Rev. Alex Jensen
@revalex.bsky.social
Listener • Seeker • Unitarian Universalist Minister 🏳️🌈 he/him
Hope lifts us up… and sometimes weighs us down. This Soul Matters month of "Choosing Hope, we explore the Buddhist insight of the “twin thieves” of hope and fear and how we live meaningfully when hope feels distant.
Link:
open.substack.com/pub/revalexj...
Link:
open.substack.com/pub/revalexj...
December 8, 2025 at 12:06 AM
Hope lifts us up… and sometimes weighs us down. This Soul Matters month of "Choosing Hope, we explore the Buddhist insight of the “twin thieves” of hope and fear and how we live meaningfully when hope feels distant.
Link:
open.substack.com/pub/revalexj...
Link:
open.substack.com/pub/revalexj...
How does Unitarian Universalism, drag, and communion go together? It's a pretty good story... You'll have to check it out!
revalexjensen.substack.com/p/from-2023-...
revalexjensen.substack.com/p/from-2023-...
November 23, 2025 at 12:08 PM
How does Unitarian Universalism, drag, and communion go together? It's a pretty good story... You'll have to check it out!
revalexjensen.substack.com/p/from-2023-...
revalexjensen.substack.com/p/from-2023-...
Grateful for the love and support! Substack notified me that I’ve reached 100 subscribers to my podcast/sermon outlet. Glad to be walking life’s journey with all of you ❤️
open.substack.com/pub/revalexj...
open.substack.com/pub/revalexj...
November 17, 2025 at 4:12 PM
Grateful for the love and support! Substack notified me that I’ve reached 100 subscribers to my podcast/sermon outlet. Glad to be walking life’s journey with all of you ❤️
open.substack.com/pub/revalexj...
open.substack.com/pub/revalexj...
My reflections on what it's like to come of age in our world today, with the many challenges facing our country and world. What is the promise of our world for younger generations? How do we pick up the pieces? (Link below.)
open.substack.com/pub/revalexj...
open.substack.com/pub/revalexj...
November 16, 2025 at 7:12 PM
My reflections on what it's like to come of age in our world today, with the many challenges facing our country and world. What is the promise of our world for younger generations? How do we pick up the pieces? (Link below.)
open.substack.com/pub/revalexj...
open.substack.com/pub/revalexj...
Sharing another sermon from a few years ago, this time on prayer. What is prayer to you? open.substack.com/pub/revalexj...
November 9, 2025 at 9:32 PM
Sharing another sermon from a few years ago, this time on prayer. What is prayer to you? open.substack.com/pub/revalexj...
While our neighbors are hungry, we must do all we can to depose scarcity & hierarchy.
Share gifts. Give food, aid, money. Build relationships of care, interdependence, & aid. We are one body. One system. One humanity.
Our flourishing is possible if we can out insist the lie that there isn’t enough
Share gifts. Give food, aid, money. Build relationships of care, interdependence, & aid. We are one body. One system. One humanity.
Our flourishing is possible if we can out insist the lie that there isn’t enough
November 4, 2025 at 2:21 PM
While our neighbors are hungry, we must do all we can to depose scarcity & hierarchy.
Share gifts. Give food, aid, money. Build relationships of care, interdependence, & aid. We are one body. One system. One humanity.
Our flourishing is possible if we can out insist the lie that there isn’t enough
Share gifts. Give food, aid, money. Build relationships of care, interdependence, & aid. We are one body. One system. One humanity.
Our flourishing is possible if we can out insist the lie that there isn’t enough
We have fun over here on Sundays... I made our service on Unitarian Universalist "Saints" into a game show! See the link in the comments to view the results... And yes, I dressed up for this one... revalexjensen.substack.com/p/unitarian-...
November 2, 2025 at 6:35 PM
We have fun over here on Sundays... I made our service on Unitarian Universalist "Saints" into a game show! See the link in the comments to view the results... And yes, I dressed up for this one... revalexjensen.substack.com/p/unitarian-...
When was the last time you cried? Allowing yourself to feel what’s inside you, to grieve & weep?
In this time of numbing, it’s a trauma response not to feel. To not let your tears (or your fears) break the surface.
Don’t grow indifferent. Suffer with. Weep. It means your heart’s intact.
In this time of numbing, it’s a trauma response not to feel. To not let your tears (or your fears) break the surface.
Don’t grow indifferent. Suffer with. Weep. It means your heart’s intact.
November 1, 2025 at 5:06 PM
When was the last time you cried? Allowing yourself to feel what’s inside you, to grieve & weep?
In this time of numbing, it’s a trauma response not to feel. To not let your tears (or your fears) break the surface.
Don’t grow indifferent. Suffer with. Weep. It means your heart’s intact.
In this time of numbing, it’s a trauma response not to feel. To not let your tears (or your fears) break the surface.
Don’t grow indifferent. Suffer with. Weep. It means your heart’s intact.
As the Veil between worlds grows thin, we honor our ancestors and those we have lost in the past year. Through ritual and remembrance, we carry their light forward.
