Overview

The late Joseph S. Willis was a preacher, pastor, painter, and poet. In this compilation the reader will encounter thought-provoking musings about God, the universe, various religions, and lessons to apply to life. Willis's ministry began in the Christian tradition; how ever, over time he explored a wider range of interests, which led him to become a Unitarian Universalist. An accomplished landscape artist, he conveyed through mostly southwestern scenes his deep appreciation of nature and his belief that man is not the ruler of the earth. In words and pictures, he expressed a profound understanding of our place in the universe, but he never claimed to have found eternal truth. In fact, he called himself a faithful agnostic. Readers of all faiths will find nuggets of wisdom woven throughout these pages. Faith is not contrary to reason; faith emerges from reason. For me, the Ultimate Reality is a Mystery. It is beyond my under standing, and beyond the understanding of every astronomer, every theologian, and every philosopher. God is simply a human name for the incomprehensible Mystery. And I believe in the Mystery - whatever it is. -Joseph S. Willis, excerpt from the sermon Faith: You'd Better Believe It!

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9781943324057

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Joe Willis had a compassionate heart, a vibrant mind, and a profound sense of spiritual integrity. This was laced together with a creative wit and an embracing spirit. Working with him was to engage the delight and grace of true collaboration and collegiality. Our sojourn together remains a highlight of my seventy years as a professional minister. -The Rev. Robert T. Latham, Minister Emeritus, The Jefferson Unitarian Church, Golden, CO Joe was warm, kind, and completely accessible, as well as bright and articulate. During my several years of serving on a church staff with him, I never heard him say a cross word or denigrate another. I miss him. I talk to him every time I enter the Joe Willis Memorial Chapel at JUC. He remains a role model for my own ministry. -The Rev. Dr. Barry Bloom, Community Minister, The Jefferson Unitarian Church, Golden, CO Joe was a prince of a colleague and his ministry at First Unitarian is an important part of its history. -The Rev. Christine Robinson, Senior Minister, First Unitarian Church, Albuquerque, NM Joe was a mentor for me at First Unitarian in Albuquerque in the 1980s. I loved his warm heart and keen mind. It was a privilege for me to create the Joseph S. Willis Chapel woodcarving at Jefferson Unitarian Church.

Author Information

Born in El Paso, Texas, Joseph S. Willis received his bachelor's degree in biology and English from Texas College of Mines (now University of Texas at El Paso) and his Master of Theology degree from Princeton Theological Seminary in 1943. After serving Presbyterian churches in New Jersey, Texas, and New Mexico, he entered the Divinity School of the University of Chicago in 1952, completing studies for a doctorate. He became University Pastor at the University of New Mexico in 1955, serving for twelve years. He worked with colleagues to establish the Inter-Religious Council and taught theology courses at the University of Albuquerque. In 1967, he left the Presbyterian ministry and became a counselor and teacher in the Albuquerque Public Schools. Joe and his wife Nancy joined First Unitarian Church in Albuquerque in 1978, which led to a re-entry into the professional ministry. He served several staff positions in Albuquerque. After a move to Colorado in 1989, he became Associate Minister at the Jefferson Unitarian Church in Golden, where he served over eight years. Following his retirement in 1998, he published his book, Finding Faith in the Face of Doubt: A Guide for Contemporary Seekers (Quest Books, 2001). He also continued to teach classes, accept preaching invitations, and assist with pastoral care. Jefferson Unitarian named him Minister Emeritus in May 2001. Nancy Key Roeder is a retired high school English teacher. She grew up in New Mexico, beginning her work career as a reporter and feature writer for the for the Albuquerque Tribune. Subsequently, she published numerous free-lance articles and magazines. She holds a B. A. in English from San Francisco State University and a Master of Social Science degree from the University of Colorado at Denver. She lives in Denver, Colorado.

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