Message by Rev. Michelle Scott-Huffman Several First UU members participated in the Springfield NAACP MLK Day March on Monday. The march is an outward expression of support for tangible action that leads to racial equity and justice. The hope is that we will be inspired to do something every day that helps us bring our … Continue reading Decentering Privilege to Find Our Center

Message by AJ Fox and Babs Garcia Building BridgesCongregational HymnWords: The women of Greenham Common peace occupation in England, 1983Music: Contemporary English Quaker RoundPublic Domain Find a StillnessCongregational HymnWords: Carl G. Seaburg, based on a Unitarian hymn, Transylvanian textMusic: Transylvanian melodyHarmony: Larry PhillipsPermission Granted Dancing Spirit of LifeWords; Carolyn McDadeMusic: John Gardner, Arr. John PrescottPerformed … Continue reading A Center That Evolves

Message by Rev. Michelle Scott-Huffman Moment of Perspective – The Redbud Tree Folk Tale – AJ Fox I’d like to share the words of Rev Dr Howard Thurman, “My High Resolve.” “Keep fresh before me the moments of my high resolve. Despite the dullness and barrenness of the days that pass, if I search with … Continue reading First UU, Who Are You?

Message by Rev. Michelle Scott-Huffman I’d like to share a piece by Rev. Dr. David Breeden, entitled The Solstice Teaches Us. The Solstices teach usthat darkness comes,that darkness goes. The Solstices teach usthat light comes,that light goes. The Solstices teach us,calmly, silently, to becalm, silent. Learning. The Solstices teach usas we circle the sunthat everything … Continue reading A Moonlit Path to Wonder

“May We Hear the Melody of Life,” by Joseph Cleveland. May we hear the melody of Life and find ourselves singing harmony.May we be open to the dissonances in the Song of the Land and Its People,that we might be part of the World’s urging toward Justice, Peace, and Love.May we feel in our bones … Continue reading Winterfest: 2022

Rev. Michelle Scott-Huffman Moment of Perspective – Farrow Carson – Blessing of Wonder I’d like to share an excerpt from Mary Oliver’s poem, The Pond Still, what I want in my lifeis to be willingto be dazzled —to cast aside the weight of facts and maybe evento float a littleabove this difficult world.I want to … Continue reading The Wonder of it All

Message by Rev. Michelle Scott-Huffman This month, we’ve talked a lot about change and that can be unsettling. This morning we offer our gratitude for the community that faces all of that change with us. Katie Kandarian-Morris writes: Here we have come into this sacred space—quieter now with our readinessHushed voices, hoping, trusting for so … Continue reading A Body at Rest: Exploring the Forces that May Overcome Resistance to Change

Message by Eva Riebold and AJ Fox Trans(gender) Day of Remembrance (TDoR) 2022 – Laura Parsons We Remember ThemMusic by Susan LaBarrText by Sylvan Kamens and Rabbi Jack RiemerPermission GrantedPerformed by the First UU Choir Blessing of Gratitude, Celebration, and Support, by Gwen Matthews. Today, we’re thankful for you and what you bring to our … Continue reading Gratitude: Learning from Indigenous Voices, Then and Now

Message by Colleen Appel and Michelle Scott-Huffman Moment of Perspective – Proposed Changes to Article 2/The Seven Principles – AJ Fox and Rev. Michelle Scott-Huffman Our opening words were written by Ma Theresa “Tet” Gustilo Gallardo. This piece is called “When We Change.” Leader: We are here to derive meaning in our actionsAll: When I … Continue reading Buy Nothing, Change the World