Shows
WellSprings CongregationBONUS Episode: The History of Unitarian Universalism in 15 Minutes or Less - AudioRev. 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.2023-03-1414 minWellSprings Congregation3-1-2020, Being a Friend, "Where We Left Off" - AudioRev. Ken Beldon opens our new message series for early spring called "Being a Friend." He talks about the way the towering hills you tackled as a child suddenly seem small as an adult, how important it is to see your own story reflected in others, and reminisces a bit about the wonderful weirdness of Sid & Marty Krofft shows. You'll also hear a bit about the term "lovingkindness," and a book by Bob Greene titled "And you Know, You Should be Glad."2020-03-0323 minWellSprings Congregation3-1-2020, Being a Friend, "Where We Left Off" - PDFRev. Ken Beldon opens our new message series for early spring called "Being a Friend." He talks about the way the towering hills you tackled as a child suddenly seem small as an adult, how important it is to see your own story reflected in others, and reminisces a bit about the wonderful weirdness of Sid & Marty Krofft shows. You'll also hear a bit about the term "lovingkindness," and a book by Bob Greene titled "And you Know, You Should be Glad."2020-03-0300 minWellSprings Congregation2-23-2020 Daily Bread "Living History, Living Healing" - AudioRev. Ken Beldon concludes our Daily Bread message series by talking about the most important book he's never read (Watchmen, Alan Moore), and how it's continuing story brought the destruction of Black Wall Street into the news once again. He also discusses inter-generational trauma by referencing the book My Grandmother's Hands by Resmaa Menakem, and a quote from Dr. Gabor Maté. He finishes up by sharing a dream he once had about a favorite Valentine's Day candy.2020-02-2534 minWellSprings Congregation2-23-2020 Daily Bread "Living History, Living Healing" - PDFRev. Ken Beldon concludes our Daily Bread message series by talking about the most important book he's never read (Watchmen, Alan Moore), and how it's continuing story brought the destruction of Black Wall Street into the news once again. He also discusses inter-generational trauma by referencing the book My Grandmother's Hands by Resmaa Menakem, and a quote from Dr. Gabor Maté. He finishes up by sharing a dream he once had about a favorite Valentine's Day candy.2020-02-2500 minWellSprings Congregation2-9-2020, Daily Bread: "Kindness Everywhere" - AudioRev. Lee Paczulla shares with us the "Kindness Prayer," and unpacks the often misunderstood bible verse about turning the other cheek. She gives examples of the way we might talk to friends versus the way we might talk to ourselves, and relays a valuable message from the one and only Lizzo.2020-02-1122 minWellSprings Congregation2-2-2020 Daily Bread, "Pivoting" - AudioRev. Ken Beldon continues our Daily Bread message series with stories about life's unexpected interruptions. He references a Mountain Goats song about an injured football player, he shares a story about a running injury he sustained, and he also plays an Iranian short film for our congregation.2020-02-0525 minWellSprings Congregation1-26-20 Daily Bread "An Education" - AudioIn this message, Rev Lee Paczulla continues our Daily Bread series with stories about reading a book to a baby, the NYT Bestseller "Educated," and her own difficulties in beginning the spiritual practices of meditation and mindfulness.2020-02-0529 minWellSprings Congregation1-12-2020 - Daily Bread, "Watching the Wheels" - AudioRev. Ken Beldon continues our Daily Bread series with his message titled "Watching the Wheels." In this message, Rev. Ken speaks a bit about his history with the WellSprings congregation, the first album he ever owned, and the phrase "there is another way to do life."2020-01-2124 minWellSprings Congregation1-5-2020 - Daily Bread, "In the Beginning" - AudioRev. Lee Paczulla introduces our new winter message series "Daily Bread" with her sermon titled "In the Beginning." No matter where or who we are, all of us live each day one at a time. So often, we have a yearning for more meaning and connection, in the small moments of our lives. Where, and how, can we find