WellSprings Congregation
864 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 1 year ago - ★★★★★ - 5 ratingsWeekly messages from WellSprings Congregation - a Community charged full with the charge of the soul. We are a Unitarian Universalist congregation located in Chester Springs, PA. To find out more, please visit www.wellspringsuu.org
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Episodes
3-12-2023 "What Would Jesus Do?" - Audio
March 15, 2023 18:04 - 36 minutes - 8.36 MBRev. Lee ponders the question "What Would Jesus Do?" in today's message. Also included is a conversation with Rev. Doug Hagler
3-5-2023 What Would Frances Ellen Watkins Harper Do? - Audio
March 15, 2023 16:44 - 25 minutes - 5.79 MBIn today's podcast, Beth Monhollen tells us about Frances Ellen Watkins Harper, and how her actions have helped our faith tradition today.
BONUS Episode: The History of Unitarian Universalism in 15 Minutes or Less - Audio
March 14, 2023 16:33 - 14 minutes - 3.33 MBRev. Lee Paczulla takes us through a brief history of Unitarian Universalism, from the very beginnings of the once-separate belief systems on Unitarianism and Universalism, up through today when the two traditions are combined and practiced in new ways.
5-28-2022 Starting Small - "Telling Fortunes" - Audio
July 05, 2022 20:44 - 31 minutes - 7.1 MBToday, Rev. Lee, with the help of a YouthSpirit friend, takes us through the activity of creating paper "fortune tellers," and sharing the results with one another.
5-15-2022 Starting Small - "Moving Small Stones" - Audio
July 05, 2022 20:19 - 31 minutes - 7.28 MBMinisterial Intern, Beth Monhollen, takes us through the classic story Stone Soup, where a village comes together with small contributions to create a filling meal for all. Beth tells us how small actions we take now can help add to make big changes.
5-8-2022 Starting Small - "Let the River Flow" - Audio
July 05, 2022 20:14 - 15 minutes - 3.64 MBLay preacher, Chris Chepel, takes us through the history of WellSprings, and invites us into an activity of constructing a WellSprings timeline.
5-1-2022 Starting Small - "Mystery Seeds" - Audio
June 19, 2022 21:08 - 17 minutes - 4 MBRev. Ken leads the congregation through an activity where we plant seeds. He discussed the importance of not knowing what the seeds are, but trusting that they will grow and bloom regardless.
4-3-2022 The Great Integration - "God Shaped Hole" - PDF
April 03, 2022 21:16 - 64 KB application/pdfRev. Ken begins this week with remembering his father, who passed away last Fall. He shares with us a poem/song his father wrote called 'Tsuris," a Yiddish word equating to "stress." He tells us about his father's experiences in the Korean war, and how traumatic they must have been. We are invited to listen to a poem quietly, and consider the busy nature of our lives, and whether that's serving us. He shares a story about another veteran recounting his war experiences at the end of his life, ...
4-3-2022 The Great Integration - "God Shaped Hole" - Audio
April 03, 2022 21:16 - 32 minutes - 7.35 MBRev. Ken begins this week with remembering his father, who passed away last Fall. He shares with us a poem/song his father wrote called 'Tsuris," a Yiddish word equating to "stress." He tells us about his father's experiences in the Korean war, and how traumatic they must have been. We are invited to listen to a poem quietly, and consider the busy nature of our lives, and whether that's serving us. He shares a story about another veteran recounting his war experiences at the end of his life, ...
3-27-2022 The Great Integration - "Wholly Unravelling" - Audio
March 29, 2022 12:29 - 28 minutes - 6.5 MBThis week, Beth Monhollen talks to us about a Brene Brown blog post about a "midlife unravelling" that became very meaningful in her life in 2018. She tells us about how she changed career paths after being very well established in a different field, and what those feelings were like. During this time, she looked to her husband, who had undergone a midlife unravelling of his own as well.