Wheel of the Year: Samhain – Honoring the Beloved Dead
Sermon from UUCGT's Service on Sun., Oct. 26, 2025. Preached by the Rev. Alex Jensen, Senior Minister at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Grand Traverse (UUCGT), Traverse City, Michigan.
open.substack.com
October 26, 2025 at 6:55 PM
As the Veil between worlds grows thin, we honor our ancestors and those we have lost in the past year. Through ritual and remembrance, we carry their light forward.
October 19, 2025 at 6:22 PM
From our service this morning: In honor of Indigenous Peoples’ Day and LGBTQ+ History Month, we reflect on the history and resilience of Two-Spirit people and the spiritual wisdom they offer our wider human story. (Link below.)
October 19, 2025 at 6:21 PM
From our service this morning: In honor of Indigenous Peoples’ Day and LGBTQ+ History Month, we reflect on the history and resilience of Two-Spirit people and the spiritual wisdom they offer our wider human story. (Link below.)
This Sunday, in honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month, I reflect on my own roots and heritage. How might be claim our whole selves, even when there are parts of ourselves that aren't often seen? (Link below)
October 5, 2025 at 6:25 PM
This Sunday, in honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month, I reflect on my own roots and heritage. How might be claim our whole selves, even when there are parts of ourselves that aren't often seen? (Link below)
"Saying What We Mean (And What We Don't)"
What happens when our words miss the mark? Together we explore how vulnerability, curiosity, and courage can help us stay connected when communication goes sideways. (Link in comments.)
What happens when our words miss the mark? Together we explore how vulnerability, curiosity, and courage can help us stay connected when communication goes sideways. (Link in comments.)
September 28, 2025 at 9:00 PM
"Saying What We Mean (And What We Don't)"
What happens when our words miss the mark? Together we explore how vulnerability, curiosity, and courage can help us stay connected when communication goes sideways. (Link in comments.)
What happens when our words miss the mark? Together we explore how vulnerability, curiosity, and courage can help us stay connected when communication goes sideways. (Link in comments.)
A necessary component for joy is having the space to experience it! What might Sabbath-taking mean for you? How can this countercultural practice of pausing for rest and renewal help us all to resist the culture of productivity and exploitation that harms so many?
open.substack.com/pub/revalexj...
open.substack.com/pub/revalexj...
Observing the Sabbath
Sermon from UUCGT's Service on Sun., Apr. 27, 2025. Preached by the Rev. Alex Jensen, Senior Minister at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Grand Traverse (UUCGT), Traverse City, Michigan.
open.substack.com
April 27, 2025 at 5:36 PM
A necessary component for joy is having the space to experience it! What might Sabbath-taking mean for you? How can this countercultural practice of pausing for rest and renewal help us all to resist the culture of productivity and exploitation that harms so many?
open.substack.com/pub/revalexj...
open.substack.com/pub/revalexj...
We had a beautiful Easter service this morning, using elements of Earth in our Communion service to remind us of our connections to one another and our planet. Proud of this one!
open.substack.com/pub/revalexj...
open.substack.com/pub/revalexj...
Easter Sunday: An Earth Day Communion
Sermon from UUCGT's Service on Sun., Apr. 20, 2025. Preached by the Rev. Alex Jensen, Senior Minister at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Grand Traverse (UUCGT), Traverse City, Michigan.
open.substack.com
April 21, 2025 at 1:13 AM
We had a beautiful Easter service this morning, using elements of Earth in our Communion service to remind us of our connections to one another and our planet. Proud of this one!
open.substack.com/pub/revalexj...
open.substack.com/pub/revalexj...
Reposted by Rev. Alex Jensen
Day 42 inspired by Dr.C Mindfulness helps us face intense emotions—fear, anxiety, sadness, or trauma—while avoiding them can lead to irritability and sleeplessness. While breaks are vital, staying connected to our feelings and bodies is crucial. Connect with your feelings via mindfulness.
April 15, 2025 at 11:01 AM
Day 42 inspired by Dr.C Mindfulness helps us face intense emotions—fear, anxiety, sadness, or trauma—while avoiding them can lead to irritability and sleeplessness. While breaks are vital, staying connected to our feelings and bodies is crucial. Connect with your feelings via mindfulness.
Reposted by Rev. Alex Jensen
Emotions are intertwined with physical health and relationships. Cultural teachings emphasize stoicism & self-sacrifice, but true strength includes self-compassion. Experiencing a range of emotions, including suffering, helps us grow in empathy & connect w others. Honoring emotions isn't a weakness.
April 8, 2025 at 6:46 PM
Emotions are intertwined with physical health and relationships. Cultural teachings emphasize stoicism & self-sacrifice, but true strength includes self-compassion. Experiencing a range of emotions, including suffering, helps us grow in empathy & connect w others. Honoring emotions isn't a weakness.