the holy when the big, shiny, bright lights aren’t quite reaching us – or seem far too dim? When all that we’ve been taught about “religion” and “spirituality” falls short, how can we make room for the daily experiences of this life to s...2020-01-2122 minWellSprings Congregation12-29-2019 - WellSprings' New Year's Tradition - AudioAt WellSprings, we have two traditions for the services right before the new year: we feature music from artists who've passed away during the year, and we also practice an intentional "letting go." During this message, Rev. Ken Beldon encourages the congregation to think of a negative thing they say about themselves, and to write it down on a piece of paper to be burned later.2020-01-0711 minWellSprings CongregationChristmas Eve, 2019 - AudioRevs Ken Beldon and Lee Paczulla lead our congregation through a lovely Christmas Eve service. Special guest appearance by Buddy the Elf, and lots of help from the littlest WellSpringers!2020-01-0711 minWellSprings Congregation12-22-2019 Entertaining Angels - "Let's Go Outside!" - AudioRev. Lee Paczulla congludes our Entertaining Angels holiday series with her message titled "Let's Go Outside!" We talk a bit about the Christmas movie, Elf, and our congregation is invited to play a fun and unexpected game!2020-01-0720 minWellSprings Congregation12-1-2019 Etertaining Angels - "Taken Lightly" - AudioRev. Ken Beldon continues our holiday message series, Entertaining Angels, with his message titled: "Taken Lightly"2019-12-1722 minWellSprings Congregation11-17-2019 Entertaining Angles - "Audience of One" - AudioRev. Lee Paczulla continues our holiday message series, Entertaining Angels, with her message titled "Audience of One"2019-12-1725 minWellSprings Congregation11/3/2019 Entertaining Angels - "Home Cooking" - AudioRev. Ken Beldon introduces out new holiday message series called Entertaining Angels. The title of his message is "Home Cooking."2019-11-1521 minWellSprings CongregationMe & We, Us & Them - "Add One More" - AudioRev. Lee Paczulla continues our message series "Me & We, Us & Them" with her message titled "Add One More."2019-10-2422 minWellSprings CongregationMe & We, Us & Them - "Whose Am I?" - AudioRev. Ken Beldon continues our Me & We, Us & Them series with his message titled "Whose Am I?"2019-10-1626 minWellSprings CongregationMe & We, Us & Them - "Room in the Heart" - AudioRev. Ken Beldon kicks off our latest message series, Me & We, Us & Them, with a message titled "Room in the Heart."2019-09-2525 minWellSprings CongregationToy Story 4 - UpCycling - AudioRev. Ken Beldon concludes our SpiritFlix series by discussing the movie Toy Story 42019-09-1011 minWellSprings CongregationRussian Doll - Live Together, Die Alone 7/21/2019 - AudioRev. Ken Beldon's message on the Netflix series Russian Doll for our SpiritFlix series.2019-07-2326 minWellSprings CongregationFailures, Frustrations, & Fresh Starts: Ending the Cycle - AudioRev. Ken Beldon says we need an honest look at the past to end the cycle of suffering and achieve racial justice. It's part of this fall's message series: Failures, Frustrations, & Fresh Starts.2017-10-0222 minWellSprings CongregationFailures, Frustrations, & Fresh Starts: Growing Edge - AudioRev. Lee Paczulla says we can learn a lot from pre-schoolers as we learn to live with our mistakes and failures. It's part of this fall's message series: Failures, Frustrations, & Fresh Starts.2017-09-2526 minWellSprings CongregationFailures, Frustrations, & Fresh Starts: Hitting the Wall - AudioRev. Ken Beldon talks about the power of something bigger than success. It's part of the message series Failures, Frustrations, & Fresh Starts.2017-09-1825 minWellSprings CongregationWellCome Back Sunday: Failures, Frustrations, & Fresh Starts - AudioEvery fall, WellSprings celebrates the return to a new school year with our WellCome Back Sunday service. Revs. Ken Beldon and Lee Paczulla share the stage for this message.2017-09-1116 minWellSprings CongregationWings of Desire: Listening Is An Act of Love - AudioRev. Ken Beldon talks about one of his favorite films, "Wings of Desire," about an angel who longs to become human. It's part of our summer message series, SpiritFlix, about