The recent survey from the Ministerial Search Committee included conversations about “shared ministry.” How do you understand this concept? Even if UUs haven’t always labeled laity and professional staff working together with “Shared ministry,” our ancestors in liberal faith have been practicing such collaboration for a long time. Sharing the ministry is an integral part … Continue reading Our Liberal Heritage of Shared Ministry
During this month focused on “the gift of heritage,” let’s consider how “heritage” differs from “history.” We choose what we regard as our heritage by the activities, social groups, and congregations we voluntarily associate through common values. Because heritage can be a matter of choice, we also come by the “ancestors” in that heritage by … Continue reading You Can’t Choose Your Relatives, But You Can Choose Your Ancestors
What calls you to work for justice in the world? How does our understanding of theology ground our justice work? This sermon will explore both the historical and contemporary call to justice that arises from our Unitarian Universalist theological heritage. Rev. Dr. Andrea Johnson is a community minister affiliated with First Universalist Church in Minneapolis, … Continue reading The Call to Racial Justice from our Theological Heritage
The High Holy Days on the Jewish calendar, between Rosh Hashana (this year on September 15) and Yom Kippur (September 24), are a perfect time to begin UUFD’s participation in the current UUA Common Read, a new book by Danya Ruttenberg, Repentance and Repair. Ruttenberg brings us lessons from an ancient philosopher, Maimonides, to illustrate … Continue reading Welcoming Repentance
Let’s reflect on one of the surest gestures of “welcome,” that of covenant. Covenants are promises for how we live together, how we walk together sharing common values on this path called Life. Living well in covenant is core to belonging to this free faith of Unitarian Universalism. As Unitarian Universalists, we are connected through … Continue reading Welcoming Covenant
The worship theme for September is “Welcome.” Gestures of Welcome signal belonging, as to a community, to activities, to common values. We reach out our hands to offer welcome to others, just as we accept their welcoming of us. This is In-Gathering Sunday, the traditional start of a new church year to welcome the return … Continue reading Welcoming Joy
Many of us have gotten into the unfortunate habit of referring to Unitarian Universalism as a “white religion,” but people of color have been Unitarians, Universalists, and Unitarian Universalists all along. Rev. Jen will explore how BIPOC UUs and their contributions are an interwoven, integral part of our faith. Bio: Rev. Jen Simon (they/she) is … Continue reading We’ve Always Been Here
The importance of a shared language is one of the first and most important steps needed to promote systemic fairness and social justice. How do we communicate effectively about race? A shared language allows us to use data and understand conditions that lead to root causes of racial inequities. By communicating effectively about race, we … Continue reading Equity vs. Equality
“We covenant to dismantle racism and all forms of oppression within individuals and our institutions.” If we think of racial justice as a critical force of love, can we mobilize to take greater action in our everyday lives?
Generosity: the long-lost art of doing more than expected, is often misunderstood. How can we as UU’s live a generous life, within our principles, without feeling overwhelmed? Steve Foster will share his thoughts on what exactly generosity is, what it looks like, and how it relates to our lives as UU’s.
