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 [email protected]. Michele looks forward to getting to know you!
September 13, 2024
Pastor's Perspective
This past Sunday, as we explored Buddhism in our morning Service, I was struck by the beauty and mystery of this practice which I know very little. For even though Buddhism has been around for more than 2500 years, it is a religion that is outside my comfort zone. I am ready to explore it further. It is likely that its wisdom will guide me be a better citizen of this community, nation and world.
I have been thinking a great deal about how our world is in crisis. Humanity’s overuse of the world’s resources is killing so many living things. Even the fate of humanity hangs in a tenuous balance. In the long run, I believe that the earth will survive. However, I am not convinced humanity will. And I am saddened by all that we destroy as we hang on to our over consumption.
Maybe a part of my problem is that I am relying solely on thinking and talking. Maybe it is time to invest in new practices that empty my mind and open space for new ways of being in relationship with the earth.
Maybe those steeped in Buddhist practices have something to teach me – teach us about how to shift from disharmony to harmony.
For those of you who are Buddhist or who engage in Buddhist practices, I am open to what you have to share. Where did you begin? And how do your practices influence the way you see the world?
For those who would like to see this Sunday’s service, you can follow this YouTube link: https://youtu.be/WXTaFrTGAdA
As you go through your week, my wish is that you discover new ways to be in relationship with the world that brings goodness.
Blessings to you all
Michele