The Language of the Roots

The Language of the Roots

From Sunday Mornings at Cedars by Cedars Unitarian Universalist Church

March 2, 2026 · 1h 17m · Season 3 · Episode 8

About this episode

The episode features a discussion on the story 'Grandmother Waits' and its themes of autonomy and community led by guest speakers.

Rev. Tessie Mandeville, Carrie Koehnline and Judith Kaftan, Guest Speakers Su Livingston, Guest Musician Nancy Philip, Worship Associate Our speakers will share a recently rediscovered story, "Grandmother Waits." They'll reflect, as the elders they are now, on its messages of autonomy, depth, creativity, and what it takes to be a healthy, diverse community. Led by Carrie and Judith, who co-wrote the story more than 30 years ago, and woven together with poetry and songs by Tessie, this promises to be an engaging and wonderful service. Rev. Tessie Mandeville is an affiliated minister at Bellingham Unitarian Fellowship (BUF), a hospital chaplain (ret.), and an Interfaith spiritual director, who lives in Bellingham with her wife, Lisa. Carrie Koehnline is a journal therapist, artist, writer, and frequent worship leader at BUF who lives in Bellingham with her wife, Dominique. Judith Kaftan is a longtime psychotherapist, artist, and writer who has recently retired. She lives in Seattle along with her wife, Marra. Su Livingston is a former educator, worship celebrant at BUF, and a lifelong musician who lives in Bellingham with her husband, John.

People in this episode

Guests: Rev. Tessie Mandeville, Carrie Koehnline, Judith Kaftan, Su Livingston

Topics covered

  • storytelling
  • community
  • autonomy
  • creativity
  • diversity
  • spirituality

Keywords

  • Grandmother Waits
  • community
  • autonomy
  • creativity
  • spirituality
  • storytelling
  • Bellingham Unitarian Fellowship

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Bellingham Unitarian Fellowship

Books & works: Grandmother Waits

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