WellSprings Congregation

Rev. 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.

Today, 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.

Ministerial 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.

Lay preacher, Chris Chepel, takes us through the history of WellSprings, and invites us into an activity of constructing a WellSprings timeline.

Rev. 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.

Rev. 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, and dedicates the lessons learned from that story to his late father.

Rev. 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, and dedicates the lessons learned from that story to his late father.

This 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.

This 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.

Today, 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.

Today, 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.

Rev. 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.

Rev. 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.

This 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.

This 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.

This 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.

This 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.

Today, 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.

Today, 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.

WellSprings Sermon Studio

WellSprings Sermon Studio

For this week's message, Rev. Lee is joined by  Nina Guzmán, Executive Director of Alianzas De Phoenixville & Rachel Rutter, Executive Director of Project Libertad.

For this week's message, Rev. Lee is joined by  Nina Guzmán, Executive Director of Alianzas De Phoenixville & Rachel Rutter, Executive Director of Project Libertad.

In 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.

In 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.

In 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.

In 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.

Rev. 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.

Rev. 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.

Rodney 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!

Rodney 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!

In this companion episode to Rodney's Message "The Economy of Joy," Rodney highlights some songs that bring him joy.

Rev. 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.

Rev. 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.

Beth 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 to put the fire out.

Beth 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 to put the fire out.

We 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?"

We 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?"

Kathleen 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.

Kathleen 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.

WellSprings Sermon Studio

WellSprings Sermon Studio

Ken 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.

Ken 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.

Beth 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 principle.

Beth 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 principle.

Rev. 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.

Rev. 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.

This week, Rev. Ken begins by talking about the concept of "yucking someone else's yum." He also reflects on the meaning of nervous laughter and sarcasm, and shares a story about a time when he laughed nervously while making a 911 call. A concept called "The four horsemen of relationship apocalypse" is shown, as is a story about a man who suffered from OCD as a child.

This week, Rev. Ken begins by talking about the concept of "yucking someone else's yum." He also reflects on the meaning of nervous laughter and sarcasm, and shares a story about a time when he laughed nervously while making a 911 call. A concept called "The four horsemen of relationship apocalypse" is shown, as is a story about a man who suffered from OCD as a child.

WellSprings Sermon Studio