Alec has been a practicing UU for 23 years, raised in a UU church chosen by his father, raised Quaker, and his mother, raised Jewish (though both Humanist in practice). Alec studied natural science at Creighton University, a Jesuit institution, and is now completing his Ph.D. at UC Riverside while serving as chair of the Worship Committee here at UUCR.
What does it mean to say that something matters to us? Or perhaps more importantly, what does it mean to say that we matter? Us mattering, and mattering to whom or what, and what matters to us is all so central to how we live. Mattering provides meaning and purpose in our lives, but it … Continue reading “What Matters and Why It Matters,” by Dr. Rebecca Goldstein
As we seek to nourish our spirits with awe and wonder, we may fear that our amazement will fade with our naivety, but the universe is truly amazing, and its beauty is no magic trick. As we seek to understand the questions of science, we seek also to understand the Mind of God. One of … Continue reading “Mysteries of Science: Emergence,” by Alec Peck
Life is difficult, but we do not need to face its challenges alone. Members of UUCR share advice for getting through tough times and keeping our spirits joyful. Avery Burrows, Bill Casey, and Alec Peck are long-time members of UUCR. Each come from very different walks of life, in different places in their life’s journey, … Continue reading “Coping with Rough Times,” by Avery Burrows, Bill Casey, and Alec Peck
As UU’s, we believe in Pluralism. We celebrate that we are all sacred beings diverse in culture, experience, and theology. Our faith tradition acknowledges and embraces that there are multiple paths through life.We covenant to learn from one another in our free and responsible search for truth and meaning. We embrace our differences and commonalities … Continue reading “Transformed Lives,” by Rev. Aaron White
The Water Communion, also sometimes called Water Ceremony, was first used at a Unitarian Universalist (UU) worship service in the 1980s. Many UU congregations now hold a Water Communion once a year, often at the beginning of the new church year (September). Members bring to the service a small amount of water from a place … Continue reading “Water Communion,” by Alec Peck
The most effective anti-poverty program this nation has ever had is labor unions. They help workers get paid fairly for a day’s work, some measure of safety in the workplace, a health plan, provision for overtime pay, and a pension plan. The principles of Unitarian Universalism call us to action. We can fight here for … Continue reading “Putting ‘Labor’ Back in Labor Day,” by the Rev. Dr. David Breeden
“The Egg” by Andy Weir, is a short story first published online in 2009 about the afterlife, humanity, and empathy. Since then, it has been translated into at least 30 languages and inspired people around the world. On this Sunday, we will read this short story and then give our reflections in an open-mic discussion.
George N. Marshall’s book, “Challenge of a Liberal Faith” was written over 50 years ago, less than a decade after the merger of the UU faith. Yet, many of the challenges which faced spiritually seeking, socially liberal people then are also here today. The trappings and failings of organized religion are becoming more and more … Continue reading “Why Pick a Church, from ‘Challenge of a Liberal Faith,’ ” by George N. Marshall
UUs believe in a fluid faith, that we must embrace change and growth and not etch our answers in stone. UUism is unique because we value the beliefs and shared hunanity of all people and because we believe we do not have the once-and-for-all answers. We must respond to the real demands of our world; … Continue reading A Living Tradition
After the spur of the #metoo movement in 2018, Rev. Debus was inspired to rewrite this sermon to reflect on systemic sexism and gender inequality. Women’s personal freedoms are under even more threat now, and we must reflect deeply, confront discomfort, and work towards a beloved community of justice, dignity, and interdependence. We must validate … Continue reading Reclaiming My Time, by Rev. Kimberley Debus