3-27-2022 The Great Integration - "Wholly Unravelling" - PDF
March 29, 2022 12:29 - 63.8 KB application/pdfThis week, Beth Monhollen talks to us about a Brene Brown blog post about a "midlife unravelling" that became very meaningful in her life in 2018. She tells us about how she changed career paths after being very well established in a different field, and what those feelings were like. During this time, she looked to her husband, who had undergone a midlife unravelling of his own as well.
3-20-2022 The Great Integration - Josie Waldman's Message - Audio
March 26, 2022 21:49 - 22 minutes - 5.09 MBToday, lay preacher Josie Waldman talks to us about how "The Great Resignation" affected her, just as she was beginning down a new path in her life.
3-20-2022 The Great Integration - Josie Waldman's Message - PDF
March 26, 2022 21:49 - 51 KB application/pdfToday, lay preacher Josie Waldman talks to us about how "The Great Resignation" affected her, just as she was beginning down a new path in her life.
3-13-2022 The Great Integration - "More Than We Know" - PDF
March 26, 2022 21:02 - 70.3 KB application/pdfRev. Lee begins this sleepy DST morning by reading to us. She reads a story about a leaky faucet, and how the way the leak grew larger felt like a symbol of a person breaking down. She talks about how this feeling might have added to what experts are calling "The Great Resignation." She also leads us through a talking/journaling activity.
3-13-2022 The Great Integration - "More Than We Know" - Audio
March 26, 2022 21:02 - 26 minutes - 6.07 MBRev. Lee begins this sleepy DST morning by reading to us. She reads a story about a leaky faucet, and how the way the leak grew larger felt like a symbol of a person breaking down. She talks about how this feeling might have added to what experts are calling "The Great Resignation." She also leads us through a talking/journaling activity.
3-6-2022 The Great Integration - "Original Blessing" - Audio
March 06, 2022 22:32 - 26 minutes - 6.1 MBThis message by Rev. Ken is the first in our new series, The Great Integration. He asks us to consider the ways in which we integrate and segregate things in our lives. He shares a story about a lesson he once learned by volunteering in a preschool; contemplates the differences between the two creation stories inn Genesis; and talks about the pros and cons of selecting your top 25 Beatles songs.
3-6-2022 The Great Integration - "Original Blessing" - PDF
March 06, 2022 22:32 - 59.3 KB application/pdfThis message by Rev. Ken is the first in our new series, The Great Integration. He asks us to consider the ways in which we integrate and segregate things in our lives. He shares a story about a lesson he once learned by volunteering in a preschool; contemplates the differences between the two creation stories inn Genesis; and talks about the pros and cons of selecting your top 25 Beatles songs.
2-20-2022 Neighbors and Helpers - "The Company We Keep" - Audio
February 28, 2022 02:12 - 37 minutes - 8.49 MBThis week, Ministerial Intern, Beth Monhollen spends some time speaking with fellow seminary school students. They talk a bit about the work they hope to accomplish in their communities as Unitarian Universalist ministers.
2-20-2022 Neighbors and Helpers - "The Company We Keep" - PDF
February 28, 2022 02:12 - 88.1 KB application/pdfThis week, Ministerial Intern, Beth Monhollen spends some time speaking with fellow seminary school students. They talk a bit about the work they hope to accomplish in their communities as Unitarian Universalist ministers.
2-13-2022 Neighbors and Helpers - "Multiple Pathways" - PDF
February 13, 2022 18:40 - 50.5 KB application/pdfToday, Rev. Ken speaks with Kate Parsons, PCC, CRS - Leadership and Recovery Coach and founder of The Brightening Center. They both discuss their own recovery journeys, and also offer some options for anyone who may be considering recovery for themselves.
2-13-2022 Neighbors and Helpers - "Multiple Pathways" - Audio
February 13, 2022 18:40 - 19 minutes - 4.44 MBToday, Rev. Ken speaks with Kate Parsons, PCC, CRS - Leadership and Recovery Coach and founder of The Brightening Center. They both discuss their own recovery journeys, and also offer some options for anyone who may be considering recovery for themselves.