the meaning behind the movies.2017-09-0424 minWellSprings CongregationThe Straight Story: A Journey of Repentance - AudioAll Americans do not share the same history. Rev. Ken Beldon calls on us to wrestle for a better, more mature understanding of our country. His message is inspired by the film "The Straight Story," a true story about a man's cross-country drive on a tractor as a journey of repentance, as we continue our SpiritFlix series. Note: Adult subjects and language.2017-08-2727 minWellSprings CongregationSeeking a Friend for the End of the World - AudioA colleague of Revs. Ken Beldon and Lee Paczulla, Rev. Andrew Weber is guest preacher for this Sunday.2017-08-0621 minWellSprings CongregationThe Big Sick: Little Truths - AudioTelling the truth, like all spiritual practices, is best done on a daily basis. Rev. Ken Beldon finds the little truths in the romantic comedy "The Big Sick," the real-life courtship co-written by actor Kumail Nanjiani and his wife, Emily V. Gordon. All summer we explore the meaning in the movies in our SpiritFlix series.2017-07-3029 minWellSprings CongregationHidden Figures: The Open Book of Revelation - AudioInspired by the Oscar-winning film "Hidden Figures", Rev. Ken Beldon talks about racism and whitewashing in our culture, and says it stops us from getting in touch with the fullness of our humanity. It's part of our summer message series SpiritFlix exploring meaning in the movies.2017-07-2327 minWellSprings CongregationClueless: I Know Not - AudioThe '90s teen rom com "Clueless" was the inspiration for a message with a lot of laughs and a big truth: there is so much we don't know. This message from Rev. Lee Paczulla is part of our summer series, SpiritFlix, finding the meaning behind the movies.2017-07-1725 minWellSprings CongregationSister Act: How You Do Anything - AudioIn the '90s film "Sister Act," an unexpected and headstrong newcomer shakes up a church choir, and not everyone is happy about it. Rev. Lee Paczulla says the comedy can teach us about navigating tough relationships. It's part of our SpiritFlix series, finding the meaning in the movies.2017-07-0925 minWellSprings CongregationPowerfully Powerless - AudioWell, this is a new one! On this Sunday, our worship space lost almost all electrical power. So WellSprings went all acoustic, including Rev. Ken Beldon, who delivered his message sans mic and on the fly. His theme: “powerfully powerless.” Please forgive the audio quality of the recording.2017-07-0211 minWellSprings CongregationThe Edge of Seventeen: Life At The Seams - AudioIn the movie "The Edge of Seventeen," teenager Nadine is suffering through the ups and downs (mostly downs) of high school. Rev. Ken Beldon says it's a good illustration that our lives are not seamless, but seam-full. It's the latest in our SpiritFlix series about the meaning behind the movies. Note: minor spoilers2017-06-2523 minWellSprings CongregationMoana: Harming Gifts & Healing Gifts - AudioHow do our parents shape the world? The animated film "Moana" is the inspiration for this funny and meaningful message delivered by Rev. Lee Paczulla on Father's Day. It's part of our summer message series, SpiritFlix, about the deeper meaning in movies. Note: This message contains minor spoilers about "Moana."2017-06-1832 minWellSprings CongregationArrival: Here Is The World - AudioIn the award-winning sci-fi movie "Arrival," the human characters ultimately must grapple with a huge and painful truth about life. Rev. Ken Beldon's message is part of our summer series SpiritFlix, Sunday messages inspired by the deeper meaning in movies. Note: This message contains spoilers about the film "Arrival."2017-06-1123 minWellSprings CongregationMoonlight: Little Universalism, Big Universalism - Audio"Moonlight," Oscar winner for Best Picture, is a touching portrait of growing up black, poor, and gay. In this story is the hope of the fulfillment of Universalism, "a revolution of tenderness." Rev. Ken Beldon's message is part of our summer SpiritFlix series about the deeper meanings in movies. Note: This message contains spoilers about the film "Moonlight."2017-06-0428 minWellSprings CongregationThe Most Magnificent Thing: Creative, Not Productive - AudioWhat is the difference between productivity and creativity? Rev. Ken Beldon continues the series "Stories with Soul," spiritual wisdom found in children's literature, by exploring the kids book "The Most Magnificent Thing."2017-05-2226 minWellSprings CongregationWhen The Wind Stops: What We're Given, What We Give - AudioWe all share imperfect families. Inspired by the children's book "When The Wind Stops," Rev. Ken Beldon assures us we are all still growing. It's the latest in a series of messages called "Stories With Soul" about wisdom in children's literature.2017-05-1425 minWellSprings CongregationThe Sneetches: The Fault in our Star System - AudioDr. Seuss' classic book The Sneetches inspired Rev. Ken Beldon to talk about inequality and racial injustice. It's the latest in a series of messages called "Stories With Soul" about wisdom in children's literature.2017-05-0831 minWellSprings CongregationStories With Soul: Wemberly Worried: What If and What Is - AudioWe all face a battle in the mind between feeling fear and experiencing what is. Rev. Ken Beldon continues the series "Stories with Soul," spiritual wisdom found in children's literature, by exploring "Wemberly Worried," a kids story about a nervous mouse.2017-04-2422 minWellSprings CongregationEaster: Throes Down - AudioRev. Ken Beldon delivers an Easter message about being open and vulnerable without fear: the gift of being heard.2017-04-1723 minWellSprings CongregationThe World Between Us: Listening to the End - AudioRev. Ken Beldon reminds us there is so much we cannot know, especially as we look toward the end of life, but we can be present. This is part of our message series "The World Between Us."2017-04-0917 minWellSprings CongregationThe World Between Us: Everywhere a Sign - AudioCan we explode our preconceived notions? Rev. Ken Beldon delivers this message in our series exploring the world between us, connecting despite our differences.2017-03-2630 minWellSprings CongregationThe World Between Us: What We Share - AudioWhat does it feel like to let down our burdens and share them with others? Rev. Lee Paczulla says we cannot do it on our own. It's part of our message series "The World Between Us."2017-03-1933 minWellSprings CongregationThe World Between Us: When Way Closes Down - AudioRev. Ken Beldon reminds us that to listen is to love, especially now. It's part of our message series "The World Between Us."2017-03-1231 minWellSprings CongregationThe World Between Us: Listening and Revealing - AudioThis message series explores the world between us. As Rev. Ken Beldon says, cultivate the power of listening. Spoiler alert: If you are the rare person who has NOT seen "Citizen Kane," "The Usual Suspects," OR "The Sixth Sense," Rev. Ken gives away those plots. Skip ahead to 2:00.2017-03-0527 minWellSprings CongregationThe World Between Us: Where the Magic Happens - AudioDo you long for a space to explore differences between each other without fear? How can you make that longing known? This message series explores the world between us, and as Rev. Lee Paczulla shows us, we all long to connect despite our differences.2017-02-2625 minWellSprings CongregationBouncing Back: What Moves in the Movement - AudioHow has love invited you to change and grow? Rev. Ken Beldon continues our winter message series, "Bouncing Back," about our capacity for resilience.2017-02-1925 minWellSprings CongregationBouncing Back: Can I Get a Witness? - AudioAre you willing to be a witness? Rev. Ken Beldon encourages us to show up as witnesses for those who ache to connect. This is part of our message series about resilience, "Bouncing Back."2017-02-1225 minWellSprings CongregationBouncing Back: This Is Us - AudioStories of hatred, fear, and exhaustion can make us feel hopeless, but we can live a life of justice and compassion. Rev. Ken Beldon weaves together stories small and large, inspired by the TV series "This Is Us." It's part of our message series about resilience, "Bouncing Back."2017-02-0529 minWellSprings CongregationWellSprings 10th Birthday - AudioWellSprings started 10 years ago as a "community charged full with the charge of the soul," but it wasn't an overnight success. Hear Rev. Ken Beldon's funny