HP Rivers

HP, smiling hugely, wears bold lipstick, glasses, and has a green streak in their hair.

HP Rivers (they/them, also known as Helen Cassara) was raised on love and coffee by Westside UU Church in Knoxville, TN. They are a Queer, Neurodivergent, Pagan UU religious educator, a graduate of Starr King School for the Ministry, and author of "Something Resembling God," a book of poetry about the many wild and wonderful ways we relate to the Divine. They are passionate about baking, photography, and building the Beloved Community. Read more of their writing and learn more about their work on their website.

From HP Rivers

Displaying 1 - 5 of 5

Two hands cupping the flame at the top of a taper candle.

Sometimes, there is no reprieve from the pain of this world. Sometimes, it is too big and too obvious to ignore.

Reflection | By HP Rivers | October 21, 2020 | From Braver/Wiser
Tagged as: Caring, Christianity, Connections, Family, Generations, God, Goddess, Paganism, Presence, Sorrow, Spiritual Practice, Worship
Helen Rose smiles, carrying the post of a rainbow flag over her shoulder.

A script and video sample for explaining why church is moving online to her congregation's children by DRE Helen Rose

Video | By HP Rivers, UU Church of Tallahassee, Tallahassee, FL | March 13, 2020 | From LeaderLab
Tagged as: #COVID19, Children's Faith Development, Worship
Vivid orange smoke, or clouds, against a background of water or sky.

Goddess, Make me an instrument of peace Where there is hatred, let me know love Where there is injury, healing Where there is doubt, reassurance Where there is challenge, compassion Where there is pain, rest O Divine Mother, Grant that I may Not so much seek to control as to co-create, To be...

Prayer | By HP Rivers | January 16, 2020 | From WorshipWeb
Tagged as: Christianity, Contemplation, Goddess, Integrity, Paganism, Peace
From several stories above street level, a large fabric rainbow is carried between contingents at a Pride parade

Blessed are the wanderers, Seeking affirmation. Blessed are the worshipers, Praying from closets, Pulpits, pews, and hardship. Blessed are the lovers of leaving – Leaving family and familiarity, Leaving tables Where love is not being served. Blessed are those who stay....

Blessing | By HP Rivers | May 28, 2019 | From WorshipWeb
Tagged as: 1st Principle (Worth & Dignity), 2nd Principle (Justice, Equity, & Compassion), 6th Principle (World Community), 7th Principle (Interconnected Web), Acceptance, Anti-Oppression, Coming Out, Compassion, Diversity, Family, Gender, Humanism, Justice, Justice Sunday, Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual/Transgender/Queer, Love, National Coming Out Day, Pride Sunday, Prophetic Words & Deeds, Secular, Sexuality
A toddler pouts in the background, while a plate of grapes with a corndog occupies the foreground.

When I internalize cultural messages about the definitions of success or failure—or anything, really—I undermine my own sense of self-worth.

Reflection | By HP Rivers | April 3, 2019 | From Braver/Wiser
Tagged as: Children, Compassion, Family, Food, Forgiveness, Grace, Letting Go, Limitations, Mothers, Self-Respect

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