by Betty Ridge Our opening words this morning are “Territorial Acknowledgment,”by Sean Neil-Barron. We gather together as a community of seekers,to honour the interdependence of life,to respect the dignity of all,and to honour the land we walk humbly upon.Friends, Let us acknowledge that we walk upon the traditional territories of Read more
What are those things that support renewal even in a hostile environment? In a normal year, it might be sufficient just to spade the soil. This year’s rocky conditions call for the dynamite Rev. Michelle handed us in last week’s message – “This is our time.” Board President Colleen Appel Read more
by Rev Michelle Scott-Huffman Connecting both the second and fifth of the Unitarian Universalist Principles. 2nd Principle: Justice, equity and compassion in human relations;5th Principle: The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large; Our opening words this morning are Read more
A Blessing of the Backpacks and Masks, Water Communion, and Homecoming Special Serviceby AJ Fox, Director of Religious Education Our August 23, 2020 message begins with a Sufi Parable read by Babs Garcia. LEARNING TO LOVE THIS WORLDBy Molly Housh Gordon We gather together this morningtenderly—like drops of dew on Read more
by Rev Michelle Scott-Huffman The Poet Derek Walcott wrote in “Love After Love” The time will comewhen, with elationyou will greet yourself arrivingat your own door, in your own mirrorand each will smile at the other’s welcome How might we cultivate a practice of smiling at ourselves and offering compassion Read more
by Stella Harrison Content note: Descriptions of emotional, financial, and physical domestic abuse. Descriptions of child abuse. Prelude No. 2 from Six Little Preludes, by J.S. BachPublic Domain WorkPerformed by Eva Riebold Sometimes, as I work with the Sunday Services team, Michelle, Eva, and all our other dedicated musicians to Read more
8/2/2020 Give Us Justice, Give Us Peace Dona Nobis Pacem Round, Public Domain Worktext from BLMnew music by Emily McKinneyperformed by the Virtual First UU Choir “I have almost reached the regrettable conclusion that the Negro’s great stumbling block in his stride toward freedom is not the White Citizen’s Counciler Read more
July 26, Virtual Service We want to thank guest musician and speaker Adhamh Roland for providing much of the music as well as insight and context during this service. Adhamh is a seminary student at a UU affiliated institution as he pursues hospice chaplaincy. As we consider what it is Read more
Threshold moments tend to bring great tension, conflict, and both inner and outer wrestling. Overwhelmed by the tension, we often find ourselves stuck in the doorway, peering ahead into an unknown future and holding on to the assurance of past experience. This message will explore the idea of tension as a creative force and strategies for stepping boldly into an unknown future while choosing carefully what elements of the past should be carried across the threshold.
Come, Come, Whoever You AreWords: Adapted from RumiMusic: Lynn Adair UngarPerformed by the First UU Virtual Choir Staying apart and not singing together is an act of love these days, and still, we invite you to come, whoever you are, and join us this Sunday as we reflect on General Read more