It happens fairly often that when I arrive at a patient’s home, I have to raise my voice over the din of the TV blaring away in the background to ask, “Is it alright if we turn the TV off while we visit?” My patients will often look startled and reply, “Oh, of course. I didn’t even realize it was on.” How is that possible? When we are surrounded by constant noise, we tend to forget it’s even there.
Monica McNeal and Rev Michelle engage in conversation about racial justice and the ways that deep listening can help with much needed culture shifts, both in our church and society. Using role play and honest dialogue, they will explore common Read more…
This year the Sew-Sew group had planned to host a UUniquely Made art/craft show as a First UU fundraiser. However, in response to Covid19 we postponed that event to a future date. In the meantime, we have created some special note cards showcasing Read more…
The First UU Welcoming Congregation Committee is encouraging all members and friends to complete the “Trans Inclusion in Congregations” course offered by the UUA Transforming Hearts Collective. In doing this work we will develop meaningful connections and awareness of issues Read more…
Don Miguel Ruiz has written that “We only see what we want to see; we only hear what we want to hear.” This reality can keep us stuck in unhealthy patterns of behavior and unaware of transformation that is both necessary and possible. How might we move beyond our confirmation bias and the boundaries of our associations to engage in deep listening that has the potential to move and change us?
by Susanne Bounds As we light the chalice today, we invoke the power of the four directions that represent the cycles that govern our lives:the east, the first light and breath of the daythe south, the growing light and passion Read more…
by Rev Michelle Scott-Huffman A promise made is a promise ____? Kept? Broken? Renegotiated? Discarded? Renewed? As humans living in a world in relationship with other humans, we spend a lot of time negotiating relationships. One of our tools of negotiation Read more…
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 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 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 Read more…