A tapestry of symbols representing seven religious traditions is affixed to the wall at the front of our fellowship hall. This message is a short lesson of the wisdom (in Joan’s quirky subjective opinion) revealed in each of these religious traditions. The Rev. Joan Shiels has a broad knowledge of the world’s religions. She believes that […]
Most people assume that the women in the Bible were good Jewish girls: obedient, courteous and docile. Nothing could be further from the truth! Willful and wise, trampled and triumphant, they used sex, subterfuge, chicanery and charm to get what they knew they deserved. We will visit a couple of the stories of the harlots, heartbreakers and heathens whose […]
Groundhog Day, a 1993 film starring Bill Murray, may be the only movie not actually made to illustrate Buddhist principles, that does. A look at some Buddhist beliefs through the lens of this delightful film. Rev Joan Shiels is a longtime friend and frequent speaker at UUFDC. Once a year she brings us an analysis […]
No Santa, no Jesus, no happy family gatherings. But Christmas stories, nonetheless. Rev. Joan Shiels is a long-time friend and frequent speaker at UUFDC. She likes to share familiar things in new ways.
A few commiserations and recommendations now that we’re thinking about being with the children over the holidays. The Reverend Joan Shiels has children. So do most of her friends. And she knows that having children is not all coos and cuddles and sweet things. Not by a long shot.
There’s a lot of talk these days about Leadership in the fellowship -–and everywhere in the world as nations, including our own, grapple with the proper way to lead in a postmodern age. Do the leadership principles of the past still work? If new leadership styles are needed then what are they? A reflection on […]
Is there an ultimate meaning to life? Some eloquent people have suggested answers to this ponderous question. Joan will bring thought-provoking stories that focus on this elusive topic. Joan Shiels is a longtime friend and has been a frequent speaker at our fellowship for the last nine years.
Prayer is a very “loaded” word in our culture. It carries a lot of baggage. And most people have traveled with that baggage for a long time. When we fly in an aircraft, we are always told to be careful when we unload our baggage from the overhead bin, as it may have shifted in […]
Thoreau said “Every time something is gained, something is lost.” When it comes to aging, it’s easy to see what is lost but rather hard to see what is gained. A meditation. Joan Shiels is a longtime friend and a frequent speaker at our fellowship. She notices she has been getting older every day.