by Rev, Aaron Payson The situation facing trans and gender non-conforming people in the United States right now is really bleak. And I really want to have an earnest plea that people stop framing this as a minority issue and reframe this as a universal attack on self-determination. Every one of us should be able … Continue reading Include & Resist
by David Schowalter and the Stewardship Committee It’s nearly that time again! This year’s upcoming UUCW pledge drive, themed “Defying Gravity,” invites members to soar together in generosity and love. Drawing inspiration from Wicked, the recent musical movie that celebrates breaking boundaries and embracing bold visions, the campaign seeks to galvanize the congregation to secure … Continue reading The Upcoming 2025 Pledge Drive: “Defying Gravity”
by Laura K. Secor The Bodhisattva Vow in Shantideva’s Teachings: A Path of Compassion and Wisdom The Bodhisattva vow, central to Mahayana Buddhism, is a commitment to attain enlightenment not just for oneself, but for the sake of all beings. Shantideva, a revered Buddhist teacher, offers a unique and transformative understanding of this vow in … Continue reading The Bodhisattva Vow in Shantideva’s Teachings: A Path of Compassion and Wisdom
by Robin Mitcavitch, Director of Religious Exploration After a jammed packed holiday season, full of fairs, and services, parties and school vacations, I think I am warming up to slowing down. It’s cold out there, and for some of us, it’s warm inside. As I slow down, I also reminisce about some of the human- … Continue reading Warming Up
by Rev. Aaron Payson When the great Rabbi Israel Ba’al Shem-Tov saw misfortune threatening the Jews, it was his custom to go into a certain part of the forest to meditate. There he would light the fire, say a special prayer, and the miracle would be accomplished and the misfortune averted. Years later when a … Continue reading Remembering Your Story
by Laura K. Secor Solstice Blessings! The winter solstice is almost upon us in the northern hemisphere. The Gaeilge for the winter solstice is grianstad an gheimhridh, which translates as ‘winter sun stop’. This reflects the potency of this time to take a personal, collective and cosmic solar pause no matter where in the world you … Continue reading Solstice Blessings!
by Rev. Cheryl Leshay I have often said “Thank you” for a gift I would never choose for myself, knowing that the person giving it to me thought I would like it. I have received books I already have, clothes that are so not my style, food items I am allergic to, and so many … Continue reading The Thought That Counts
Rev. Aaron Payson The Holiday Season is upon us and we are planning a wonderful series of opportunities for worship, seasonal celebrations, and social events! We hope you will join us!! Sunday, December 1 , 10:00 am in Person and Online – The Gift of PresenceAs we eagerly anticipate the coming season of gifting and … Continue reading Tidings of Comfort and Joy 2024
by Rev. Aaron Payson It is the holiday season again! The older I get the quicker this season seems to arrive. This wasn’t the way it was when I was young. Christmas always seemed like it was forever away from where I was at any given moment in the year, until December. December meant that we … Continue reading Living Into Each Moment
Once upon a time, there was an angelfish. She was the only angelfish, and as you know, fish of different species don’t speak the same language, so she could find no good conversations to pass the time or give her life meaning. It didn’t stop her from talking to the local octopus, the pair of moray eels … Continue reading When I Heard Your Song
