Dear Friends,

For all of the tensions in our world and in our nation’s capital, I’ve found myself walking down the streets to work thinking, "What a beautiful day. What a wonderful city. As the trees turn color and the humidity fades, it feels good to be alive." I encourage you to get outside soon and enjoy a walk.

Big Thank You

A heartfelt thank-you to last Sunday’s guest speaker for sharing thoughtful reflections on the power of storytelling and creative work to make a real impact in the world (click here to view the recording). The conversation was a meaningful reminder that it’s not what we say, but what we do, that demonstrates our love for others and our commitment to good.

What to Expect This Week

My sermon is for this coming Sunday is titled “Who Is the Real Antichrist?”

This week, tech billionaire Peter Thiel charged $200 for lectures warning that the antichrist lurks in climate activism, international cooperation, and technology regulation—even suggesting that figures like Greta Thunberg and major financial institutions could herald Armageddon. But few people even know what the term antichrist truly means.

This Sunday, I’ll explore where the idea of the antichrist actually comes from and what it means for our daily lives. Spoiler: it’s closer than we think.

I’ll be preaching in the chapel—let me know if you can join.

Blessings,

Rev. Rich Tafel

Readings for the Coming Sunday

Gospel Reading

1 John 2:18

Children, it is the last hour; and as you have heard that Antichrist is coming, so now many antichrists have come.”

Swedenborg Insights

Heaven and Hell §565

“Love of the world” isn’t quite as damaging as “love of self,” but it’s still a problem. It shows up as scheming for wealth, chasing status, or hoarding possessions instead of loving our neighbor and God. The key point: why you want money matters more than anything else. Your purpose shapes who you become—and your love defines your character.

Companion Reading

C.S. Lewis, The Screwtape Letters

The safest road to hell is the gradual one—the gentle slope, soft underfoot, without sudden turnings, without milestones, without signposts.

News & Notes from the Pastor’s Desk

A recent story from Religion News Service (click here to read) profiles Zohran Mamdani’s effort to build bridges with New York’s faith communities.

It’s a reminder that faith, even in the most pluralistic settings, remains a powerful language of belonging and moral imagination. When political discourse grows polarized, leaders who engage people of faith with humility and respect help reopen space for shared purpose.

How might we, too, become better translators between the moral and the political—between what we believe and how we live together?

Thought of the Week - Would You Agree?