Each year the Unitarian Universalist Association chooses a book for congregations to read together. The annual Common Read is selected to fit with a specific Unitarian Universalist ideal. This year’s theme is Economic Justice and the Common Read is Behind the Kitchen Door by Saru Jayaraman. Our Green Sanctuary and Social Justice Committees will be … Continue reading Intern Insights: UU Common Read
Congregational Conversation, Part 1 On January 26, the Board held the first of its monthly Congregational Conversations after Sunday services. The Worship Arts Committee partnered with the Board for this conversation. Eighteen people attended and we talked for more than an hour! Because we covered so much ground, the summary of our conversation will be … Continue reading From the Board
This year we are presenting the sexuality program called, “Our Whole Lives”, or O.W.L. Recognizing there are members of our congregation who do not have children and therefore do not know much about the details, I thought it would be nice to share this information so people can talk proudly with others outside of our … Continue reading Insight from the D.R.E.
This month we’re looking at the part of our Statement of Purpose that asks us to journey together toward “spiritual growth.” As Unitarian Universalists, this asks more of us than just memorizing certain answers to questions about God or church or theology. Instead, it asks us to do the hard work of developing our own … Continue reading Minister’s Mind: Spiritual Growth
Sometimes it feels like the world is getting meaner and meaner. Bullying seems to be everywhere from playgrounds to politics. What of manners, kindness, civility, and compassion in such a world? Can being kind be a subversive act?
We’re often told to “grow up” or “act our age” as if growing up is all serious and never fun. Are there ways to grow that are fun? Do we have to take growth (and ourselves) so seriously?
There was once a village that found itself in quite a pickle. They had to choose their next mayor. The village was known as ‘Beneficence’ – one of the most wonderful places you could imagine. It was known, far and wide, that the people living in the village all ate together, learned together, laughed together….Beneficence … Continue reading February 9–All-ages Service, “A Perfect Heart”
One of the big, but unspoken problems of our day is boredom. The routine of the “daily grind” makes it hard to stay connected to deeper meaning. Many people suggest, encourage or even sell the idea of spiritual practice, but that can become yet another task on a list. Come explore the paths of awareness, … Continue reading Feb 2–That’s Why They Call it “Spiritual Practice”
We are quickly approaching the middle of winter. Honestly, it is half over and that is a wonderful thing. As a congregation, we have made a few plays prior to the snow slowing us down, we have gone into the huddle when the wind began to blow and we scored a few points when Rev. … Continue reading Intern Insights: Half Time
There is no power greater than a community discovering what it cares about. Ask: “What’s possible?” not “What’s wrong?” Keep asking. Notice what you care about. Assume that many others share your dreams. Be brave enough to start a conversation that matters. ~Margaret Wheatley, from “Turning to One Another” Dear Friends, As 2014 begins, your … Continue reading Congregational Conversations
