A couple of years ago when I preached on technology and our lives, I found this fascinating piece by Vaughn Bell in Slate.
 
A respected Swiss scientist, Conrad Gessner, might have been the first to raise the alarm about the effects of information overload. In a landmark book, he described how the modern world overwhelmed people with data and that this overabundance was both "confusing and harmful" to the mind. The media now echo his concerns with reports on the unprecedented risks of living in an "always on" digital environment. It's worth noting that Gessner, for his part, never once used email and was completely ignorant about computers. That's not because he was a technophobe but because he died in 1565. His warnings referred to the seemingly unmanageable flood of information unleashed by the printing press.

Ah, yes, the perennial alarm bells announcing the inexorable decline of civilization. Change is hard. Not all change is good. And not all change is bad. The religious leader will say, "change mindfully." That's what I will say this coming weekend when I preach about creativity, technology, social media and community.

I invite your thoughts. Do you read blogs that improve your quality of life? (Here is a list of UU blogs if you want to check them out.) Does social media expand or contract your community? How does technology change the ways you are creative in your life?

Text me, or send me a Tweet, Facebook message or just email - whatever works best for you. I look forward to hearing your thoughts on creativity and technology and community.

Yours,
Mary Katherine

Harriet Meyer, a longtime member of UUCF and lifelong UU, was honored by the UUCF Women's Ritual Council Sunday, enrolling her in the Clara Barton Sisterhood of the Unitarian Universalist's Women's Federation. The Clara Barton Sisterhood was created to honor UU women over the age of 80 who have contributed significantly to our congregations, our women's groups and our denomination.

Harriet has served UUCF in numerous capacities, including board member, lay minister and beloved RE teacher. She chaired various committees and worked tirelessly on the auction, canvass and yard sale. She actively participated in Women's Circle programs in the 1990s and continues to serve as an elder.

Beyond UUCF, Harriet has presided over both the Greater Washington Association of Congregations and the Joseph Priestley District (JPD). For eight years she was the JPD's Ministerial Settlement Representative, working with search committees of churches in five states on behalf of the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA). She served as delegate to many UUA General Assemblies.

As Susan Bennett said when she presented Harriet the award, "Harriet's bright and endearing spirit continues to delight and inspire us and for that the Women's Ritual Council is profoundly grateful."