Amending the Soil

A few years ago I had a big moss problem in my yard. I live north of Seattle, so moss is hardly a surprise. But it was taking over the yard to the degree that the grass could no longer grow. My eighty-five year old neighbor came over the the hedge between our properties. He…

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Strategic Void

I’ve been involved in numerous presentations addressing the threat of what’s often termed Christian Nationalism to our democracy. This ideology seeks to establish a governance model where Christians permanently hold power, fostering what David Elcott describes as an “illiberal democracy” where everyone’s rights hinge on the whims of a ruling, Christian elite. I want to…

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Preparing the Soil

More than sixty people participated in our second “Let’s Go Together” event on Saturday, a service project held at the Helping Hands Food Bank in Sedro Woolley, WA. After first getting to know their neighbors at our Sharing Food and Stories event a few weeks ago, participants were back to deepen relationships while working side-by-side…

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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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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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