As Unitarian Universalists, we are people of a covenant. But what does that mean? It’s an important but confusing idea, one that sounds nice and is difficult to practice. This service will use the UUA’s recent commission on appraisal report titled “Unlocking the Power of Covenant” to help us do just that.

Written by: Rev. Laurel Gray

Music by: Kala Farnham

Hosted and Edited by: Amanda Hall

Amanda and Rev. Gray reflect on this month's themes.

Topics of discussion: accessing the well of flexibility; collective catharsis; what counts as religion?; individualism vs. differentiation; intentional community and kinship structures; reset your passwords

Sermons written by: Rev. Laurel Gray

Music by: Kala Farnham

Hosted and Edited by: Amanda Hall

In the Jewish tradition, the High Holidays mark the beginning of a new year, first with celebrating and sweetness, and then with reflection and release. Though Yom Kippur has already passed, we’ll make space today for clearing out the old and inviting in a new year. We will do a blessing of the bags and backpacks today, so feel free to have yours ready.

Written by: Rev. Laurel Gray

Music by: Kala Farnham

Hosted and Edited by: Amanda Hall

As is our custom, we’ll begin our church year with our Water Communion ritual. Instead of gathering waters from many places into one, we’re going to focus on all that water symbolizes and how, ultimately, it is all connected. Please have a cup of water and an empty bowl with you for this Zoom service.

Written by: Rev. Laurel Gray

Music by: Kala Farnham

Hosted and Edited by: Amanda Hall

"Amidst all of this heartbreak and concern, the chaos and ambiguity, how do we prepare to journey into a fall that almost certainly does not look the way we hoped?"

Written by: Rev. Laurel Gray

Music by: Kala Farnham

Hosted and Edited by: Amanda Hall

It is our custom as Unitarian Universalists to do Flower Communion on the last Sunday of the church year. This is a ritual that celebrates the diversity of human experience and the beauty of holding that multitude in community. As it is the last Sunday of the church year, we will also be honoring our high school graduates and those who are retiring from church leadership roles.

Written by: Rev. Laurel Gray

Music by: Kala Farnham

Hosted and Edited by: Amanda Hall

Amanda and Rev. Gray reflect on this month's themes.

Topics of discussion: anti-authoritarianism for petulance or justice; a sacred stripper pole in Hell; on anthropomorphism; creative resistance as resilience; Pride was a riot; no pretty wins; HAGS

Additional reading:

UUA Facebook post re: Lil Nas X: https://www.facebook.com/TheUUA/posts/10159250433508749

Article on the origins of the chalice: https://www.uuworld.org/articles/wartime-origins-the-flaming-chalice

Article on the work of Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera: https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/marsha-p-johnson-sylvia-rivera.htm

Ujima project: https://www.ujimaboston.com/

Sermons written by: Rev. Laurel Gray

Music by: Kala Farnham

Hosted and Edited by: Amanda Hall

On this Memorial Day weekend, we’ll continue our theme of storytelling and focus on stories of resilience in hard times. We will both take time to honor those who have served in the military and remember the story of how our chalice came to be, a symbol of hope born of struggle.

Written by: Rev. Laurel Gray

Music by: Kala Farnham

Hosted and Edited by: Amanda Hall

NOTE: This episode contains a message from Laurel regarding Palestine and Israel, which plays before the sermon.

Continuing with the month’s theme of storytelling, this service will focus on serendipity and awe. We’ll have time for “views from the pews” so think about moments in your own life when you have experienced moments of serendipity and awe – maybe it was a chance encounter that lightened your spirit, or a moment of wonder at the beauty of the natural world.

Written by: Rev. Laurel Gray

Music by: Kala Farnham

Hosted and Edited by: Amanda Hall

So often in life, things don’t go as we had planned. This can be a source of disappointment, but this Sunday we’re going to tell stories of when things went perfectly wrong. In lieu of a formal sermon, this service will include short stories on the theme from within our congregation.

Written by: Rev. Laurel Gray

Music by: Kala Farnham

Hosted and Edited by: Amanda Hall