Intern Minister's Page

Yesterday was an exciting day. The California Supreme Court has finally given same sex couples the right to marry. The day began with a flurry of emails from Equality California, Faith for Equality, the Human Rights Campaign and the UU Legislative Ministry. By 11 AM, my phone was ringing off the hook, and my voice mail, email, and text message inboxes were being flooded by excited friends, family and supporters.

Everyone wanted to know the same thing. Will Seph and I be married again, this time for “real?”

I didn’t know what to say. We were united in faith four years ago, by our ministers, with a marriage license from the City and County of San Francisco. Later we were honored during the opening ceremony of our General Assembly here in Long Beach, when those same ministers spoke of their experience marrying us and a lesbian couple from Utah. Frankly, it hurt too much to have that marriage taken away, invalidated by the California Supreme Court six months later, as if it never existed.

There is a lot to celebrate right now. At this moment, I feel like I have first class citizenship in California, in any state, for the first time in my life. I went out for a beer last night after my last meeting, and though there was no large scale celebration here in Long Beach as in West Hollywood and San Francisco, everyone seemed to be out, smiling and proud. And this weekend, Long Beach Pride promises to be more festive and joyful than ever.

This morning I was thrilled to open the LA Times and find a wonderful photograph of two little girls holding a placard that read “We Support the Right to Marry: Neighborhood Church Stands on the Side of Love,” alongside our symbol of the flaming chalice. An editorial supported the court’s decision, and called on readers to reject the proposition for a Constitutional amendment excluding gays and lesbians from marriage. Perhaps we have a chance to make this latest victory stick.

I’m proud of our collective Unitarian Universalist commitment to marriage equality. I’m grateful for the work our colleagues are doing in Pasadena. As I leave this congregation that I have come to love so much, my hope is that you will join them in working actively to defeat the proposition that goes against all of our principles by reserving one of the most basic rights of our society for only some.

I passed! On Thursday, March 27, I appeared before the Ministerial Fellowship Committee of our Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations, and was approved for Preliminary Fellowship as a minister. This means that I can proceed with being ordained, knowing that I will be in fellowship with other ministers and with our national association. This week, I have begun conversations with the minister and moderator of the board of trustees of my home church in San Francisco to start planning the celebration that will make me an oradained minister. The celebration, which will include a "laying on of hands," is my home congregation's opportunity to exercise its right and privilege to ordain.

Now that I am 75% complete with this intrnship here in Long Beach, it's time for me to begin the process of withdrawing and saying goodbye, which will be difficult, considering how much I have grown to love this mighty little community and the people who make it what it is.

I have finished with the last of the five World Religions classes, for which participation varied from 7 to 35, depending on interest in the topic. On April 6, I will begin facilitating a five-part adult program called “Healing the Wounds of Our Religious Past,” to which seven people have committed. One of the goals of the seminar is to explore ways of being a force of healing in a world where so many come to us as religious liberals for accompaniment on a journey toward recovery from past experiences that left them feeling abused or pushed aside.

This month, Nancy Mary and I screened the last of the "Ooga Booga Movies" which have been all well-attended. Several people have suggested continuing the movies themselves, either in conjunction with the Green Sanctuary Committee or using a “grab bag” format. The films themselves, whose titles have not been advertised, have been less important than the conversations about process theology/postmodern thought that follow them. My hope is that there would be some intentionality around showing films that will generate conversation around larger topics, like theology, multiculturalism and oppression/privilege, or even something as broad as the interconnected web of all existence.

I have begun two separate conversations with members about starting a spiritual support group before I leave at the end of June, as quite a few congregants have come to me seeking support in their spiritual journeys. Many are looking for ways to integrate their UU values into a regular practice of prayer, meditation and reflection, a journey which for most is best shared in a group of mutual encouragement and experimentation, where every can learn from one another. If you are interested in participating in such a group, please let me know.

Also, on May 17, I will lead another all-day Street Retreat into downtown Long Beach. Scroll down to get information on the last one. All the same information applies, other than the date. And the fact that it will probably be warmer outside!

I can't thank everyone enough for what is proving to be one of the most magical and inspirational opportunities of my life, serving this congregation as your intern minister.