2-6-2022 Neighbors and Helpers - Conversations to Empower - Audio
February 13, 2022 00:29 - 16 minutes - 3.71 MBWeekly messages from WellSprings Congregation - a Community charged full with the charge of the soul. We are a Unitarian Universalist congregation located in Chester Springs, PA. To find out more, please visit www.wellspringsuu.org
2-6-2022 Neighbors and Helpers - Conversations to Empower - PDF
February 13, 2022 00:29 - 50.5 KB application/pdfWeekly messages from WellSprings Congregation - a Community charged full with the charge of the soul. We are a Unitarian Universalist congregation located in Chester Springs, PA. To find out more, please visit www.wellspringsuu.org
1-30-2022 Neighbors and Helpers - "Thriving Together" - PDF
February 06, 2022 20:41 - 111 KB application/pdfFor this week's message, Rev. Lee is joined by Nina Guzmán, Executive Director of Alianzas De Phoenixville & Rachel Rutter, Executive Director of Project Libertad.
1-30-2022 Neighbors and Helpers - "Thriving Together" - Audio
February 06, 2022 20:41 - 41 minutes - 9.59 MBFor this week's message, Rev. Lee is joined by Nina Guzmán, Executive Director of Alianzas De Phoenixville & Rachel Rutter, Executive Director of Project Libertad.
1-23-22 Neighbors and Helpers - "Thriving Together" - Audio
January 23, 2022 21:49 - 48 minutes - 11.1 MBIn today's message, Rev. Lee spends some time speaking with Nydia Graves (they/them), a community organizer and activist based out of Coatesville, PA. Nydia has been working for years to help support their community in a variety of ways, up to and including holding an elected office position. They have wisdom and advice to share for all of us seeking to make our communities stronger, safer, and equitable for all.
1-23-22 Neighbors and Helpers - "Thriving Together" - PDF
January 23, 2022 21:49 - 110 KB application/pdfIn today's message, Rev. Lee spends some time speaking with Nydia Graves (they/them), a community organizer and activist based out of Coatesville, PA. Nydia has been working for years to help support their community in a variety of ways, up to and including holding an elected office position. They have wisdom and advice to share for all of us seeking to make our communities stronger, safer, and equitable for all.
1-9-2022 Neighbors and Helpers - "The Communion of Saints" - Audio
January 09, 2022 23:49 - 32 minutes - 7.42 MBIn today's message, Rev. Ken talks about his decision to conclude his ministry at WellSprings in June. He tells us a bit about what it was like to found this congregation and to guide it through some tough times. He also tells us a little about what he hopes the future will hold.
1-9-2022 Neighbors and Helpers - "The Communion of Saints" - PDF
January 09, 2022 23:49 - 65.3 KB application/pdfIn today's message, Rev. Ken talks about his decision to conclude his ministry at WellSprings in June. He tells us a bit about what it was like to found this congregation and to guide it through some tough times. He also tells us a little about what he hopes the future will hold.
1-2-2022 This Joy - "It's All In the Release" - PDF
January 02, 2022 19:33 - 50.2 KB application/pdfRev. Ken talks a bit about our typical New Year's ritual where we write down things we want to let go of, and release them into a fire. This year, he wants to try something a little different, and he walks us through a brief guided meditation where we look at our insecurities with compassion. He also invites us to participate in a different way.
1-2-2022 This Joy - "It's All In the Release" - Audio
January 02, 2022 19:33 - 21 minutes - 4.82 MBRev. Ken talks a bit about our typical New Year's ritual where we write down things we want to let go of, and release them into a fire. This year, he wants to try something a little different, and he walks us through a brief guided meditation where we look at our insecurities with compassion. He also invites us to participate in a different way.
12-12-2021 This Joy - "The Economy of Joy" - PDF
December 12, 2021 22:43 - 76.2 KB application/pdfRodney begins this week's message by talking about the joy he feels when listening to music. He recounts a story of his typically-stern father making space for joy in his life too. After telling us about an experience where he saw a procession of people heading to a church, he shares a list of songs that make him feel joyful. Rodney is releasing a companion podcast to this one. You can listen to Rodney's Music Ministry podcast on this feed!
