Yule is an ancient pagan holiday that celebrates the winter solstice and the return of light and warmth. The word “Yule” comes from the old Norse word for “wheel”, which symbolizes fresh starts and the cyclical nature of the planet. It’s a perfect time for reflection as we look forward to the new year.
In these times of polarization and unrest, we may find new perspectives and wisdom by examining different philosophies and belief traditions. The Vinegar Tasters is a parable highlighting three Eastern schools of thought: Confusianism, Buddhism and Taoism.
When our lives or our society aren’t going in the direction we want them to, we can feel frustrated and powerless. Feelings of hope may seem trite or misguided, or may seem useless when given no clear outlet. But, perhaps there is more to hope than just the feeling.
We seek to nourish our spirit with awe and wonder. We want to re-experience the sense of mystery and amazement we felt as children, surprised by each new experience. Our amazement fades with our naivety, and so many people expect that their awe and reverence for the Gods might fade as they learn to understand … Continue reading “Mysteries of Science & the God of the Gaps,” by Alec Peck
A practice is something you commit to doing on a regular basis. If you practice something with intention and commitment, it eventually becomes “second nature,” an intrinsic part of who you are. Today we will examine a way we can cultivate and practice gratitude in a manner that will enrich not only our lives, but … Continue reading “Practicing Gratitude,” by
Two old UUs, Lee Greer and Steve Lawless, conspire together to summarize Unitarian Universalism in a song with stanza lyrics by both!On introducing Unitarian UniversalismOn Enlightenment LiberalismOn Science & ReligionOn Sticking Up for the Underdog!On War & PeaceOn Christian UniversalismOn Unitarianism & DivinityOn our little red sandstone church in Riverside.
At its core, freedom is about individual liberty. It’s the freedom to live life on your terms, as long as it doesn’t violate the rights of others. It’s the right to speak your mind, practice your faith, and live your values without fear of persecution. This includes respecting the freedom of others. True freedom requires … Continue reading “The Cost of Freedom,” by Rev Frank Clarkson
“Be the change you want to see in the world.” This age-old wisdom is hard enough to internalize, and yet we must also live the changes we want for our friends, our community. It is every person’s inherent right to live with dignity in a beloved community. Life on Earth and our being together is … Continue reading “What We Want and What We Need,” by Alec Peck
Autumn is a season for reflection and transition… as we leave the lighter half of the year (summer) and enter the darker half (winter). It is a time to harvest before the winter and to wait for the next cycle of renewal to begin as the wheel of the year turns once again.
UUism is a faith bound by covenant. This agreement we make for what kind of church we want — what kind of community we want — has power only because we all agree with it and believe in its realization. This agreement with our neighbors and with the Gods is one we make for ourselves. … Continue reading “The Courage To Covenant,” by Rev. Kimberley Debus”