In Peace,

Denis

Every two weeks or so on Sunday afternoons, a wonderful discussion happens in the lounge as anywhere from 12 to 35 people gather to learn more about the World’s Great Religions. Questions are always well-thought out. But one question comes up more than others: “why do people believe this stuff?”

The short answer is that people believe what they need to believe in order to survive and hopefully thrive, and religion grows out of the collective beliefs of a community and their context. If the religion addresses those needs well, it responds to changing needs, becoming richer and more complex. If the religion doesn’t address those needs well, it stagnates, and becomes a breeding ground of rigidity, judgment, and even hostility

Ralph Waldo Emerson said that “A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds.”

Unfortunately, many of us have been overexposed to the fallout from the rantings of the little minds that would, and often do, abuse and oppress those of us who don’t fit neatly into their world view as we do the unthinkable: ask questions, voice doubt, apply reason and experience to theology, or simply live authentically and nontraditionally.

I know that for a long time I was hurt by the teachings of the church of my youth. Every time I was faced with the latest proclamation of the Pope, I would fly off on a tirade. After a lot of soul searching – and grieving – I came to realize that I had been angry, hurt that I was cast aside, and that many newcomers to Unitarian Universalism feel the same way. What drew me to Unitarian Universalism was its commitment to radical hospitality and its potential to be a force of healing in the world.

But what does it mean to each of us, members of Unitarian Universalist congregations, to be agents of such a healing? It begins with healing ourselves, no matter how great or small our own wounds are.

Beginning next month, on April 6, I’ll be offering a 5-part seminar called Healing the Wounds of Our Religious Past. It’s hard work, and requires commitment to attend all five seminars on April 6 & 20, May 4 & 18, and June 1.

The seminar will include weekly readings, deep reflections, and a fun and easy final project. There will be a small charge, to cover the cost of the reader, so you don't have to buy a lot of books. And if you can't afford the reader, let me know so the charge can be waived.

In late February, I will be heading off to San Jose, CA to attend a
conference called "Leading Congregations Into a Multiracial, Multicultural Future: Now is the Time!" The event is sponsored by our Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations, and is directed especially at the members of the Anti-Racist Transformation Teams of individual congregations. About a half dozen of us will be attending from this church, including at least a couple from our ARTT.

As I write this, I am in Berkeley where Rev. Lovett and I have just
spent two days with my classmates from Starr King School and their
internship supervisors. We've spent a lot of time discussing the ways in which our congregations live out our Unitarian Universalist
Association's commitment to end racism and promote multiculturalism
keeping in mind the ultimate goal of creating just and sustainable
communities.

On Sunday January 20, the eve of Martin Luther King Day, I preached on the legacay of Rev. King and the ways we bear witness to suffering and oppression in the world and how diffiucult it can be to do so considering the ways in which many of us have distinct advantages in our larger society simple by being identified as any combination of white, male, heterosexual middle-class or able-bodied. The response to my sermon was overwhelming, leading me to the conclusion that there is support for the work of examining our individual and collective privileges and embracing the work fo being white allies in countering oppressions.

My hope is that we will return from San Jose with more enthusiasm for this important work, and that as we invite members of this congregation to join us in "unpacking" the issue and our role in it, many of you (if not all) will join us in any way you can.

We can make the diverse and strong voices of Unitarian Universalism
heard right here in Long Beach, as we uphold the worth and dignity of every person, in celebration of all of our ethnicities, genders,
affections and abilities, becoming more compassionate along the way.

Jewish Buddhist Zen teacher Bernie Glassman began, about fifteen years ago, leading retreats to Auschwitz and other concentration camps. They were times of deeply personal reflection on not only suffering and violence, but recovery and connectedness, in a most unlikely setting. About ten years ago, at the same time a Unitarian Universalist minister and Franciscan nun had the same idea in San Francisco, he started leading week-long retreats into the streets of Manhattan, with similar goals.

