Have you ever tried to explain Unitarian Universalism to other people? It can be challenging! Or perhaps you don’t even quite know what it is yourself. Let’s talk about what Unitarian Universalism is and why it’s named what it is. Not sure if you are a UU, this is a service for you!

At the end of October many traditions honor their beloved dead. At the end of our month of “Stories of the Dead” join Rev. Otto and CUUSP for Samhain, the Pagan holiday that recognizes that the veil is thin between the living and the dead at this time of year. You are invited to bring items and photos that remind of your loved ones who have passed to the great beyond as we continue to build our altar.

Part 1 of a 2-part series

At the end of October many traditions honor their beloved dead. At the end of our month of “Stories of the Dead” join Rev. Otto and CUUSP for Samhain, the Pagan holiday that recognizes that the veil is thin between the living and the dead at this time of year. You are invited to bring items and photos that remind of your loved ones who have passed to the great beyond as we continue to build our altar.

Part 1 of a 2-part series

We don’t know what happens to people when they die, but we do know something about what happens to the people left behind. In this transition full of mystery and the ultimate unknown, what can we know for sure about what happens after death?

Cole Arthur Riley writes, “the world can be terrible and still dare to be beautiful.” These times are heavy, and sometimes it can be easy to spend our time only with the terrible. Join Rev. Aisha to explore where we still find glimmers of beauty, and how they can fortify us in these times. 

Two years after the deadly attack in Israel, we discuss that and everything after. The UN has affirmed that what is happening in Gaza is a Genocide. What are we to do? This month also begins our theme of Stories of the Dead. This month we will be building altars to those we love who we have lost. Feel free to bring an item of a picture any Sunday this month to place on our altar. We are also collecting stories of those we love who we have lost.

Community Church of New York, a UU church in New York City, has been rethinking how they do church. They call it “Disrupt Church.” These times call for radical different ways to do church. Join us as we explore what those might be.

Water has many stories to tell. Of rain cycles and river and oceans. Of baptisms and mikvahs. Of water as a place to gather to connect us. As a place of fun and relaxation. As a place of distruction. Listen to the stories in the water.

You’ll notice this year at First Parish in Malden that all our monthly worship themes center around the idea of stories. Stories are how we make meaning together, how we connect with each other, how we see each other’s humanity, and how we can change this work.

Every Sunday morning we remind each other that we don’t need to be perfect; instead we strive for authenticity. How do we live that out? How can we practice that authenticity in a world so focused on perfection?