Minister Articles

This is a sweet little story that I have shared many times, especially with children when asked about heaven. There have been many versions told with each storyteller making it their own. In my experience it inspires hope for the grieving heart and provides a good analogy for explaining transition and transformation after death to children.

The Dragonfly Story

by Rev. Dr. Karen Turek, D.D.M.S., Ph.D.
 

Down below the surface of a quiet pond lived a little colony of water nymphs known as n…

by Rev. K. Anthony Gogue  

Preparing for the Memorial Day Weekend gathering was quite an experience, after all, it was going to be one of the first public ADL events where people were able to reconnect in person since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. We, as humanity, have all experienced a long, nearly two-year journey in fear, illness, lack, pain, restlessness, social isolation, and other things directly tied to many spiritual lessons. We were essentially forced to go within to heal our …

by Rev. Dr. Karen Turek, D.D.M.S., Ph.D.

As I reflect on the mass murders in Texas this week, a sense of numbness that turns into uncontrollable weeping, brings me to my knees. When I close my eyes, I see their sweet radiant faces and feel the fear that they must have felt in their last moments before they were released into God’s merciful care. And the families, the community, how will they manage to even begin to recover? There are no words that can even begin to mend this tragedy. Prayer a…

by Rev. Dr. Karen Turek, D.D.M.S., Ph.D.

How do I manage my grief in a healthy way?

There are no universal guidelines for navigating through grief, it is a very personal journey. With that being said, there are some basic truths that may resonate with you and support your journey as you navigate your path of healing.

Lean into the Pain

Feel what you need to feel! Allow time to heal from the inside out. Grieving takes work, it is unpredictable, and it is most likely unlike anything that you…

by Rev. Rita Scheibeck

Today we take a few moments to acknowledge the ways that our personal situations and those of our loved ones have changed over the past two years. Even as we read these words, our local, national, and world events continue to impact our individual and collective circumstances.

We can realize that changes are a constant in our earthly lives and in the universes, but we may not always feel prepared for the tasks of meeting challenges without fears or resentments.

In a q…

By Rev. Therese Inzerillo

This is the first in the series of interviews with various ADL Ministers. Revs. Greg and Mary McCoy are the President and Secretary, respectively, of The ADL Heartland Chapter, in Kansas City, Missouri. This is an opportunity to get to know them personally and know about the work they and others in The Heartland Chapter are doing. Enjoy!

by Rev. Mary M. Robertson

Riding my bike through a nearby nature preserve I hear the unique sound of a squirrel, which my mind immediately, and poetically, labeled scolding. I caught a thought. Maybe there’s another interpretation. Maybe it is the sound of the squirrel calling…

During a mindfulness and self-care workshop, during a breakout session, I shared I was a retired nurse before I became a minister. I also shared that I had realized that, while I’ve thought of myself as mostly extrove…

By Rev. Therese Inzerillo

In this talk, I share excerpts from the Gospel of Thomas demonstrating the authority of the Divine within and all around us, as well as shining a light on Jesus' demonstrations of love and how, we too, can transcend the obstacles and challenges in our lives to embody our Christ nature.

by Rev. Dr. Karen Turek, D.D.M.S., Ph.D.

I am often asked, as a bereavement counselor, “Has anyone ever died of a broken heart?” Unfortunately, the answer is “yes.” But allow me to elaborate on my answer. Firstly, most all cases of broken heart syndrome are temporary and do not result in a permanent condition or death. The symptoms that are experienced are brought on by acutely stressful situations and extreme emotions such as the loss of a loved one, a serious accident, a sudden illness, a nat…

By Rev. Brian Kirsch  

OK, Who here has ever seen or played with Hot Wheels?

What has Hot Wheels got to do with me and my spiritual journey? …and more importantly, how can I make it part of my spiritual journey. I mean it sounds like it could be a fun trip to take!

So back years ago, little Harold walks into the toy store. The display of these cool futuristic looking cars captures his attention and more importantly, his imagination. He knows Mom’s not just going to offer to buy him one of the…