Rev. Shayna Appel began serving ASC as its contract minister in September 2016. Ordained in the United Church of Christ in 2006, Shayna’s ordination was recognized by the Unitarian Universalist Association in 2014. She is currently serving at First Church in Jaffrey (NH) as well as here at ASC. Shayna generally preaches at ASC on the second and forth Sunday’s of each month, as well as Christmas and Easter.
Our theme for December is “Mystery” which, by definition, is something difficult or impossible to explain. How comfortable are we with the “mysterium” in general, and more particularly, how does that comfort, or lack thereof, impact our ability to experience “Mysterium Tremendum” (Latin used here for emphasis!)? The world renowned scientist Albert Einstein was once … Continue reading Mystery
Keeping with our theme for the month on ‘memory’, Rev. Shayna Appel will exercise hers by recounting an experience of ‘encounter’ while serving as a Fire Department Chaplain at Ground Zero in Lower Manhattan following the attacks of 9/11. Rev. Appel recently won First Place at a story slam with this story and looks forward … Continue reading Worship led by Rev. Shayna Appel
“Memory & Resiliency; Traumatized or Trauma Grown?” “Most trauma survivors…will suffer, sometimes for years. But, over the last few decades, psychologists have discovered that suffering is not the end of the story: with the right circumstances and support, [some] survivors actually benefit in surprising ways…The suffering they endure actually acts as a catalyst, enabling them … Continue reading “Memory & Resiliency: Traumatized or Trauma Grown?” led by Rev. Shayna Appel
“Blessed Are the Meek; Our Children’s Trust” In 2015, 21 young people filed a lawsuit against the federal government alleging government officials have known for more than 50 years that carbon pollution from fossil fuels was causing climate change. The suit, which was scheduled to begin next week, also claims that existing policies on oil … Continue reading “Blessed are the Meek; Our Children’s Trust” by Rev. Shayna Appel
We seem to be living in times that feel anything but safe. From the political realm to the natural, our physical safety is at risk. Over time, this “feeling at risk” can have some extremely detrimental outcomes on the quality of our lives and the lives of the people we love. We are not the … Continue reading A Living Sanctuary
Rev. Shayna shares an overview of the principles that guide the vision of Unitarian Universalism. Our Soul Matters theme for the month of September is “Vision.” What does it mean to be a people of vision? Come envision with us throughout September! Our Sunday offerings in September will be shared with Edible Brattleboro! Follow the … Continue reading Our UU Principles
Reverend Shayna returns to the pulpit with a vision of our principles and how they might guide us through the year. Bring any water you may have gathered from places visited this summer and, with our living water, we will co-mingle our lives and visions with those of our ancestors! Our Soul Matters theme for … Continue reading Service of the Living Waters
