This morning we will consider the question whether our lives are determined more by fate or free will. Rev. Laurel will describe an exercise that is part of the Adult Reiligious Education class called Bulding Your Own Theology. You will be invited to think of the important decisions you have made in your life, how … Continue reading Sunday May 26, 2024 – The Dance of Fate and Freedo
Along with our sibling Unitarian Universalist congregations, each spring we celebrate a ritual called the Flower Communion. It was initiated in Prague in 1923 by Norbert Capek, who was also the founder of the Unitarian Church in Czechoslovakia. He saw the need to unite the diverse congregants of his church, from varying Protestant, Catholic, and … Continue reading Sunday May 19, 2024 – Flower Communion
Initially, Unitarian Universalists may scoff at the idea of prayer – “I don’t believe in prayer! To ask God for what you want is like asking Santa Claus to bring toys at Christmas!” This is not the kind of prayer we will be talking about. “If the only prayer you ever say in your life … Continue reading Sunday May 12, 2024 – Prayer: The Path of Turning to What Matters Most
The heart of this service will feature an essay by Rabbi Brous, founding and senior rabbi of Ikar, a Jewish community based in Los Angeles, and author of “The Amen Effect.” The essay describes an ancient Jewish pilgrimage ritual that embodies the healing power of showing up for one another in a world of pain. … Continue reading Sunday April 28, 2024 – Train Yourself to Always Show Up
Most of us are probably familiar with the song “Amazing Grace.” After telling about the story behind the song, Rev. Laurel will share an experience she had as a chaplain at Highland Hospital that led her to believe it is a kind of conceit not to open our hearts to the gift of grace. Committee … Continue reading Sunday April 14, 2024 – Amazing Grace
Easter is one of those tricky holidays for Unitarian Universalists. For Christians, Easter celebrates salvation through the grace of God. UUs reject this theology to embrace of a theology of universal salvation, all souls are of worth. The good news of this UU Easter service is that all beings are capable of bringing more beauty … Continue reading Sunday March 31, 2024 – Reclaiming Grace
You won’t want to miss this special service featuring Canadian singer-songwriter, producer, and activist Jennifer Berezan as our guest musician. Join Rev. Laurel and Worship Associate Marilyn Schumacher to explore the impact transcendent moments of beauty and awe may have on how we choose to live. The Story for All Ages will be an excerpt … Continue reading Sunday March 24, 2024 – Luminous Eyes
In a book called Coming Back to Life by Joanna Macy and Molly Brown, they describe the three most commonly held stories in the industrialized world of today: Business As Usual; The Great Unraveling; and The Great Turning. Join Rev. Laurel and worship associate Dick Bailey in lifting up The Great Turning, suggesting that we … Continue reading Sunday March 3, 2024 – The Great Turning
“Those who would silence doubt are filled with fear; their houses are built on shifting sands. But those who fear not doubt, and know its use, are founded on rock.” (Robert T. Weston) Join Worship Associate Corless Smith and Rev. Laurel to explore the essential role doubt can play for courageous people of faith. Music … Continue reading Feb. 18, 2024 – A Holy Rhythm
The title of this service is from a poem called Listen from Zero by Stan Baker – “Turn off your cell phones relax your vocal chords please put down your swords and you’ll begin to hear about the pain and fear when you listen from zero.” Rev. Laurel will share her transformative experience in retreats … Continue reading Feb. 4, 2024 – Listen from Zero