Last year, I had the honor of serving as the intern minister at the Faithful Fools Street ministry under the supervision of Rev. Kay Jorgensen and Sister Carmen Barsody. I have participated in day-long and week-long Street Retreats in San Francisco, Portland, Sacramento and Richmond, and have found each outing to be a uniquely enlightening experience, walking the streets, eating in soup kitchens, engaging in the life of the streets and occasionally sleeping in doorways or shelters.

Street Retreats are not about pretending to be poor. They are not about going into areas of poverty to observe the homeless as if they were animals in a zoo. Street Retreats are not about fixing problems we know nothing about in one short afternoon. And I can’t say that Street Retreats are designed to help participants feel better about themselves, though that may be an outcome for some.

But, I can say that Street Retreats are about taking the time to reflect in a setting different from the settings of our everyday lives, going out into the bustle of the city rather than the quiet of the country. Street Retreats are about going into uncomfortable and often difficult situations in order to give ourselves the opportunity to notice what comes up for us, to pay attention to the preconceived notions we have about poverty and privilege, community and isolation, and our role in systems of oppression. Street Retreats are about giving ourselves room to change our perceptions.

On January 12, 2008, a group of us will be meeting in the Minister’s office at 9 AM. to embark on a day-long retreat into downtown Long Beach. We will regroup to return to church, and follow up with conversation and a light meal of soup and bread. If you plan to attend, please check the following list to find out what you should and should not bring, then contact me at intern.minister@uuclb.org to let me know.

Yesterday, I stopped for gas on my way home from church, and when I went inside to pay, the cashier said to me "Happy Holidays! Only two weeks left ‘til Christmas!"

Only two weeks left until Christmas? It hardly seems possible. That gas station was the closest thing to a store I have been into in two weeks. I'm still not accustomed to the California seasons, despite the fact that I love the warmth and sunshine of the holiday season here. And of course, it's so much warmer and sunnier in Southern California than it is the San Francisco Bay Area, it just makes the disconnect more dramatic. But weather is only a tiny part of it.

My father-in-law died suddenly and unexpectedly a week after Thanksgiving. I know he's not REALLY my father-in-law, since state and federal law make my domestic relationship fall outside of the boundaries of the law, but Marcel Caron was a sweet man, well loved in all of his hard-working quietness. He leaves behind five surviving children, nine grandchildren, his wife of 47 years, and both of his siblings. He was one week short of his 70th birthday.

About 500 people came to the wake, most having to stand in line for upwards of an hour to view his body and pay respects to the family. I was filled with pride as I watched our normally (though not unusually) sullen and lethargic teenage nephews decide on their own to stand in the receiving line to greet people. Thirteen year-old Andrew told one woman, "it's the least I can do to honor the life of my grandfather."

More difficult though, has been accompanying my partner Seph through the emotional turmoil of losing his beloved father, this man with whom he shared so many qualities. I often describe last year as my year of death, having served as a hospice chaplain then going on to walk with so many dying people as an intern minister at the Faithful Fools Street Ministry. But none of that could have prepared me for the rawness of loving and supporting someone so close to me in so much pain. Especially since we are living 400 miles apart. I can't hug him over the phone.

This is what is so wonderful about being part of a religious community. Though we can't be with each other, we are both surrounded by groups of loving people who share our values and have an unusual gift for bearing witness to pain. The people in Seph's small group ministry, and our church friends outside of that covenant group, have already proven to be tremendous sources of support. The best thing is that in the context of small group ministry, with its goal of nurturing deep listening, we've all learned to simply be present to one another, without feeling the need to fix anything or fill in an unfillable void.

For this, we are blessed, so even though neither Seph nor I feel particularly like celebrating Christmas, we know that we are loved.