and touching stories of the birth and (eventual) success of WellSprings in this birthday message.2017-01-2908 minWellSprings CongregationBouncing Back: What Stays - AudioWhat sorts of things have shaped your inheritance? What has stayed with you, through the joys and difficulties of your life? Rev. Lee Paczulla continues our message series, "Bouncing Back," exploring strength and resilience.2017-01-2927 minWellSprings CongregationBouncing Back: Trust That It's a Process - AudioHow are you helping to bring greater, love, compassion, and justice into being in the midst of change? What brilliant thing are you noticing today? Rev. Ken Beldon, with a wink to the Sixers, continues our winter message series, "Bouncing Back," about our capacity for resilience.2017-01-2233 minWellSprings CongregationBouncing Back: The Recovery of the Dream - AudioHow can you look at the bandaged places of the past with love and compassion? How are you being a part of making Universalism more real in our world? Rev. Ken Beldon continues our winter message series, "Bouncing Back," about our capacity for resilience.2017-01-1525 minWellSprings CongregationBouncing Back: Soft Strength - AudioWhere and how have you learned what soft strength means for you? What have been the most resilient moments in your life? Rev. Ken Beldon kicks off our winter message series, "Bouncing Back," about being both strong and soft.2017-01-0824 minWellSprings CongregationBurning On and Burning Off - AudioIn this New Year's Day message, Rev. Ken Beldon asks, what sets your heart on fire so the light will guide you through the future?2017-01-0106 minWellSprings CongregationSounds of The Season: Lean in Toward the Light - AudioWhat does hope look like for you today? How can you find a way to lean towards your longing? Rev. Lee Paczulla delivers this message in our series "Sounds of the Season," inspired by a song by Carrie Newcomer, "Lean In Toward the Light."2016-12-1125 minWellSprings CongregationSounds of the Season : Where Is The Light - AudioIn this season of darkness, what is being revealed to you? How do you practice seeing the light in others, especially those you are less likely to see, or those with whom you disagree? Inspired by some of WellSprings' favorite songs, Rev. Ken Beldon looks for the glow in the Peter Mayer song "Where Is the Light" in the Sounds of the Season message series.2016-12-0427 minWellSprings CongregationReNew: The Greening of Things - AudioRev. Ken Beldon asks, what is greening in your life today? The message series ReNew explores transformation of our spirits.2016-09-1923 minWellSprings CongregationThe Martian: Resilience and Refuge - AudioThe film "The Martian" inspires Rev. Ken Beldon to ask: What relationships in your life have helped you name and realize your strengths in the face of adversity? What are your sources of true refuge?2016-08-2223 minWellSprings CongregationStories With Soul: "Shadow: The First Work Was Play” - AudioA stray sock not only inspired today's message, it inspired an original song! Rev. Ken Beldon reminds us that playfulness is an expression of the Buddhist concept of "beginner's mind." Words by Rev. Ken, music by Teresa Nazario, performed live by Melissa Davignon.2016-05-2322 minWellSprings CongregationWellCome Back Sunday: Holding Water - AudioIn our yearly September service called WellCome Back Sunday, Rev. Ken Beldon and Assistant Minister Lee Paczulla spoke about "How Does Your Life "Hold Water?" The passage ways of our lives are meant to flow, move and connect.2015-09-1417 minWellSprings CongregationLife Itself: Beyond "Like" - AudioMovie critic Roger Ebert understood the power of stories. As he faced cancer, he gave us important lessons about empathy, lovingly captured in the documentary "Life Itself." Rev. Ken Beldon continues the WellSprings SpiritFlix summer message series, finding meaning in movies.2015-08-2326 minWellSprings CongregationChef: It's the Ingredients, Not the Menu - AudioInspired by the Jon Favreau movie "Chef," Rev. Ken Beldon, himself an amateur chef, encourages us to look at the raw ingredients of our lives instead of always looking at the menu for what we want and need. This is the latest in the SpiritFlix message