As summer gives way to autumn, Unitarian Universalist congregations often gather for Water Communion and Ingathering services—a time to reconnect after months of travel or adventure. Yet these beloved traditions invite us to do more than simply recount where we have been or mark the restart of another church year. They call us to consider … Continue reading The Blessing of Water (Ingathering)
Labor Day is often about the jobs we held, but our lives are shaped by far more than our careers. This Sunday, we’ll explore the work that defines us—not only the work that earned a paycheck, but also the often unseen labor of raising families, serving our communities, nurturing relationships, volunteering, creating, and caring for … Continue reading Work of Our Hands, Legacy of Our Hearts
Everything changes. Governments change. Technology changes. Our bodies change. Congregations change. Relationships change. Yet throughout our lives we discover that some things endure—not because they never change, but because they continue to give us direction. We also shared joys and sorrows in this service.
Our faith’s history is written not only in books, but also in song. This service explored the evolution of Unitarian Universalist beliefs and values through the hymns and music that have inspired generations of seekers. From the earliest days of Unitarianism and Universalism to the diverse faith tradition we know today, we discovered how music … Continue reading Exploring UU History Through Song
The Summer Solstice marks the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere — a moment when light reaches its peak before the slow turning back toward darkness begins. Across cultures and centuries, people have gathered around fires, watched the sunrise, danced, sung, blessed gardens, and honored the sacred rhythms of the Earth. This … Continue reading Summer Solstice: When the Sun Stands Still
This Sunday service explored the meaning of “good trouble” — the moral courage to challenge injustice when following the rules and doing what is right are no longer the same thing. Drawing on the legacy of the Civil Rights Movement and the words of John Lewis, we reflected on what it means to live our … Continue reading Good Trouble: Resistance as a Spiritual Practice
This Mother’s Day service began with an honest acknowledgment that the day is not simple for everyone, and that the stories we carry about mothers are often more complicated than we expect. What first seemed like a straightforward celebration of gratitude and “lessons learned from my mother” opened into deeper conversations about pain, distance, love, … Continue reading Mother’s Day: Growing Towards the Light
Sunday May 3 was our “Flower Communion,” a cherished tradition in Unitarian Universalist communities that celebrates the beauty, diversity, and interconnectedness of all people. Participants brought a flower and placed it in a shared vase, symbolizing each person’s unique contribution to the community. In return, everyone took home a different flower, representing the gifts we … Continue reading Flower Communion – A Service of Celebration for Religious Liberals
A Music Sunday: Why do some people naturally lean optimistic, while others expect the worst? Is it hardwired or do life experiences shape our outlook? If you’ve had a lot of encouragement or good outcomes, is it easier to see the bright side? Have repeated setbacks made you feel safer in your caution or pessimism? … Continue reading Optimism vs. Pessimism: Finding the Brighter Side
UU bylaws state that “Direct experiences of transcending mystery and wonder are primary sources of UU inspiration. These experiences open our hearts, renew our spirits, and transform our lives.” Whether we find that transcending mystery by looking outward, find it by looking within, or we open the door or window of our hearts to receive … Continue reading The Gospel of Mary Magdelene
