All Posts By

Debbie Philp

Dec 08
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From Gratitude to Reciprocity

By Inspirational Talks
This talk exploring how gratitude can be the foundation for service and activism was first presented to the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Glens Falls in Queensbury, New York, on November 30, 2025. The presentation was preceded by the Akwesasne Thanksgiving Address, read responsively with the congregation. Akwesasne is a Mohawk Nation staddling the U.S.-Canadian border in New York along the…
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Oct 07
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Ode to Oaks

By Inspirational Talks
This exploration of the wonders of plants was first presented to the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Glens Falls in Queensbury, New York, on October 5, 2025. The talk is balanced between science and spirituality and is appropriate for most audiences. The first time I went to a state wildlife rehabilitation conference, the keynote speaker was some guy named Doug Tallamy.…
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Sep 25
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To Know a Turtle

By Blog, Real Wilding, Spiritual Ecology
The family who knew her best called her Shelley. Those of us who had to contain her for care affectionately nicknamed her Houdini. Shelley was a 30-pound, two-foot-long common snapping turtle who lived in a pond behind a home occupied by three generations of caring humans. The family and their neighbors watched the road to make sure no turtles were…
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Sep 23
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All Her Beings

By Blog, Real Wilding, Spiritual Ecology
In 2022, when I graduated from seminary, I made a personal vow of ministry. I committed to caring for the Earth and all her beings. “All her beings” was a pretty big ask. After all, there are around 7.8 million species of animals, close to 300,000 plant species, 600,000 different kinds of fungi, and at least 5 million insect species…
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Sep 22
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Sacred Rhythms

By Inspirational Talks
Inspired by drumming in one of the full moon rituals I offered Mountain River Circle, held at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Glens Falls, the worship committee asked me to work drumming into a summer Sunday service. I brought drums to the congregation on August 17, 2025 and included the following in the service. Opening Chant Come, loved ones come.…
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