What happens when we reach back to our history and discover that the story we thought we knew isn’t quite what we imagined? The peaceful table with Natives and Pilgrims united in harmony reappears each year, yet we know that the story is far darker. How shall we claim and own both the light and the dark?
What is it about a story that captures us? Storytelling is as ancient as people are and continues to nourish and enlighten us. Story enhances our theological and philosophical reflections, increases empathy, and diminishes the distance between us in a moment. We’ll consider how all that happens.
It’s an old tradition for Unitarian Universalist ministers to offer a sermon just before an election to urge participation in the democratic process and to consider our unique perspective as it relates to the times. We’ll consider our voice and our witness and cheer on our participation.
This year again we gather to remember our beloved dead. All ages are invited to bring along a token or memento of someone who has died (a photo, a piece of jewelry, a letter). We’ll pause to share with each other and to express our gratitude and love.
A line from William Stafford’s “A Ritual To Read To Each Other” invites us into connection. What does it mean to be a Community of healing?
It’s the year 5777, and our siblings in the Jewish community have just days ago completed the High Holy Days, a time for repentance and forgiveness. We pause to consider this deep work and to have opportunity for a brief ritual of healing.
When we are physically injured, healers frequently offer remedies designed to support the body’s natural ability to repair itself. Is there a similar process available to help heal wounded relationships and communities?
A colleague once told me that she mistrusted nouns. They purport to tell you something, but they hide all manner of other things. Nouns lead us astray by suggesting that we’ve learned something by a simple naming. But there’s very little that’s simple in our lives. We explore complexity and the stories we tell.
The world seems a bit crazy and scary right now. the impulse is to retreat or to respond in-kind. However, what is really needed right now (and always) is kindness.
What happens when good rational UUs come face to face with the first of our six sources?
Direct experience of that transcending mystery and wonder, affirmed in all cultures, which moves us to a renewal of the spirit and an openness to the forces which create and uphold life.
