Message by Dr. Kyler Sherman-Wilkins Let’s listen to Co-regulation, by Elizabeth Mount. From our very first breath, we reach out–Co-regulation, not self-regulation, is in our nature.We find our cues from the sun and the moon,From each parent and caregiver,We find our place in this great turning planet,By turning to one another,Generation to generation,We awaken to … Continue reading Pray the Gray Away? Spirituality, Religiosity, and Successful Aging

Rev. Michelle Scott-Huffman The opening words are adapted from To Remember Our Promises, by Sarah C Stewart. Bring who you are as you enter our church this morning.Bring your best self and your struggling self;bring your mistakes and your triumphs;bring your shortcomings and your recommitment to good.Bring yourself here and open your heart to beauty, … Continue reading Margins Beware: The Dangers of Courage and Vulnerability Culture

Message by Rev. Michelle Scott-Huffman Moment of Perspective – I Choose When I Share My Vulnerabilities – AJ Fox Let’s listen now to the words of Rev. Jone Johnson Lewis: May we have the courage to open ourselves to the pleasures and wounds of life.May we have the strength to be open and honest with … Continue reading The Path of Vulnerability

Read by Jessica Wirges, Babs Garcia I now invite you to participate in a responsive reading. This reading is based on the words of Rev. Amanda Poppei, with an adjustment.  Rev. Poppei penned the response “This is the home that love made.” We’ll read it here today as “This is the Home that Love MAKES”, … Continue reading Welcome to the Path of Love

Rev. Michelle Scott-Huffman Moment of Perspective – AJ Fox Our next reading is a responsive one, by Naomi King. After each section that I read, you all say We open our hearts with love.When the world’s violence shatters the joy of a momentWe pause and reach out for the hands that remain We open our … Continue reading The Healing Power of Love

Message by Rev. Emilie BoggisRead by Jessica Wirges Moment of Perspective – Article II – New Graphic – AJ Fox Let’s listen to Co-regulation, by Elizabeth Mount. From our very first breath, we reach out.Co-regulation, not self-regulation, is in our nature.We find our cues from the sun and the moon,From each parent and caregiver,We find … Continue reading Go to Bed Angry

Message by Rev. Michelle Scott-Huffman Let’s listen to Know Only That You Are Loved, by Rev. Gretchen Haley. For this one momentKnow only that you are lovedThat you are safe, and whole and lovedKnow that you belong hereHere among us, here upon this earthIn your bodyHowever tired, or brokenYour heart may beWhatever fear, disappointment, angeryou … Continue reading The Many Paths and Challenges of Love

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?