Our ancestors in liberal religion are often identified as “rebellious” or “heretical” in their resistance to orthodox theology and practice. As a modern Unitarian Universalist, how do you live out your heritage of risk and vulnerability as articulated in liberal theology and lived practice in the world?
“What does it mean for Unitarian Universalists to live as a people of hope and imagination—especially during liminal times, times of change? How can we challenge ourselves (and each other) to learn and grow in uncertain times? We know from these last several years the challenge, the loss, and the creativity and possibility of these … Continue reading Embracing Possibility in Times of Change
Many UUs are more acquainted with Unitarian than Universalist origins of this denomination, even as Universalism was one of the most popular American denominations in the early nineteenth century. Countering Calvinism’s threat of a “hellfire and brimstone” God, our Universalist ancestors understood God as Love. Today, how can we live out our Universalist roots of … Continue reading Universalism: A Love that Will Not Let Us Go
Here during Black History Month, let’s consider origin stories. There has been much press the past few years about identifying the founding date of the United States not as 1776, instead as 1619, the year the first African slave ship arrived on the shores of Virginia. This view acknowledges the slavery and racism which has been … Continue reading 1619, not 1776
Unitarian Universalism is grounded on common values, not common beliefs, values defined in Article II of the UUA Bylaws, last revised in 1985. All UUs are encouraged to learn about the proposed revision of Article II. The revision statement places Love as the central, core value on which the other six values — pluralism, interdependence, … Continue reading Putting Love at the Center
Join dr clare hammoor for an exploration of incarceration, mercy, and action in a service that gets curious about the magic of divinity between, rather than above, us. Inspired by his recent production of Stephen Schwartz’s Godpsell with 150 people incarcerated in Colorado, “Save the People” is a call for collective justice and joy in the loneliest of … Continue reading Save the People
As part of a congregational book group during January, some congregants have considered the theme of “Trusting Change.” Trust is essential to authentic personal relationships as well as to thriving communities and congregations. Trust enhances centeredness, that feeling of wholeness, focus, and mission. Today’s reflections on trust as centeredness also paves the way for the … Continue reading The Centering Power of Trust
Martin Luther King and John Lewis, leaders in the Civil Rights movement of the 1960s, were committed to working for racial justice through non-violent methods of social reform, committed to making this world a better place for all people. On this weekend recognizing King’s birth, let’s reflect on the Civil Rights march in Selma, Alabama … Continue reading Making Good Trouble: MLK, John Lewis, and a Bridge in Selma
How well do you know UUFD’s history? What about the history of Unitarian Universalism? History explains our identity, our centeredness. Because connections with the past inform our present and inspires future direction, focus on a congregation’s history is one of the five focus points of interim ministry. Indeed, considered as part of congregational life, history … Continue reading History as Identity: History as Spiritual Practice
Mental health is fundamental to our collective. We can create our own peace and balance inside ourselves, and through meaningful connections and care, we become stronger together.
