As we move into Thanksgiving week, we’ll explore the nature of gratitude, how it differs from appreciation, and some of the science behind its mental health benefits. What gratitude practices were you raised with? Did they come from a religious or non-religious perspective? Do you have any gratitude practices you find meaningful today? Where did … Continue reading #Thankful, Grateful, Blessed?
Around this time each year, traditions such as Halloween, All Saints Day and Dia de Muertos capture our imaginations and lead many to contemplate the afterlife. What happens to our loved ones when they die? How do we remain connected, and how not? This week, we’ll take time to ask questions of the concept of … Continue reading Official, Accidental, & Four-footed Saints?
Carol Grafford, follower of Thich Nhat Hanh since 2002, and ordained as a core member of the Order of Interbeing in 2017, will be our service presenter. She helps lead Heart of the Keweenaw Sangha. You may have heard of the Buddhist concepts of impermanence and interbeing, sometimes referred to as co-dependent arising, interdependence, non-self … Continue reading Buddhist Service
During October—LGBT History Month — we’ll reconnect with and celebrate what it means to be a Welcoming Congregation in the UU tradition. Pr. Sarah will explore the concept of naming. What does it mean to be named? To change your name or pronouns? What is the sacred history linked to such an act, and how … Continue reading What’s in a Name
During October—LGBT History Month — we’ll reconnect with, and celebrate what it means to be a Welcoming Congregation in the UU tradition. Visiting guest minister Pr. Sarah will first explore how Biblical texts have been used and construed to divide the Christian tradition and marginalize and oppress LGBTQ persons. She will then offer an alternate … Continue reading Theology that Kills
For Sunday’s water ceremony, we will reflect on the varying ways that we nourish our spirit in nature, especially in and around water. There will be time for each person to share what water means to them. In preparation for Sunday, you could think about what water means to you for recreation, work, spirituality, nourishment, … Continue reading Water and the Ways We Worship
In Sonia Rene Taylor’s book, The Body is not an Apology she asserts that the way to justice is through a societal movement of radical self-love. As she states, “ Our beliefs about bodies disproportionately impact those whose race, gender, sexual orientation, ability, and age deviate from our default notions. The further from the default, the … Continue reading Embodied Justice
There’s power in a good question. Awe—and it’s companions of wonder and curiosity – are fundamental components of an engaged spiritual life. Children are naturals at questions, so much so that it can be hard to get them to stop once they get asking! As adults, on the other hand, we can easily stay in … Continue reading Curious Faith
Why are we sometimes speechless when we really would like to say something? What exactly is this experience – when we are in deep grief; but also when somebody or something really surprises us? Rev. Gabi hopes that she will have all the necessary and correct words to answer these questions. But be aware – … Continue reading I Just Don’t Know What to Say. . . !
Summer seems to fly by. February moves at a snail’s pace. There’s no time like the present. It’s crunch time. It’s high time. When was the last time you reflected on how you conceptualize, time? As it turns out, our culture of origin and our spiritual traditions can influence how we move through our days, weeks … Continue reading Tinkering With Time
