Gratitude is often seen as a gentle, personal emotion—a quiet thank you, a moment of reflection, or a simple note of appreciation. However, when thoughtfully practiced and strategically applied, gratitude can become a powerful tool for fostering positive change in individuals, organizations, and communities. This concept, sometimes referred to as “weaponizing gratitude for good,” involves … Continue reading Weaponized Gratitude
The need for belonging is universal. Belonging enables us to feel confident showing up as our authentic selves while empowering us to access our full range of skills, abilities and potential. We feel a sense of belonging when we feel connected to others, and when we feel that our presence and contributions are valued. And … Continue reading O Me! O Life! Why Belonging Matters
Transphobia, which is the fear, hatred, or prejudice directed toward transgender and gender non-conforming people, is deadly. Transphobia manifests in various forms across American society, including harmful legislation restricting rights and healthcare, discriminatory media portrayals, violence, and daily harassment such as misgendering and exclusion from public spaces. Transgender individuals face increased risks of violence, mental … Continue reading Trans America
The current political climate and surrounding culture have prompted changes in the UUA, and we don’t know how things will be even next year, much less in the next decade. Will you be part of the process or do you want to keep things the way they are or have been?
In times of instability, community is the bond that sustains us. It is where we can tell our stories in safe, respectful places. It is where dreams become realities. It is where hope is birthed and transmitted to new generations.
As we seek to become a community that is better and stronger together, we begin to understand the importance of living in circles, not rows, for spiritual, physical, and emotional growth, both personally and communally.
Often we seek out existing communities that align with our faith traditions, values, interests and hobbies, or generation. Building community works differently and can involve starting special interest groups like book clubs, hiking groups, game nights, garden clubs, and other activities that bring people together around a shared interest. Let’s talk about how that can … Continue reading In Search Of…
Freedom of belief, or freedom of or from religion, is a fundamental human right. It encompasses the right to hold religious or non-religious belief, to change one’s belief, and to manifest that belief through practice, worship, teaching, and observance, both individually and in community. This freedom is considered essential for a safe, prosperous, and inclusive … Continue reading Free to Believe (or Not)
Sunday, May 18, the choir will presenting the Sunday Worship Service with a performance of “Lazarus, the Musical.” This musical is about the biblical story of Dives, the rich man, and Lazarus, the poor who survives on the crumbs from the rich man’s table. The service is about raising awareness of hunger, homelessness, poverty, and … Continue reading Lazarus, the Musical
In this moment in the history of the world and of the church, we are being asked to examine how the way we do things is pushing back against a dominant culture of scarcity and oppression or simply replicating that culture in our communities of faith. For this reason we must ask whether our community … Continue reading Troubling the Waters
