Many people–especially white people–like to say “I don’t see color” when it comes to race. People talk about how “we all bleed the same” or “we’re all part of the same human family.” As well-intentioned as this is, these words erase important parts of people’s identities. As we quest to expand our ability to love … Continue reading Seeing Colors

Abraham Maslow’s “hierarchy of needs,” often presented in the form of a pyramid, depict a highly isolated and individualized path toward self-actualization. Maslow’s intentions may have been misunderstood–but also the Blackfoot Nation, with whom he spent six weeks, have been left out of the story entirely. How can the Blackfoot way of life guide us … Continue reading Needs Are Not a Hierarchy

When creating peace, we tend to look for common ground between us. We talk about ourselves as “one human race” and look for similarities in our traditions and foods, rather than focusing on the things that are different. However, our differences are also something be celebrated! In this service, we celebrate our differing hair textures, … Continue reading Celebrating Differences

Gen Z has been called “the loneliest generation,” but all Americans are lonelier than ever before. Even before the pandemic, polls and studies showed that Americans have fewer close friends, are more likely to live alone, and less likely to join voluntary organizations. This has consequences for not only our mental health but our physical … Continue reading The Loneliest Generation

A lot of Unitarian Universalists love to go to church to learn something, whether it’s a new science fact or a new spiritual practice. But church is actually teaching us all the time, not just in sermons or classes. What else do we learn at church, besides what the preacher preaches?

It is time for a Unitarian Universalist tradition: Water Communion, when we mark the beginning of another year of church programming and remind ourselves that we are a community. This year, we combine it with another, regional tradition: Homecoming! Join us for our special Water Communion ritual (and bring some water of your own, if … Continue reading Healing Waters

On a three-day weekend brought to us by and intended to recognize the labor movement, let’s also talk about the things that prevent us from resting: capitalism and the Protestant work ethic. In a world where even the concept of “self-care” has been monetized, what does it mean to truly care for ourselves?

A parable that has been attributed to community organizer Saul Alinsky tells the story of a village that’s being overwhelmed by a constant stream of babies that mysteriously keep ending up in their nearby river. In that story, we learn that we all have a role in solving the problems that threaten to overwhelm us, … Continue reading Saving the Babies in the River