Intern Minister Denis' Column A Cause for Celebration Yesterday was an exciting day. The California Supreme Court has finally given same sex couples the right to marry. The day began with a flurry of emails from Equality California, Faith for Equality, the Human Rights Campaign and the UU Legislative Ministry. By 11 AM, my phone was ringing off the hook, and my voice mail, email, and text message inboxes were being flooded by excited friends, family and supporters. Everyone wanted to know the same thing. Will Seph and I be married again, this time for “real?” I didn’t know what to say. We were united in faith four years ago, by our ministers, with a marriage license from the City and County of San Francisco. Later we were honored during the opening ceremony of our General Assembly here in Long Beach, when those same ministers spoke of their experience marrying us and a lesbian couple from Utah. Frankly, it hurt too much to have that marriage taken away, invalidated by the California Supreme Court six months later, as if it never existed. There is a lot to celebrate right now. At this moment, I feel like I have first class citizenship in California, in any state, for the first time in my life. I went out for a beer last night after my last meeting, and though there was no large scale celebration here in Long Beach as in West Hollywood and San Francisco, everyone seemed to be out, smiling and proud. And this weekend, Long Beach Pride promises to be more festive and joyful than ever. This morning I was thrilled to open the LA Times and find a wonderful photograph of two little girls holding a placard that read “We Support the Right to Marry: Neighborhood Church Stands on the Side of Love,” alongside our symbol of the flaming chalice. An editorial supported the court’s decision, and called on readers to reject the proposition for a Constitutional amendment excluding gays and lesbians from marriage. Perhaps we have a chance to make this latest victory stick. I’m proud of our collective Unitarian Universalist commitment to marriage equality. I’m grateful for the work our colleagues are doing in Pasadena. As I leave this congregation that I have come to love so much, my hope is that you will join them in working actively to defeat the proposition that goes against all of our principles by reserving one of the most basic rights of our society for only some. In Peace and Celebration, Denis Letourneau Paul Moving Forward (April) I passed! On Thursday, March 27, I appeared before the Ministerial Fellowship Committee of our Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations, and was approved for Preliminary Fellowship as a minister. This means that I can proceed with being ordained, knowing that I will be in fellowship with other ministers and with our national association. This week, I have begun conversations with the minister and moderator of the board of trustees of my home church in San Francisco to start planning the celebration that will make me an oradained minister. The celebration, which will include a "laying on of hands," is my home congregation's opportunity to exercise its right and privilege to ordain. Now that I am 75% complete with this intrnship here in Long Beach, it's time for me to begin the process of withdrawing and saying goodbye, which will be difficult, considering how much I have grown to love this mighty little community and the people who make it what it is. I have finished with the last of the five World Religions classes, for which participation varied from 7 to 35, depending on interest in the topic. On April 6, I will begin facilitating a five-part adult program called “Healing the Wounds of Our Religious Past,” to which seven people have committed. One of the goals of the seminar is to explore ways of being a force of healing in a world where so many come to us as religious liberals for accompaniment on a journey toward recovery from past experiences that left them feeling abused or pushed aside. This month, Nancy Mary and I screened the last of the "Ooga Booga Movies" which have been all well-attended. Several people have suggested continuing the movies themselves, either in conjunction with the Green Sanctuary Committee or using a “grab bag” format. The films themselves, whose titles have not been advertised, have been less important than the conversations about process theology/postmodern thought that follow them. My hope is that there would be some intentionality around showing films that will generate conversation around larger topics, like theology, multiculturalism and oppression/privilege, or even something as broad as the interconnected web of all existence. I have begun two separate conversations with members about starting a spiritual support group before I leave at the end of June, as quite a few congregants have come to me seeking support in their spiritual journeys. Many are looking for ways to integrate their UU values into a regular practice of prayer, meditation and reflection, a journey which for most is best shared in a group of mutual encouragement and experimentation, where every can learn from one another. If you are interested in participating in such a group, please let me know. Also, on May 17, I will lead another all-day Street Retreat into downtown Long Beach. Scroll down to get information on the last one. All the same information applies, other than the date. And the fact that it will probably be warmer outside! I can't thank everyone enough for what is