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
What if one of our primary tasks in life is letting go of what is most loved and important? Letting go can cause great anxiety and fear. But what if we discovered that letting go is also one of the best sources of healing and new life? Through storytelling and reflection, we explored the grace … Continue reading The Great Letting Go
In this Music Sunday service, we reflected on what it means to say “We Are One” while we have differences of opinion. Following our recent congregational vote about finances and ministry, we explored what it means to stay in relationship when we don’t see eye to eye. In a time when disagreement can feel divisive … Continue reading We Are One…Even When We Disagree
As we gather in this season of long nights and twinkling lights, we remember that music is one of humanity’s oldest ways of telling the truth: that even in darkness, joy is possible. Christmas music, in its many forms across the globe, is more than seasonal decoration – it is an expression of hope, community, … Continue reading Songs of Light – Christmas Around the World
When we gather as a community – whether we light the chalice, share our joys and sorrows, or lift our voices in song – we are reminded that each of us has a voice that matters. Not just in the literal sense of vocal cords vibrating to produce sound, but in the deeper sense: our … Continue reading Finding Your Voice
The Sabbatical Task Force was formed to ensure that during Rev. Sean’s sabbatical, every Sunday not covered by the Worship Team still provides our congregation with services that inform, enrich and expand our experiences as UUs. This service not only introduced our Sabbatical Task Force members, but also discussed how the thread of compassion has … Continue reading Compassion in Challenging Times
In this service, our Director of Music, Julie Crooks, explains the history of holiday music, specifically a look into the songs and symbols we often associate with Christmas. You’ll hear anecdotes about obscure songs and interesting facts about favorites. And of course, there will be lots of music – sung by the congregation and/or performed … Continue reading The Songs, Symbols and Traditions of Christmas