series, finding meaning in movies.2015-08-1020 minWellSprings CongregationE.T. the Extra-Terrestrial: Leaving, Letting Go, and Loving - AudioIn the beloved '80s classic "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial," a little boy' s chance friendship with an alien teaches him about the delight of love and the sting of letting go. Rev. Ken Beldon gives an emotional sermon about the difference between letting go and moving on. This is the latest installment in the WellSprings summer movie series, SpiritFlix, finding meaning in movies.2015-07-2623 minWellSprings CongregationThe Babadook: Soul Excavation - Audio"Babadook," the popular horror movie, really is a psychological excavation of unhealed grief. Don't negate the sadness of your own heart, says Rev. Ken Beldon. This is the part of this summer's SpiritFlix message series, finding meaning in movies.2015-06-1426 minWellSprings CongregationThe LEGO Movie: Nothing Special, Everything Awesome - AudioEverything is awesome in Rev. Ken Beldon's message about "The LEGO Movie," where an ordinary construction worker, Emmet, is told he's The Special, the one person who can save the world. What does it mean to be "special?" This is the first of this summer's SpiritFlix series, finding meaning in movies.
"Ultimately Lego pieces are designed for one thing: to connect...and so are we." ~~Rev. Ken Beldon2015-06-0824 minWellSprings CongregationReoccupying the Heart - Audio"You don't need to defeat doubt. You don't need to be fearless. You just need your curiosity to be a step ahead of your doubt and fear." --Rev. Ken Beldon2015-02-0823 minWellSprings CongregationOur Love Will Land - AudioJosh Ritter sang, "Every heart is a package tangled up in knots someone else tied." Inspired by the song, Rev. Ken Beldon offered an additional thought in today's message: "Every heart is a present waiting to be unwrapped by someone else's love and grace."2014-12-1515 minWellSprings CongregationDarkness Visible - AudioBlack lives matter. Yes, all lives matter, but whose lives have been treated as less, that's where love matters most. Inspired by the protests against police brutality across the country, Rev. Ken Beldon includes words from Chris Rock, Ta-Nahisi Coates, Bruce Springsteen, and others2014-12-0827 minWellSprings CongregationLove Dares You - Audio"I'd rather walk a hard road than have a hard heart. A hard heart, we are alone. A hard road, we can walk together." --Rev. Ken Beldon2014-11-1624 minWellSprings CongregationTwas Grace That Taught My Heart - AudioSome words from today's message on grace from Rev. Ken Beldon: "Universalism says that there is a love so special, we don't have to be special to be loved."2014-10-1921 minWellSprings CongregationFacing Up - AudioContinuing the message series based on Brene Brown's Daring Greatly, Rev. Ken Beldon examines how facing up to personal and societal challenges through honesty and vulnerability can help to heal shame and the belief that we're unworthy.2014-10-0527 minWellSprings Congregation12 Years a Slave: Looking Directly at Our History - AudioIn the wake of the events in Ferguson, Missouri, Rev. Ken Beldon talks about 12 Years A Slave, the awful reality of white supremacy in America, and how we can become people who stand for loving kindness.2014-08-2429 minWellSprings CongregationWaitress: Coming Clean - AudioSpirituality isn't about being perfect. It is only through being honest about where we are that we can come to know the true power of grace and love in our lives. Inspired by the movie "Waitress," the tale of a young baker and her pies, Ministerial Intern Lee Paczulla shares a message as part of our SpiritFlix series, about "coming clean" with our feelings and experiences.2014-06-2924 minWellSprings CongregationI Am: Precious Human Birth - AudioWhen successful Hollywood director Tom Shadyac suffered a life-changing injury, he asked, What's wrong with the world? Inspired by Shadyac's film "I AM," Rev. Ken Beldon reminds us to establish a spiritual practice and explore our capacity for compassion and connection.2014-06-0826 minWellSprings CongregationWanted: We Need Better Heroes - AudioIn the wake of the Boko Haram kidnappings and the Santa Barbara atrocity, Rev. Ken