Author Archives: Rev. Gretchen Haley

About Rev. Gretchen Haley

Gretchen Haley is relentlessly curious about most things, especially the big stuff of theology, the beauty of creation, the magic of collaboration, and the great joy of pop culture (reflected in this blog by random posts on Beyonce, Taylor Swift, streaming shows to binge, or the latest Marvel movie). She has an audacious ambition for the liberal church, believing in its capacity to transform lives and our world by way of hyper-local relationships and partnerships that inspire the unleashing of courageous love. She's all in on adrienne maree brown's emergent strategy, and finds solace in the trails in and around Fort Collins Colorado where she serves with the brilliant Rev. Sean Neil-Barron as one of the ministers of the Foothills Unitarian Church. She and her amazing partner of over 20 years, Carri, have 2 children, Gracie (16) and Josef (14) who both relish and resent being PKs, and who keep her grounded, frustrated, inspired, and humbled, everyday. She adores her dog Charlie who smiles and gives out hugs, and and finds her oversized dog Archer endlessly amusing.

Charge to the Minister, for the Installation of the Rev. Eric Banner, First Universalist Church of Denver

Many of you know that I was a member here before seminary; my now 18 year old daughter was dedicated here, and in many ways I was formed in ministry right here.  Returning always brings a rush of memories, and … Continue reading

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A Bigger Mission, a sermon for the installation of the Rev. Ron Phares at All Souls Unitarian Universalist Church, Colorado Springs

It is my honor to be here with you on this great occasion, and for Rev. Sean Neil-Barron (who will offer the blessing) and I to bring you greetings from the northern end of the Front Range. Your new minister … Continue reading

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Top 23 of 2023

Yes, we are aware that we are solidly into 2024, but Sara and I are finally ready with our list of our favorite shows from 2023! It’s ok, they are still all great shows 2 months later! As we said … Continue reading

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All Bodies are Sacred (Hallelujah!)

Hallelujah to the grace And the body  and every cell of us all The Hallelujah of the body begins at birth. I have been present at two births in my life, (other than my own) neither of them my children’s. … Continue reading

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What You Can Control

The Work That Is Theirs to Do by Joanna Fontaine Crawford And said, “That’s enough of that.” And the day came when finally they put down their burdens The moment was full of sorrow but also relief Arms exhausted from … Continue reading

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Choosing to Love, Anyway – Christmas Eve 2023

Readings: Homily In Bethlehem tonight, the usual extravagant Christmas celebrations have been canceled. In place of Glorias echoing across the land, there is war and grief, all across Palestine and Israel, and in Gaza. As the Mayor of Bethelhem declared today, Christmas this … Continue reading

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Gather in Storms

Reading – a combination of Rabbi Danya Ruttenberg’s 2022 and 2023 Hanukah reflections, which end with this reflection Hanukah isn’t just about what happened in the past, on the calendar. It’s about who we are capable of being. It’s about … Continue reading

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Gather in Joy – a sermon for our first Sunday in our new sanctuary

Can you believe it?! I never doubted we would get here, really, but we have been talking about needing a bigger sanctuary since I started at Foothills 11 years ago, and that conversation had been going on long before I … Continue reading

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Goodness Beyond the Good Life

Reading: Manifesto: The Mad Farmer Liberation Front, by Wendell Berry Last Sunday, I told you about sitting down with the Rabbi from Har Shalom, and how the first people to call her after the Hamas attack were Christian Evangelicals. What … Continue reading

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Church as Countercultural Practice

A couple of weeks ago, I sat down with Rabbi Finestone, who serves Congregation Har Shalom, just down the road. We were speaking about the attack on October 7th, and what her community has been feeling since.  She shared many things … Continue reading

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