12-12-2021 This Joy - "The Economy of Joy" - Audio
December 12, 2021 22:43 - 32 minutes - 7.41 MBRodney begins this week's message by talking about the joy he feels when listening to music. He recounts a story of his typically-stern father making space for joy in his life too. After telling us about an experience where he saw a procession of people heading to a church, he shares a list of songs that make him feel joyful. Rodney is releasing a companion podcast to this one. You can listen to Rodney's Music Ministry podcast on this feed!
Special Episode! Rodney Whittenberg's Music Ministry - Audio
December 12, 2021 22:31 - 57 minutes - 13.2 MBIn this companion episode to Rodney's Message "The Economy of Joy," Rodney highlights some songs that bring him joy.
12-5-2021 This Joy - "And the Award Goes to..." - Audio
December 05, 2021 21:19 - 25 minutes - 5.75 MBRev. Ken opens this week's message by taking a moment to talk about the recent passing of his father. He talks about the importance of play, and how sometimes competition can take play away from us. We can find joy when we look beyond winning or losing, and instead engage in self-directed, spontaneous, and creative play. He shares with us some examples of poorly but lovingly made cakes, and a story about an adult kickball team.
12-5-2021 This Joy - "And the Award Goes to..." - PDF
December 05, 2021 21:19 - 59.3 KB application/pdfRev. Ken opens this week's message by taking a moment to talk about the recent passing of his father. He talks about the importance of play, and how sometimes competition can take play away from us. We can find joy when we look beyond winning or losing, and instead engage in self-directed, spontaneous, and creative play. He shares with us some examples of poorly but lovingly made cakes, and a story about an adult kickball team.
11-28-2021 This Joy - "Joy In My Heart" - PDF
November 29, 2021 20:06 - 63.1 KB application/pdfBeth begins this week by talking about the concept of "deserving joy." She remembers certain moments in her childhood where she experienced huge amounts of joy, and worrying that those feelings may have been lost. She reminds us that paying attention can lead to joy, but being busy, stressed, or not in the moment can cloud that feeling over. It's important to not ignore the bad things going on in the world, but - as Beth says - to grab a bucket and sing along with others as you work together ...
11-28-2021 This Joy - "Joy In My Heart" - Audio
November 29, 2021 20:06 - 27 minutes - 6.38 MBBeth begins this week by talking about the concept of "deserving joy." She remembers certain moments in her childhood where she experienced huge amounts of joy, and worrying that those feelings may have been lost. She reminds us that paying attention can lead to joy, but being busy, stressed, or not in the moment can cloud that feeling over. It's important to not ignore the bad things going on in the world, but - as Beth says - to grab a bucket and sing along with others as you work together ...
11-21-2021 - PDF
November 21, 2021 20:19 - 76.6 KB application/pdfWe welcome five different speakers from our congregation - ranging in age from 9 to 96 - to answer the question from Mary Oliver: "Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?"
11-21-2021 - Audio
November 21, 2021 20:19 - 35 minutes - 8.05 MBWe welcome five different speakers from our congregation - ranging in age from 9 to 96 - to answer the question from Mary Oliver: "Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?"
11-14-2021 This Joy - "Joy and Sorrow - Caring Companions" - PDF
November 14, 2021 22:14 - 54.9 KB application/pdfKathleen begins with a story about a child who knocks down a younger playmate, and who is asked an important question about kindness. She asks us to consider what happens when we experience joy. She reminds us of the parable of not hiding your light under a bushel, because the world needs all the light we can get right now. She offers us some advice from a Buddhist monk about how to find joy amidst sorrow. We also take a moment to remember a departed friend.