Beldon was reminded of the action movie "Wanted," a disturbing fantasy of masculinity realized through bloodshed. "As a man," he said, "I want to see more clearly the pathological sludge we're swimming in and producing. I want to do better, and I want us to do better.2014-06-0131 minWellSprings CongregationAm I Asking Too Much?: From Surviving to Thriving - Audio"When a child is hungry, he oughta be fed." Those are the opening words of soul singer Naomi Shelton's song "Am I Asking Too Much," this week's inspiration for Rev. Ken Beldon's message. In a competitive culture where many of us feel we're in survival mode, how do we continue to see clearly so that we can love deeply?2014-05-1828 minWellSprings CongregationJoy Comes Back: Readying the Ground - AudioAllow yourself to be surprised by joy. Rev. Ken Beldon is inspired by the Sean Staples song "Joy Comes Back" as he reminds us to prepare ourselves to feel joy, even when it seems very far away indeed.2014-05-1127 minWellSprings CongregationWorn: Bearing Our Scars - Audio"Scabs are mercy. New skin is grace." A little scrawl on the street inspired ministerial intern Lee Paczulla in this message about the Christian rock song "Worn" by Tenth Avenue North. She discusses her own wounds, scars, and the gifts they have to offer.2014-04-1328 minWellSprings CongregationHealing for the Ages - AudioHow do we heal from painful legacies? Leonard Cohen sang these words: "Ring the bells that still can ring. Forget your perfect offering. There is a crack in everything; that's how the light gets it." Rev. Ken Beldon says at midlife, we can make better sense of what we inherited and leave behind a legacy of healing.2014-03-3028 minWellSprings CongregationWhen I Leave This Joint at Some Further Point - AudioAt midlife, we reflect on Emily Dickinson's insight: "Because I could not stop for Death, Death kindly stopped for me..." How has the awareness of your mortality, or the mortality of those you care about, deepened your spiritual journey? Rev. Ken Beldon quotes Lou Reed and Neil deGrasse Tyson in his message, "When I Leave This Joint At Some Further Point."2014-03-2326 minWellSprings Congregation"Crisitunity" - Crisis or Opportunity? - AudioIn the '80s, the Talking Heads famously sang about a beautiful house and a beautiful wife and asked, "Well, how did I get here?" No matter where we are in life, we are not where we once were. And we don't know where we are going to be. Is midlife a crisis or an opportunity? Rev. Ken Beldon talks about faith in the midst of our lives.2014-03-0927 minWellSprings CongregationThe Power of WITH: Life Is Not One Direction - AudioIn our daily lives, are we really seeing people? Or are we seeing them as objects? Rev. Ken Beldon encourages us to reach for a deeper understanding of self, community, and the world.2014-03-0227 minWellSprings CongregationThe Power of WITH: Keeping Time With Everyone - Audio"Your heart is a drum keeping time with everyone," musician Beck sings. In this week's message, Rev. Ken Beldon reminds us all of how much we share in this world.2014-02-2326 minWellSprings CongregationThe Power of WITH: We Share the World - AudioWhat do we do in the face of fear or pain? How can we work with the hard things in our lives? Ministerial intern Lee Paczulla delivers this week's message, "We Share the World."2014-02-1625 minWellSprings CongregationThe Power of WITH: Here I Am - AudioMoved by the death of actor Philip Seymour Hoffman, Rev. Ken Beldon talks about the wisdom of the phrase "here I am" in the process of recovering from addiction.2014-02-0930 minWellSprings CongregationThe Power of WITH: Walk It With A Reverent Air - AudioThe most important question we can ask ourselves: Is the universe a friendly place or not? Paraphrasing Einstein, Rev. Ken Beldon continues his series "The Power of With" by exploring "cosmic friendliness" and the concept of "happification" as WellSprings celebrates its 7th birthday.2014-01-2627 minWellSprings CongregationThe Power of WITH: Mutuality Not Mask - AudioInspired by Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King's teaching on interdependence, Rev. Ken Beldon discusses how we can move beyond "other" and see other people with love and compassion.2014-01-1926 minWellSprings CongregationThe Power of WITH: A New Year's Inventory - AudioIn his first installment of the message series "The Power of With," Rev. Ken Beldon invites us to take a New Year's inventory. Many religions tell us to be hostile to ourselves to grow. Instead let's cultivate humility and vulnerability to work with who we are and what we have.2014-01-1226 min
