In honor of the life of Songteller Dolly Parton, who died August 25, 2026, we are lifting up the lessons in courage she left us. Dolly described her theology of faith and living through her lyrics. Beloved by one of the most diverse fan bases in music, she embodied Unitarian Universalist values throughout her work, … Continue reading Dolly Parton Theology – Honoring a Legacy, Encouraging Courage
In a time when loneliness is deepening, violence is rising, and truth feels increasingly like fiction, Rev. Denise Cawley reminds those who believe in love that they hold a secret recipe. Fewer and fewer people know how to build Beloved Community, let alone one that is just, equitable, and fosters a sense of belonging. She … Continue reading Theology and the Apocalypse: Courage in Community
Today Cheri Taylor will reflect upon on the spiritual courage in disappointing other people’s expectations of us. This is especially true for women, Black people, caregivers, leaders, and people whose identities come with expectations about being agreeable, strong, respectable, grateful, or endlessly available. How do we distinguish courageous authenticity from selfishness? [Sun Image from Susan … Continue reading What Would You Become if You Weren’t Afraid of Disappointing People?
The Rev. David Pettee was a white man who served as Director of Ministerial Credentialing for the Unitarian Universalist Association, and whose ancestors were northern slaveholders. Patricia Mann is a descendant of Cuff Simmons, one of the slaves owned by David’s family. We’ll read their story this morning, in honor of the courage it took … Continue reading The Courage to Connect: Healing Our Ancestral Lines
It’s so easy to see and celebrate the “big” acts of courage. In addition to the heroic acts that alter history, there are also the daily choices that prevent history from altering us! Bending the arc of the universe toward justice deserves praise, but so does the ordinary work of integrity and not allowing yourself … Continue reading Everyday Courage
The courage of asylum seekers to seek refuge in the United States meets the courage of allies to welcome them in our local Madison community. Speaker Aissa Olivarez has years of experience representing asylum seekers in immigration court, including young children. She will speak to what she has learned as an advocate and attorney and … Continue reading Courage: A Catalyst for Change
Last week, we explored the many kinds of courage it takes to simply show up as ourselves. This morning, we’ll do a deeper dive into the courage needed and the courage shared as we work to build a world where everyone can thrive. We’ll also celebrate National Coming Out Day! All are welcome in worship, … Continue reading From You I Receive…
We’ll be invited to explore “the path of courage” throughout the month of October, and we’ll start off this morning with some exploration of what courage is. What does it mean to have courage? Where do we find it? How do we know we have it? When do we serve as a source of it? … Continue reading If I Only Had the Nerve
