Humbled and Hopeful
Seventy people of diverse cultures, traditions, and life experiences came together last Thursday at our first LGT event. We gathered for food and conversation and found something more: hope. We live in a time of deep despair about the inequalities among humans our separation from each other. Many of us wonder if there is anything…
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Anticipation and Exitement
After eighteen months of one-to-one conversations, group meetings, and many details the moment is here. Our first Let’s Go Together (LGT) gathering in Skagit county will take place on Thursday night! We have over 30 groups and 70+ people registered to come. I believe people in this nation are being tempted by a lie: That…
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The Importance of Experience
Over the past few months, I have had the opportunity to catch up with some alumni of past interfaith programs I have directed. It is such a joy to see these young people flourishing in the world, and I am continually struck by the deep wisdom that they continue to bring to our shared world.…
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Grit, Guts, and Prayer
PTU is deepening its partnership with the Center for Ecumenical and Interreligious Engagement at Seattle University. We are looking forward to co-creating a series of events about how wisdom communities can strengthen democracy. More about that soon. In my conversations with the center’s director Michael Trice the words “grit” and “guts” have come up. Michael…
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It’s Happening
Last Sunday, we held a facilitation training to prepare local leaders in Skagit Valley for the first big event in our Let’s Go Together (LGT) program. The LGT program brings people of diverse cultures, traditions, and life circumstances into relationship with each other. This year’s events will be both a powerful experience for those participating…
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All We Can Do
On Sunday I spoke to a leader of a wisdom community who is a dear friend of mine. He shared something that so many of us are feeling: Despair. I told him that I feel that sometimes, too. We discussed the challenge of exclusive in-grouping in the form of ethnic nationalism. We wondered if what…
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Announcing Youth Engagement Program
A few years ago, I sat down at a coffee shop with some disgruntled high school students. When I asked them what was wrong, they informed me that they were tired of being called “cute.” I smiled quietly and listened to their frustrations. There is a deep truth to what they were sharing. For…
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This Is the Year
My first day as executive director of PTU was almost exactly six years ago. The board and I knew we had a lot of work ahead of us. The key issues at hand: We started with educational engagements to help groups listen deeply to each other. With the leadership of Jeff Renner, we established our…
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Burning Passion
In 2015 I felt a burning passion in my heart, my bones, my soul. I saw increasing divisions in our society. I saw the dehumanization of Muslims, Jews, Indigenous and so many more. I knew that we were on a path that leads to fear and violence. We are still on that path now. Many…
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