On Sunday, July 14, we explore the deep spiritual connection that Unitarian Universalists often feel with nature, tracing its origins to the Transcendentalist Movement of the early 19th century and Ralph Waldo Emerson’s writing, among others. How does Transcendentalism and its ideas about nature continue to influence modern Unitarian Universalist spirituality, and what revisions do … Continue reading “Nature’s Inspiration: A New Transcendentalism”
For my final sermon here at First Unitarian, I’d like to share some thoughts about change and how we deal with it. I’ll concentrate on change in the church, especially the changing religious landscape in the United States, and corresponding changes within Unitarian Universalism. Will we meet these changes with hope and creativity? Or will … Continue reading “New Occasions Teach New Duties: Navigating Change”
Direct link to YouTube stream HERE. In our country, we are facing an epidemic of loneliness. What role can a congregation play in countering this trend and nurturing a spirit of community?
Direct link to YouTube stream HERE. In this UU water ceremony, everyone brings a small container of water that represents a journey (real or symbolic) they’ve taken over the summer. It might be water from a trip to the ocean, or from a favorite fishing hole. It might be rainwater collected after a storm, or … Continue reading Water Ceremony/Ingathering
Direct link to YouTube stream HERE. Robert Oppenheimer once said during an interview that, at the time of the first atomic bomb test, he recalled a line from the Bhagavad Gita: “Now I am become Death, destroyer of worlds.” As Unitarian Universalists, we celebrate science, and it is one of our key sources, but how … Continue reading “Now I Am Become…? Science and Unitarian Universalism”
Direct link to YouTube stream HERE. As we transition from summer into the regular church year, we offer three special services (our “Seeker Series”) specifically designed for those who are new to Unitarian Universalism, as well as those who may be longtime UUs but are still learning about our faith. Our first service in this … Continue reading “UU Theology According to Barbie”
Direct link to YouTube stream HERE. Using a canonical sermon by Rev. Theodore Parker as a springboard, we consider what stays the same in the midst of change and what holds us together in times of growth, change, and conflict.
Throughout the church year, our 8th graders and up have been participating in a Coming of Age program, where they learn more about Unitarian Universalist history and beliefs. They spend the year working on a personal credo statement, and they will be sharing their credo statements with the congregation during this special worship service for … Continue reading Coming of Age
The first Flower Ceremony was held in Prague, in June 1923, led by Rev. Norbert Čapek. For decades, this beloved tradition and its powerful history have provided meaning to hundreds of UU congregations. In this ceremony, everyone in the congregation brings a flower. Each person places a flower on the altar or in a shared vase. The congregation … Continue reading 100 Years of Flower Ceremony
Direct link to YouTube stream HERE. ‘The latest iteration of the Article II draft (the UUA Bylaws description of our faith’s purpose, principles, and values) lists Love as the force that holds us all together. But what IS “love” anyway?
