Dawn Skjei Cooley

Full name: Rev. Dawn Skjei Cooley

The Rev. Dawn Cooley preaches with arms open wide.

The Rev. Dawn Skjei (SHAY) Cooley believes that Unitarian Universalists are called to "Love the Hell Out of the World" and tries to practice this on a regular basis. She is passionate about helping congregations adapt to the changing cultural religious landscape.

From Dawn Skjei Cooley

Displaying 1 - 10 of 16

Your minister is not, cannot be, your friend.

Sermon | By Dawn Skjei Cooley | June 8, 2022 | From WorshipWeb

By the time of my first settled ministry (in Louisville, KY), I had served in a leadership capacity of some kind in a number of different UU congregations in multiple states. So when the congregational leadership told me it was time to schedule the annual fire drill service, I was stunned.

By Dawn Skjei Cooley | June 3, 2019 | From Southern Region

So you are a leader in your congregation and you are having a difficult time finding volunteers for the XYZ committee. You feel like you’ve tried everything – advertising in the newsletter, asking people directly, but still, it is the same few folks who say “Yes” and they are getting burned...

By Dawn Skjei Cooley | March 14, 2018 | From Southern Region

This is written for those of us on the sidelines of Harvey, not those of you struggling with the effects. To those of you struggling, we send love and support. The devastating flooding in Texas and Louisiana has sparked a lot of conversation and speculation from those not directly impacted. From...

By Dawn Skjei Cooley | September 5, 2017 | From Southern Region

It's been quite a while since I last joined a mosh pit. No, I am not speaking metaphorically (yet). For those of you unfamiliar with the concept, a mosh pit is an area, usually near the stage at a live concert, where people engage in some pretty full-contact dancing – bodies slamming into each...

By Dawn Skjei Cooley | May 2, 2017 | From Southern Region

The other day, when thanking my spouse for handling some mundane household chore, I burst into tears. Out of nowhere. Today, I find myself unable to focus – my attention is being demanded by one crisis after another. Friends, I am tired. I am tired, and I am scared. I am angry and I am grieving.

By Dawn Skjei Cooley | February 2, 2017 | From Southern Region

A weekly roundup of blogs and other user-generated web content about Unitarian Universalism.

By Dawn Skjei Cooley | November 18, 2016 | From UU World

One of my favorite things during seminary was the pulpit supply I did to earn a little extra cash. I traveled up and down the Prairie Star District (now part of the MidAmerica Region) visiting Unitarian Universalist congregations: small, medium and even a few large; lay-led and minister-led. All...

By Dawn Skjei Cooley | November 2, 2016 | From Southern Region

Let us go out into the world singing. Let us go out into the world singing songs that proclaim liberty. Songs that turn ashes into garlands Songs that bind up the afflicted and those who mourn. Songs that, like oaks, have roots that go deep and stand strong. Let us go out into the world singing....

Benediction | By Dawn Skjei Cooley | March 1, 2016 | From WorshipWeb

Bruises are a part of roller derby — a celebrated part. It’s not uncommon for players to take pictures of their biggest, most colorful shaped bruises: bruises that go deep into your tissue, and come out in amazing blues, purples, and blacks that eventually fade to greens, browns and yellows. A...

Reading | By Dawn Skjei Cooley | February 23, 2016 | From WorshipWeb

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