proving to be one of the most magical and inspirational opportunities of my life, serving this congregation as your intern minister. In Peace, Denis Religious Wounding (March) Every two weeks or so on Sunday afternoons, a wonderful discussion happens in the lounge as anywhere from 12 to 35 people gather to learn more about the World’s Great Religions. Questions are always well-thought out. But one question comes up more than others: “why do people believe this stuff?” The short answer is that people believe what they need to believe in order to survive and hopefully thrive, and religion grows out of the collective beliefs of a community and their context. If the religion addresses those needs well, it responds to changing needs, becoming richer and more complex. If the religion doesn’t address those needs well, it stagnates, and becomes a breeding ground of rigidity, judgment, and even hostility Ralph Waldo Emerson said that “A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds.” Unfortunately, many of us have been overexposed to the fallout from the rantings of the little minds that would, and often do, abuse and oppress those of us who don’t fit neatly into their world view as we do the unthinkable: ask questions, voice doubt, apply reason and experience to theology, or simply live authentically and nontraditionally. I know that for a long time I was hurt by the teachings of the church of my youth. Every time I was faced with the latest proclamation of the Pope, I would fly off on a tirade. After a lot of soul searching – and grieving – I came to realize that I had been angry, hurt that I was cast aside, and that many newcomers to Unitarian Universalism feel the same way. What drew me to Unitarian Universalism was its commitment to radical hospitality and its potential to be a force of healing in the world. But what does it mean to each of us, members of Unitarian Universalist congregations, to be agents of such a healing? It begins with healing ourselves, no matter how great or small our own wounds are. Beginning next month, on April 6, I’ll be offering a 5-part seminar called Healing the Wounds of Our Religious Past. It’s hard work, and requires commitment to attend all five seminars on April 6 & 20, May 4 & 18, and June 1. The seminar will include weekly readings, deep reflections, and a fun and easy final project. There will be a small charge, to cover the cost of the reader, so you don't have to buy a lot of books. And if you can't afford the reader, let me know so the charge can be waived. In Peace, Denis Multiculturalism in Our Community (February) In late February, I will be heading off to San Jose, CA to attend a conference called "Leading Congregations Into a Multiracial, Multicultural Future: Now is the Time!" The event is sponsored by our Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations, and is directed especially at the members of the Anti-Racist Transformation Teams of individual congregations. About a half dozen of us will be attending from this church, including at least a couple from our ARTT. As I write this, I am in Berkeley where Rev. Lovett and I have just spent two days with my classmates from Starr King School and their internship supervisors. We've spent a lot of time discussing the ways in which our congregations live out our Unitarian Universalist Association's commitment to end racism and promote multiculturalism keeping in mind the ultimate goal of creating just and sustainable communities. On Sunday January 20, the eve of Martin Luther King Day, I preached on the legacay of Rev. King and the ways we bear witness to suffering and oppression in the world and how diffiucult it can be to do so considering the ways in which many of us have distinct advantages in our larger society simple by being identified as any combination of white, male, heterosexual middle-class or able-bodied. The response to my sermon was overwhelming, leading me to the conclusion that there is support for the work of examining our individual and collective privileges and embracing the work fo being white allies in countering oppressions. My hope is that we will return from San Jose with more enthusiasm for this important work, and that as we invite members of this congregation to join us in "unpacking" the issue and our role in it, many of you (if not all) will join us in any way you can. We can make the diverse and strong voices of Unitarian Universalism heard right here in Long Beach, as we uphold the worth and dignity of every person, in celebration of all of our ethnicities, genders, affections and abilities, becoming more compassionate along the way. Welcome to the Journey! In Peace, Denis Lertourneau Paul Street Retreats (January) Jewish Buddhist Zen teacher Bernie Glassman began, about fifteen years ago, leading retreats to Auschwitz and other concentration camps. They were times of deeply personal reflection on not only suffering and violence, but recovery and connectedness, in a most unlikely setting. About ten years ago, at the same time a Unitarian Universalist minister and Franciscan nun had the same idea in San Francisco, he started leading week-long retreats into the streets of Manhattan, with similar goals. Last year, I had the honor of serving as the intern minister at the Faithful Fools Street ministry under the supervision of Rev. Kay Jorgensen and Sister Carmen Barsody. I have participated in day-long and week-long Street Retreats in San Francisco, Portland, Sacramento and Richmond, and