only for the talented. Research shows otherwise. Play enhances relationships, sharpens minds, & aids regulation. Creativity brings joy & connection, reclaim that fearless creativity. Life is too short to let imperfection hinder you.

As we revisit the Exodus story, how might Pharaoh be a metaphor for narcissism? What happens when our hearts are hard to the feelings and needs of others? What happens when we won't listen? open.substack.com/pub/revalexj...

Laughter isn’t just a response—it’s healing. It boosts endorphins, cuts stress, and adds levity to life’s challenges. Research shows it eases pain and strengthens immunity. Remember your last belly laugh? Relive that joy today! What’s your go-to laugh source?

Day 32 of Self-Care Life's stress ebbs and flows like the sea—sometimes calm, sometimes stormy. We can't halt the waves, but we can learn to navigate them. Simplify, build supportive routines, and reflect after storms. Prepare for challenges ahead; you're not powerless. Trust calm will return.

Day 31 of sacred self-care. Anger reveals truths. It's our inner alarm signaling boundary breaches or injustice. Often repressed, it can morph into irritability or fatigue. Instead, explore its roots—hurt or fear. Recognize your body's reactions. Use joy to balance it. Reflect on anger as a guide.

Day 30 of self-care, inspired by Dr. C, Joy is not a distant luxury but a present necessity. Joy fuels us, supports our struggles, & is crucial in avoiding burnout. Reflect on the last time you felt pure joy—If your inner critic says joy must wait, try to quiet that voice. Cultivate joy today!

Day 28 of self-care inspired by Dr.C Reflect on the importance of boundaries and on maintaining them with care. Boundaries are about taking responsibility for ourselves, not controlling others. Boundaries guide us in respecting ourselves and others. How will you mind your boundaries this week?

Day 27 @DrC Reflect on your social media use & its impact on your boundaries and self-care. With endless notifications from friends, strangers, and employers, digital life can be overwhelming. You don't have to give others unlimited access to your life. Create and honor your own digital sanctuary.

Day 25 of our series inspired by Dr.C We are socialized to say "yes" constantly—to be agreeable. We were taught that saying "no" was unacceptable. Always saying "yes" can lead to burnout & imbalance. Pause before responding to requests, say, "That sounds interesting—let me think about it."

My last of the "JETPIG" sermon series on Interdependence and Generosity. With apology, we were unable to video record the entire service. The link here includes the text and an audio recorded version of the sermon. revalexjensen.substack.com/p/jetpig-ser...

Day 25 of our series inspired by Dr.C We are socialized to say "yes" constantly—to be agreeable. We were taught that saying "no" was unacceptable. Always saying "yes" can lead to burnout & imbalance. Pause before responding to requests, say, "That sounds interesting—let me think about it."