So I found that while I was away I felt this sense that I couldn't touch little children because my energy or self was so contaminated that I would put my "stuff" on to them. I didn't want that for them - so new, so perfect little people. I wanted them to continue living on in their own essence and maintain their "innocence" for as long as possible. I was afraid of going into a place because I didn't want to contaminate the people there. I just felt toxic, like I needed to be in isolation because I could spread what was in me, going through me. My energy was overflowing with my stuff, sensing and feeling other people's energy and it was overwhelming to me. So I've had to work at understanding what this energy was, what I was willing to take in and take on and what I could do to change things about myself. I had to look within myself and sort out what I was seeing and dealing with. I had to decide what energy needed to be dealt with first and foremost and go with it. I also had to admit to a trusted person that I was struggling and overwhelmed and that I needed help. It's a sign of growth on my part even though some could say it was a sign of weakness. It was me being the most honest with myself that I've been in a long time. And because of that I don't feel so contaminated any more and feel lighter.
For years now, I have heard in preaching and clergy circles about being political in sermons; the good, the bad and those who state that church shouldn’t be political. There are workshops, books, and podcasts talking about politics in the church with a variety of opinions. What do people mean when they make the statement that the church shouldn’t be political? The IRS has the most say about the rules for the separation of church and state/politics. If your church wants to be tax exempt, there are rules: don’t endorse any candidate or party, if you allow one party to use your space, other political parties also must be allowed to use the space, etc. The UCC’s general counsel, Heather Kimmell, has a webinar on this topic if you’d like to hear a more detailed explanation which can be found on the UCC’s YouTube channel. Churches have gotten “creative” in how to get around this, often partnering with another non-profit group to give support to a particular group. The UCC is proud to claim...
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