have found each outing to be a uniquely enlightening experience, walking the streets, eating in soup kitchens, engaging in the life of the streets and occasionally sleeping in doorways or shelters. Street Retreats are not about pretending to be poor. They are not about going into areas of poverty to observe the homeless as if they were animals in a zoo. Street Retreats are not about fixing problems we know nothing about in one short afternoon. And I can’t say that Street Retreats are designed to help participants feel better about themselves, though that may be an outcome for some. But, I can say that Street Retreats are about taking the time to reflect in a setting different from the settings of our everyday lives, going out into the bustle of the city rather than the quiet of the country. Street Retreats are about going into uncomfortable and often difficult situations in order to give ourselves the opportunity to notice what comes up for us, to pay attention to the preconceived notions we have about poverty and privilege, community and isolation, and our role in systems of oppression. Street Retreats are about giving ourselves room to change our perceptions. On January 12, 2008, a group of us will be meeting in the Minister’s office at 9 AM. to embark on a day-long retreat into downtown Long Beach. We will regroup to return to church, and follow up with conversation and a light meal of soup and bread. If you plan to attend, please check the following list to find out what you should and should not bring, then contact me at intern.minister@uuclb.org to let me know. It’s a challenging way to start the New Year! In Peace, Denis Letourneau Paul Do Bring: Warm clothes…dress in layers Comfortable shoes Enough money (including change) for bus fare and little more, if any A journal or notebook An open heart and mind Do NOT bring: A cell phone (if you must carry one, please try to keep it off) A camera Reading material Expensive jewelry (you’ll be more comfortable without it) Blue(ish) Christmas (December) Yesterday, I stopped for gas on my way home from church, and when I went inside to pay, the cashier said to me "Happy Holidays! Only two weeks left ‘til Christmas!" Only two weeks left until Christmas? It hardly seems possible. That gas station was the closest thing to a store I have been into in two weeks. I'm still not accustomed to the California seasons, despite the fact that I love the warmth and sunshine of the holiday season here. And of course, it's so much warmer and sunnier in Southern California than it is the San Francisco Bay Area, it just makes the disconnect more dramatic. But weather is only a tiny part of it. My father-in-law died suddenly and unexpectedly a week after Thanksgiving. I know he's not REALLY my father-in-law, since state and federal law make my domestic relationship fall outside of the boundaries of the law, but Marcel Caron was a sweet man, well loved in all of his hard-working quietness. He leaves behind five surviving children, nine grandchildren, his wife of 47 years, and both of his siblings. He was one week short of his 70th birthday. About 500 people came to the wake, most having to stand in line for upwards of an hour to view his body and pay respects to the family. I was filled with pride as I watched our normally (though not unusually) sullen and lethargic teenage nephews decide on their own to stand in the receiving line to greet people. Thirteen year-old Andrew told one woman, "it's the least I can do to honor the life of my grandfather." More difficult though, has been accompanying my partner Seph through the emotional turmoil of losing his beloved father, this man with whom he shared so many qualities. I often describe last year as my year of death, having served as a hospice chaplain then going on to walk with so many dying people as an intern minister at the Faithful Fools Street Ministry. But none of that could have prepared me for the rawness of loving and supporting someone so close to me in so much pain. Especially since we are living 400 miles apart. I can't hug him over the phone. This is what is so wonderful about being part of a religious community. Though we can't be with each other, we are both surrounded by groups of loving people who share our values and have an unusual gift for bearing witness to pain. The people in Seph's small group ministry, and our church friends outside of that covenant group, have already proven to be tremendous sources of support. The best thing is that in the context of small group ministry, with its goal of nurturing deep listening, we've all learned to simply be present to one another, without feeling the need to fix anything or fill in an unfillable void. For this, we are blessed, so even though neither Seph nor I feel particularly like celebrating Christmas, we know that we are loved. Denis Letourneau Paul Intern Minister	About Us Unitarian Universalism Our Church How To Get Here Our Staff Our Facilities Contact Us Worship Services Ministers' Pages Minister's Page Intern Minister's Page Religious Education RE Experience Director's Page Useful Links Church Programs for the Whole Family for Teens for Young Adults for Adults Green Sanctuary Music Small Group Ministry Social Action Visual Arts Event Calendar Links UUA Useful Links Member's Area Of Interest Denominational News Building OUUr Vision Second Worship Service Strategic Planning Upcoming Events Volunteer Corner Home
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