“You are perfect the way you are … and you could use a little improvement,” writes Japanese Zen teacher Shunryu Suzuki. This sermon, given at the University Unitarian Church of Seattle, WA on July 9, 2023, explores our interior sense of being both judged and accepted. Rev. Bruce A. Bode, a native of Lynden, WA, … Continue reading “Something Judges Us, Something Accepts Us,” by Rev. Bruce A. Bode
Prayer is a form of communication with a divine higher power, encompassing various forms such as supplication, thanksgiving, and praise. It is a central act found in all spiritual traditions. Whether spoken or silent, as a personal act or part of a larger religious practice, prayer offers a way to connect with the divine and … Continue reading “Simply Pray,” by Pastor Kimberley Debus
“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.
This sermon offers ideas related to upholding the American Dream by resisting actions that deny life, building closer knit communities, and encouraging one’s neighbor—all based on the UU principles of the world community as it relates to America, Justice, the Economy, Money, Poverty and Worth. It provides some historical perspective on what it meant for … Continue reading “Reimagining the American Dream,” by Rev. Dr. Marilyn Sewell
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
Our greatest gift is just to love and to be loved in return. We seek to build a beloved community where to love is to care for our souls. May we learn together the beauty that lives with loving kindness. The transmutation of suffering into understanding love. The caring which bless the world. John A. … Continue reading “Caring,” by Avery Burrows
Summer Solstice is a time to give homage to the sun and its energy. It’s the longest day and the shortest night in the Northern Hemisphere. It’s also the official start of summer! Summer is the season of growth and abundance; we can see it all around us in the ripe fruits and colorful flowers in our gardens, we … Continue reading “Here Comes the Sun,” by Sonya Murray
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
A Magical Child, inspired by the book Magical Child by Joseph Chilton Pearce: “It is never too late to play, for we are all Magical Children.”
Easter Sunday is revered by Christians as the day when the miracle of resurection occurred, cementing Jesus as the Messiah. How can we as UUs understand such a miracle? How do we hold space for our wisdom gained from personal experience and the teachings of science alongside possibility (and perhaps the inevitability) that we have … Continue reading Earth Teach Us Resurrection
