Tag Archives: Stories

The Gift of Rebellion – Hanukkah 2022

Posted on December 21, 2022 by Rev. Gretchen Haley

First, a Reflection from Rev. Sean Neil Barron “Rebellions Are Built on Hope” Gretchen said she was preaching on Rebellion, our conversation was something like this: “The simple gift this week is rebellion.”  “So, you are preaching about Star Wars.” … Continue reading →

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Bearing Witness

Posted on October 23, 2022 by Rev. Gretchen Haley

This week, one of my parents’ friends experienced a tragedy.  Their daughter – who was my age, died suddenly, from a hidden medical issue they failed to uncover in time.   My parents live far away from me, as do their … Continue reading →

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From Trembling to Telling, and From Grief to Morning – Easter 2021

Posted on April 4, 2021 by Rev. Gretchen Haley

Part 1 – From Trembling to Telling Despite the bright pastels of the season, the story of Easter begins in the dark.   In the earliest morning hours when night has not yet given up the fight, Easter is born in confusion … Continue reading →

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How We Tell The Story: A Hanukkah Reflection

Posted on December 13, 2020 by Rev. Gretchen Haley

Part 1 I have a story for you. It’s just one story.  But told in three different ways.  Here’s the first telling:  Imagine you are living in a time with the reign of a narcissistic dictator who refused to concede … Continue reading →

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Telling the Stories of Sabbatical

Posted on August 6, 2019 by Rev. Gretchen Haley

I’m nearing the end of my nearly-15 week sabbatical. My first, after 7 years serving Foothills through major transitions, occasional upheaval, a big surge in (numerical, organizational, spiritual) growth, and the election of 2016 (aka liberal existenstial crisis). All of … Continue reading →

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Re-Creation and Reconciliation – Easter Sermon 2017

Posted on April 17, 2017 by Rev. Gretchen Haley

Reading – from Louise Erdrich’s The Painted Desert   Sermon – Re-Creation and Reconciliation – Easter Sunday 2017 Perhaps it is predictable that my favorite part of the Jesus story is the moment that many orthodox preachers would call his … Continue reading →

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Charge to the Minister – for the ordination of Sean Neil-Barron April 2, 2017

Posted on April 2, 2017 by Rev. Gretchen Haley

First, Thank you. It is my joy and privilege to charge you in your new ministry – I think doing the charge is like every older sister’s dream.  But – really, it is my honor, so, thank you. To begin, … Continue reading →

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Charge to the Minister – for Rev. Patty Willis

Posted on March 24, 2016 by Rev. Gretchen Haley

I had the wonderful chance to be there for my friend and colleague, Patty Willis’ installation to the South Valley UU Church in Salt Lake City on Sunday the 20th of March.  And not just to be there, but to … Continue reading →

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The Danger of a Single Story

Posted on November 16, 2014 by Rev. Gretchen Haley

Sermon preached November, 2014 Based on the TED Talk by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie  Story: Apparently the commander of a vessel that was engaged in maneuvers in heavy weather was on the bridge late one night when the watch (I think … Continue reading →

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Skydiving – Reflection by Doug Powell

Posted on February 3, 2014 by Rev. Gretchen Haley

Doug shared this story with me last Fall, as we were talking about the coming year of transitions for our church.  When I heard it – I said – I don’t know when, but there’s going to come a Sunday … Continue reading →

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