The Greek philosopher Heraclitus is often quoted as saying “No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it’s not the same river and he’s not the same man.” We cannot control the changes that happen around us, but we can learn to respond to them with resilience. This morning, we’ll explore what water … Continue reading Be Like Water
Because we live in an individualistic society, we tend to think of resilience as a personal characteristic – and often it is! But it’s also dependent on our connections. This morning, we’ll explore what it might look and feel like to embody resilience as a collective practice. [Photo by Karen Armina] Worship Associate: Virginia Harrison, Special … Continue reading We Get There Together
Rev. Karen will share some reflections on last week’s mass action in Minneapolis. Worship Associate: Vera Leone, Special Music: Rachel Avery and JRUUC Sacred Breath Choir Share the Plate – click to donate Click to read this week’s newsletter Order of Service
Like any other practice, we have to build our capacity to engage in resistance in ways that are both successful and sustainable. This morning, we’ll explore some of the ways we can build up our resistance muscles, and what we can learn from communities for whom resistance has been a way of life. [Image modernheartandvascular.com] … Continue reading The Heart is a Muscle
The “Wicked” movies are, in part, about how empire and facism try to create a narrative about what is “good” and what is “wicked.” This morning, we’ll explore what UU values, and UU theologies, might have to say in response. And we’ll start to explore practices of resistance to that narrative. [Free image from goodfon.com] … Continue reading Wicked
We often think of the start of a new year as a time for renewal or re-invention. This morning, we’ll explore using our values to help us determine how to clear out the old and make room for the new. This is our annual Fire Communion service, in which we seal our intentions in the … Continue reading The Burning Bowl
Join us for our annual celebration marking the Longest Night and the Return of the Light! The evening is a deep ritual and celebration of the light that shines within and between us, with reflections, silence, and candlelight, and music featuring Jennifer Hedstrom and the JRUUC Sacred Breath Choir. This service will be held in … Continue reading Winter Solstice Celebration
Joanna Macy wrote often that hope is a practice with three basic steps: taking in a clear view of reality, identifying our vision for what we hope will happen, and taking active steps to help bring that vision about. This morning, we’ll explore the relationship between hoping, and doing things that bring us hope. The … Continue reading Hope is a Verb
The dark weeks of winter that lie ahead might seem like infertile ground for hope, especially in the chaos of these times. But Rebecca Solnit wrote that “Hope locates itself in the premises that we don’t know what will happen and that in the spaciousness of uncertainty is room to act.” This morning, we’ll explore … Continue reading Planting Hope in the Soil of Uncertainty
This is a special Wednesday evening service. The winter holidays are usually framed around peace and joy and hope, and if you’re not feeling those themes right now, you’re not alone. You’re invited to this evening service, where we’ll share and ritualize the losses, fears, regrets, and sorrows we’re feeling this holiday season, in the … Continue reading Blue Holiday Service
