by Rev Michelle Scott-Huffman The months since we first became aware of a global pandemic have been hard on us. Many of us have faced great loss in the absence of the usual markers, rituals, and spaces that help us to process grief and loss. As we look ahead with continued uncertainty, it can feel … Continue reading Grief, Loss and Hope in Uncertain Times

It happens fairly often that when I arrive at a patient’s home, I have to raise my voice over the din of the TV blaring away in the background to ask, “Is it alright if we turn the TV off while we visit?” My patients will often look startled and reply, “Oh, of course. I didn’t even realize it was on.” How is that possible? When we are surrounded by constant noise, we tend to forget it’s even there.

Monica McNeal and Rev Michelle engage in conversation about racial justice and the ways that deep listening can help with much needed culture shifts, both in our church and society. Using role play and honest dialogue, they will explore common micro-aggressions and imagine the ways that deep listening can lead to more genuine, caring interactions. … Continue reading Listening to Learn

The First UU Welcoming Congregation Committee is encouraging all members and friends to complete the “Trans Inclusion in Congregations” course offered by the UUA Transforming Hearts Collective. In doing this work we will develop meaningful connections and awareness of issues faced by LGBT+ individuals. Ultimately, it is in our hands as a congregation to educate … Continue reading Welcome Renewal 2020

Don Miguel Ruiz has written that “We only see what we want to see; we only hear what we want to hear.” This reality can keep us stuck in unhealthy patterns of behavior and unaware of transformation that is both necessary and possible. How might we move beyond our confirmation bias and the boundaries of our associations to engage in deep listening that has the potential to move and change us?

by Susanne Bounds As we light the chalice today, we invoke the power of the four directions that represent the cycles that govern our lives:the east, the first light and breath of the daythe south, the growing light and passion of the daythe west, the waning light and evaluation of the daythe north, the faint … Continue reading Equinox Balance of Dark and Light, Ending and Renewal

by Rev Michelle Scott-Huffman A promise made is a promise ____? Kept? Broken? Renegotiated? Discarded? Renewed? As humans living in a world in relationship with other humans, we spend a lot of time negotiating relationships. One of our tools of negotiation is the promise. Another word for those promises, particularly when made with great care and … Continue reading A Promise Made…

by Betty Ridge Our opening words this morning are “Territorial Acknowledgment,”by Sean Neil-Barron. We gather together as a community of seekers,to honour the interdependence of life,to respect the dignity of all,and to honour the land we walk humbly upon.Friends, Let us acknowledge that we walk upon the traditional territories of theOsage, the original nation of … Continue reading Renewing the Native Spirit

What are those things that support renewal even in a hostile environment? In a normal year, it might be sufficient just to spade the soil. This year’s rocky conditions call for the dynamite Rev. Michelle handed us in last week’s message – “This is our time.” Board President Colleen Appel will outline the specifics of … Continue reading Renewal When the Path is Hard

by Rev Michelle Scott-Huffman Connecting both the second and fifth of the Unitarian Universalist Principles. 2nd Principle: Justice, equity and compassion in human relations;5th Principle: The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large; Our opening words this morning are “Tired” by Irene Sipos Sitting … Continue reading The Politics of Compassion