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
Gospel Music Part II: For Women’s Month, we will look at the life and legacy of Bernice Johnson Reagon and how Gospel music was woven so tightly throughout the Civil Rights marches and demonstrations on the 1960s. Tinka Friend and her husband, Nick, joined UUCR in 1996. After decades of trying to find the “right” church … Continue reading “Nothing But Love in God’s Water” Part 2
“Nothing But Love in God’s Water” Part 1: What constitutes Gospel music? Where and how does it fits into American history? And the legacy of Thomas A. Dorsey, who is universally considered to be the Father of Gospel music. Tinka Friend and her husband, Nick, joined UUCR in 1996. After decades of trying to find … Continue reading “Nothing But Love in God’s Water” Part 1
Video recording We will explore two of the six UU sources — Jewish and Christian teachings and Earth-centered traditions — and their relationship to each other. Today, looking at the Old Testament, it’s hard to understand the cruel behavior of Yahweh, and we might not expect insight from pagan readings of these Judeo-Christian myths. What … Continue reading “Yahweh and The Goddess Earth,” by Alec Peck
Transmogrification is the act or process of being transformed from one form to another, of stepping outside of the proverbial box. UU’s often ask “What” our principles mean, or “How” we affirm and promote them. But sometimes it is necessary to ask ourselves “Why” they are important for us to affirm and promote them. When … Continue reading “Transmogrified,” by Rev. Kimberley Debus
Imbolc, usually observed on February 1 or 2, is the second festival in the Wheel of the Year. It has its roots in the Celtic world and is heavily associated with the goddess Brigid, an ancient Celtic goddess of home, agriculture, spring, dawn, and fertility. Imbolc encompasses connections to land, community, and the self. Imbolc … Continue reading “Imbolc: A Celebration of Returning Light,” by Kasey Davis
Most UU’s generally know the 7 Principles of our faith “by heart”. What does knowing them “by heart” entail? We may know them by rote memory; some of us might even know how to recite them word for word. It is much more challenging to take these principles “to heart” and actively seek opportunities to … Continue reading “Learning the Principles by Heart,” by Rev. Leslie Becknell Marx
Being a Unitarian Universalist means taking personal responsibility for your own religious life. Unitarian Universalism does not give you freedom from religion; it gives you freedom for religion. Here is the great paradox of our faith.
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.
