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
May 3, 2024
I am grateful to all of you who stay at the table as we talk about the challenges facing our country. Last Sunday, in my sermon on Christian Nationalism, we explored its work in our country since 1976 and looked at how it is a part of this election year.
If you would like to watch the service, please follow this link: https://youtu.be/s_4o-EKbZ7E
Many of you had interest in the topic and you raised excellent questions and comments. I am thinking about some ways we can continue this conversation. Please watch for opportunities coming soon. In the meantime, here are some thoughts:
- Christian Nationalism is not just one group. According to Philip Gorsky (a Political-Historical Sociologist and a Professor at Yale University), Christian Nationalism is a political strategy based on an ideology. I believe that this ideology is a theology – Christianity. I also believe that this ideology/theology is a narrow view of what the full breadth of Christianity brings to the modern community by the model of the historic Jesus.
- Don’t forget that the foundation for Christian Nationalism is racism. It wants this nation to fully identify as Christian (White Christian) and live into these values.
- I would encourage you to read Jim Wallis’ new book, The False White Gospel. Wallis is an evangelical Christian who is challenging his peers in their ideology and faith. He speaks clearly from his faith. He also speaks clearly about his work in Washington DC and his experience with Christian Nationalism. It is a thoughtful and informative book.
- I told you in Sunday’s sermon that White Evangelical Churches are mobilizing around the country to influence this year’s election. I told you about an interview with a former Christian Nationalist whose name I could not remember said that 1,250 churches have already been mobilized. The name of the person is Brad Onishi and I misquoted the number. Actually, 2,500 churches have already mobilized. And this was 2 months ago. Here is a link to a PBS News hour interview which was uploaded to Youtube 2 months ago. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EgC7YQAtGOw
- Brad Onishi names the swing states which are being targeted by Christian Nationalism and one of them is Wisconsin (our neighbor). It may be time to be politically active in Wisconsin!
- I also told you about a website that follows Voter’s rights legislation around the country. It has records on legislation from 2021-2024. It is called Voters Rights Lab and you can follow them here: https://tracker.votingrightslab.org/
Blessings,
Michele