Reposted by Rev. Alex Jensen
Day 33 of Self-care. Many believe play is childish & creativity is only for the talented. Research shows otherwise. Play enhances relationships, sharpens minds, & aids regulation. Creativity brings joy & connection, reclaim that fearless creativity. Life is too short to let imperfection hinder you.
April 7, 2025 at 11:02 AM
Day 33 of Self-care. Many believe play is childish & creativity is only for the talented. Research shows otherwise. Play enhances relationships, sharpens minds, & aids regulation. Creativity brings joy & connection, reclaim that fearless creativity. Life is too short to let imperfection hinder you.
As we revisit the Exodus story, how might Pharaoh be a metaphor for narcissism? What happens when our hearts are hard to the feelings and needs of others? What happens when we won't listen?
open.substack.com/pub/revalexj...
open.substack.com/pub/revalexj...
Pharaoh, the Narcissist
Sermon from UUCGT's Service on Sunday, Apr. 6, 2025. Preached by the Rev. Alex Jensen, Senior Minister at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Grand Traverse (UUCGT), Traverse City, Michigan.
open.substack.com
April 6, 2025 at 6:05 PM
As we revisit the Exodus story, how might Pharaoh be a metaphor for narcissism? What happens when our hearts are hard to the feelings and needs of others? What happens when we won't listen?
open.substack.com/pub/revalexj...
open.substack.com/pub/revalexj...
Reposted by Rev. Alex Jensen
Laughter isn’t just a response—it’s healing. It boosts endorphins, cuts stress, and adds levity to life’s challenges. Research shows it eases pain and strengthens immunity. Remember your last belly laugh? Relive that joy today! What’s your go-to laugh source?
April 6, 2025 at 11:00 AM
Laughter isn’t just a response—it’s healing. It boosts endorphins, cuts stress, and adds levity to life’s challenges. Research shows it eases pain and strengthens immunity. Remember your last belly laugh? Relive that joy today! What’s your go-to laugh source?
Reposted by Rev. Alex Jensen
Day 32 of Self-Care Life's stress ebbs and flows like the sea—sometimes calm, sometimes stormy. We can't halt the waves, but we can learn to navigate them. Simplify, build supportive routines, and reflect after storms. Prepare for challenges ahead; you're not powerless. Trust calm will return.
April 5, 2025 at 11:00 AM
Day 32 of Self-Care Life's stress ebbs and flows like the sea—sometimes calm, sometimes stormy. We can't halt the waves, but we can learn to navigate them. Simplify, build supportive routines, and reflect after storms. Prepare for challenges ahead; you're not powerless. Trust calm will return.
Reposted by Rev. Alex Jensen
Day 31 of sacred self-care. Anger reveals truths. It's our inner alarm signaling boundary breaches or injustice. Often repressed, it can morph into irritability or fatigue. Instead, explore its roots—hurt or fear. Recognize your body's reactions. Use joy to balance it. Reflect on anger as a guide.
April 4, 2025 at 11:00 AM
Day 31 of sacred self-care. Anger reveals truths. It's our inner alarm signaling boundary breaches or injustice. Often repressed, it can morph into irritability or fatigue. Instead, explore its roots—hurt or fear. Recognize your body's reactions. Use joy to balance it. Reflect on anger as a guide.
Reposted by Rev. Alex Jensen
Day 30 of self-care, inspired by Dr. C, Joy is not a distant luxury but a present necessity. Joy fuels us, supports our struggles, & is crucial in avoiding burnout. Reflect on the last time you felt pure joy—If your inner critic says joy must wait, try to quiet that voice. Cultivate joy today!
April 3, 2025 at 11:00 AM
Day 30 of self-care, inspired by Dr. C, Joy is not a distant luxury but a present necessity. Joy fuels us, supports our struggles, & is crucial in avoiding burnout. Reflect on the last time you felt pure joy—If your inner critic says joy must wait, try to quiet that voice. Cultivate joy today!
Reposted by Rev. Alex Jensen
Day 28 of self-care inspired by Dr.C Reflect on the importance of boundaries and on maintaining them with care. Boundaries are about taking responsibility for ourselves, not controlling others. Boundaries guide us in respecting ourselves and others. How will you mind your boundaries this week?
April 1, 2025 at 10:00 AM
Day 28 of self-care inspired by Dr.C Reflect on the importance of boundaries and on maintaining them with care. Boundaries are about taking responsibility for ourselves, not controlling others. Boundaries guide us in respecting ourselves and others. How will you mind your boundaries this week?
Reposted by Rev. Alex Jensen
Day 27 @DrC Reflect on your social media use & its impact on your boundaries and self-care. With endless notifications from friends, strangers, and employers, digital life can be overwhelming. You don't have to give others unlimited access to your life. Create and honor your own digital sanctuary.
March 31, 2025 at 10:13 PM
Day 27 @DrC Reflect on your social media use & its impact on your boundaries and self-care. With endless notifications from friends, strangers, and employers, digital life can be overwhelming. You don't have to give others unlimited access to your life. Create and honor your own digital sanctuary.