11-14-2021 This Joy - "Joy and Sorrow - Caring Companions" - Audio
November 14, 2021 22:14 - 25 minutes - 5.78 MBKathleen begins with a story about a child who knocks down a younger playmate, and who is asked an important question about kindness. She asks us to consider what happens when we experience joy. She reminds us of the parable of not hiding your light under a bushel, because the world needs all the light we can get right now. She offers us some advice from a Buddhist monk about how to find joy amidst sorrow. We also take a moment to remember a departed friend.
11-7-2021 This Joy - "Falling" - PDF
November 07, 2021 22:16 - 43.3 KB application/pdfWeekly messages from WellSprings Congregation - a Community charged full with the charge of the soul. We are a Unitarian Universalist congregation located in Chester Springs, PA. To find out more, please visit www.wellspringsuu.org
11-7-2021 This Joy - "Falling" - Audio
November 07, 2021 22:16 - 18 minutes - 4.23 MBWeekly messages from WellSprings Congregation - a Community charged full with the charge of the soul. We are a Unitarian Universalist congregation located in Chester Springs, PA. To find out more, please visit www.wellspringsuu.org
10-31-2021 God Laughs - "Their Promises" - PDF
November 03, 2021 01:14 - 43.5 KB application/pdfKen beings by telling a story from when he was three years old, and he made a funny comment about an older person. Our message series is called "God Laughs," based on the Yiddish saying "We plan, God laughs," and there is nothing more disruptive to our plans than death. He shares thoughts about a book called "No Cure For Being Human," written by a woman who discovered she had stage 4 cancer at age 35; and a story about a quote he saw on in a hospital chapel.
10-31-2021 God Laughs - "Their Promises" - Audio
November 03, 2021 01:14 - 15 minutes - 3.63 MBKen beings by telling a story from when he was three years old, and he made a funny comment about an older person. Our message series is called "God Laughs," based on the Yiddish saying "We plan, God laughs," and there is nothing more disruptive to our plans than death. He shares thoughts about a book called "No Cure For Being Human," written by a woman who discovered she had stage 4 cancer at age 35; and a story about a quote he saw on in a hospital chapel.
10-24-2021 God Laughs - "Melting Ground" - PDF
October 28, 2021 22:26 - 71.9 KB application/pdfBeth begins by sharing a story from when she was a child and she experienced a near drowning. She talks about how she thought she'd been standing on solid ground, but that it seemed to melt beneath her feet. This pandemic has felt very much like the sensation of the ground beneath your feet dissolving. She shares a story about a person refusing to leave a flooded home because they're clinging to a belief that they'll be saved. Finally, she reminds us of the importance of the fourth UU princi...
10-24-2021 God Laughs - "Melting Ground" - Audio
October 28, 2021 22:26 - 30 minutes - 6.91 MBBeth begins by sharing a story from when she was a child and she experienced a near drowning. She talks about how she thought she'd been standing on solid ground, but that it seemed to melt beneath her feet. This pandemic has felt very much like the sensation of the ground beneath your feet dissolving. She shares a story about a person refusing to leave a flooded home because they're clinging to a belief that they'll be saved. Finally, she reminds us of the importance of the fourth UU princi...
10-17-2021 God Laughs - "By Name" - PDF
October 19, 2021 00:57 - 54.3 KB application/pdfRev. Lee begins by talking about the saga of the Maryland zebras on the loose. She then shares a story about a friend's baby learning the words of things in the world - dog, ant, goat, fish - and how naming these things once calmed him down in the middle of a bad crying fit. This is actually a powerful tool for bringing someone out of an anxiety attack. She talks a bit about what it means to heal, and how that process will look different for everyone.
10-17-2021 God Laughs - "By Name" - Audio
October 19, 2021 00:57 - 23 minutes - 5.39 MBRev. Lee begins by talking about the saga of the Maryland zebras on the loose. She then shares a story about a friend's baby learning the words of things in the world - dog, ant, goat, fish - and how naming these things once calmed him down in the middle of a bad crying fit. This is actually a powerful tool for bringing someone out of an anxiety attack. She talks a bit about what it means to heal, and how that process will look different for everyone.