WellSprings CongregationRegret #5: I Wish I Had Let Myself Be Happier - AudioTo end our series about the regrets of the dying, ministerial intern Lee Paczulla asks how we can open our lives to be happier, even when life doesn't seem happy.2013-12-2922 minWellSprings CongregationChristmas Eve: Innocence Found - AudioIn his 2013 Christmas Eve message, Rev. Ken Beldon invites us to explore innocence as we commemorate the birth of Christ.2013-12-2413 minWellSprings CongregationRegret #2: I Wish I Hadn't Worked So Hard - Audio"I wish I hadn't worked so hard" is a painful deathbed regret. It's just one of the top five regrets of the dying listed in a book by a hospice nurse. How can we live a life so we have fewer regrets at the end? Rev. Ken Beldon brings in lessons from Dickens in his message series Un-Scrooge.2013-12-0830 minWellSprings CongregationRegret #1: I Wish I Had the Courage to Live A Life True to Myself - AudioDecember's message series, "UnScrooge," is based on a book by a hospice nurse, "The Top Five Regrets of the Dying." The miserly Ebenezer Scrooge is a perfect illustration of them. What can we do to have a life without those regrets? Rev. Ken Beldon examines regret #1: "I wish I'd had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me."2013-12-0120 min
WellSprings CongregationBreaking Bad and Becoming Hurt People Who Don't Hurt People - AudioOn the date of the Breaking Bad TV series finale, Rev. Ken Beldon (a huge fan) explores why hurt people hurt people. How does faith deal with questions of pain, karma and forgiveness in the face of a monster like Walter White? (You'll hear some laughter when Rev. Ken notes how much Walter White resembles the church band's keyboardist.)2013-09-2931 minWellSprings CongregationI Love You and Buddha Too: Love is the Main Thing - AudioInspired by songwriter Mason Jennings' tune "I Love You and Buddha Too," Rev. Ken Beldon says whatever we believe, love is the main thing. Our lives have one common destiny. But he knows love is often met with fundamentalism or violence. How do we love then? Rev. Ken expands on words from Thoreau, Dan Gottlieb, Alice Walker, and Humberto Maturana, who said, "Love...is the only emotion that expands intelligence."2013-05-0524 minWellSprings CongregationI Love You and Buddha Too: Love is the Main Thing - PDFInspired by songwriter Mason Jennings' tune "I Love You and Buddha Too," Rev. Ken Beldon says whatever we believe, love is the main thing. Our lives have one common destiny. But he knows love is often met with fundamentalism or violence. How do we love then? Rev. Ken expands on words from Thoreau, Dan Gottlieb, Alice Walker, and Humberto Maturana, who said, "Love...is the only emotion that expands intelligence."2013-05-0500 minWellSprings CongregationMy Back Pages: Younger Than That Now - AudioIn his series Songs of the Spirit, Rev. Ken Beldon delves into Bob Dylan's classic song "My Back Pages." The key lyric: "I was so much older then. I'm younger than that now." As we get older, how do we avoid hiding behind ego and fear, acquisitions and possessions? Rev. Ken ties together lessons from Thich Nhat Hanh, Joseph Campbell, Dr. Carl Jung, and even Homer Simpson. All of them teach us how to be younger tomorrow in spirit than we are today.2013-04-2826 minWellSprings CongregationMy Back Pages: Younger Than That Now - PDFIn his series Songs of the Spirit, Rev. Ken Beldon delves into Bob Dylan's classic song "My Back Pages." The key lyric: "I was so much older then. I'm younger than that now." As we get older, how do we avoid hiding behind ego and fear, acquisitions and possessions? Rev. Ken ties together lessons from Thich Nhat Hanh, Joseph Campbell, Dr. Carl Jung, and even Homer Simpson. All of them teach us how to be younger tomorrow in spirit than we are today.2013-04-2800 min