Pastor - Michele Townsend Grove
Michele Townsend Grove, our half-time minister, is a Unitarian Universalist religious educator who has expanded her portfolio to include worship and congregational leadership. Michele moved to Galena in 2021 with her family and found the Unitarian Universalist Church of Stockton through the reference of a dear friend. Michele has worked in United Methodist and Unitarian Universalist churches for more than 30 years including congregations in Delaware, Washington, Maryland, West Virginia, New Jersey and Illinois.
Michele is married to Andy Townsend, a retired dentist who is currently working to restore several properties in Illinois and West Virginia. Michele and Andy have a daughter who is a sophomore at Galena High School.
When Michele is not working with the UU Stockton congregation she is consulting with other Unitarian Universalist congregations, teaching courses in transitional leadership, gardening and playing games with her family. Michele also admits to being a big fan of Marvel movies and Star Trek.
If you would like to reach out to Michele, please email uustocktonpastor@gmail.com. Michele looks forward to getting to know you!
Pastor's Perspective
April 12, 2024This past Sunday, we explored the many complicated emotional, communal, theological and human layers that create division within our world. And as we explored, we noticed that we have a great deal more to learn. The division in our nation and world is so entrenched that it will take a deal of energy to sort out. And yet, the effort to understand the division and create bridges is worth it.
Here are some resources to go further:
Here is a link to Sunday’s Service: https://youtu.be/RTTb9pYQle
Michele mentioned several resources that she would provide for further reflection and study:
The UUA webinar We Cannot Turn Away – Resources for Understanding and Engaging Israel Palestine. The 2-hour webinar is included on this resource page.
The interview with Elizabeth Loeb (who Michele quotes in her message) is a part of the webinar. https://www.uua.org/international-justice/uua-statements-palestine/israel/resources-engaging-palestine-israel
The link to the biblical map (this article lists several scripture references used to create this map) https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#inbox/FMfcgzGxSbqmPGfgcxbSpPwDLJBtDCxM
The link to a podcast on the stories in the book of Deuteronomy. This is a podcast hosted by myself and Rev. Samuel Felderman. It is a series of six podcasts exploring Deuteronomy including the scripture used in Sunday’s message. You can follow this conversation on Spotify https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/uubiblestudy The conversation begins with the Episode titled:The Second Sunday of Easter.
You can also follow us at the UU Bible Study webpage:https://www.uubiblestudy.com/weekly-podcast-a-womens-lectionary-for-the-whole-church.html Scroll down to episode nineteen. This is a topic that runs deep in our own hearts and minds. We are worried. We may even be afraid. But we not not without hope. We will continue to explore these topics in upcoming Sunday Services.
On Sunday, April 28th, the service will continue the exploration of this topic through the lens of difficult conversations. What are the conversations that are difficult to have? Why are they so difficult? What keeps us from listening? What keeps us from disrupting bad behavior?
Then on Sunday, May 5th we will explore practices we can utilize to take care of ourselves during times of stress and anxiety. How do we take care of ourselves and each other when we are facing our greatest fears?
Thank you for staying at the table and embracing this journey. You are all amazing and I am honored to walk with you through these difficult conversations.
Blessings, my friends,
Michele