We have entered a time in US history when the meaning of freedom is being debated even as its presence quietly fades into the background. How is this happening? Are we paying attention? We’ll look at this through the lens of Timothy Snyder’s book, “On Tyranny.”

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As beloveds in our communities are scapegoated and attacked by the current administration, what does UUism call us to embrace and respond? As we turn toward Pride month, we will learn more about the UU commitment to pledge our collective faithful efforts to affirm and celebrate trans, nonbinary, intersex, and gender diverse people within and… Read More »Podcast: Embracing Trans, Nonbinary, Intersex, and Gender Diverse People: A Fundamental Expression of UUism

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Poet John O’Donohue suggested that “if our style of looking becomes beautiful, then beauty will become visible and shine forth for us.” A talk from Rev. Jullan Stoneberg.

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Author and activist adrienne maree brown believes that all organizing is science fiction. “Trying to create a world that we’ve never experienced and never seen is a science-fictional activity.” On this morning, we gather to practice some collective imagining.

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Let’s get real about how our joy can change the world, even as it co-exists with our pain, brokenness and curmudgeon-ness. How we can commit to inciting joy and making it more robust? Our theme for April is Living Love through the Practice of Joy

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Some might question if there is any joy to be found in these times. How do we live holding the dual realities of despair and joy? How are these two things connected? As Shirley Ceasar’s song says, “This joy that I have, the world didn’t give it to me…the world can’t take it away.

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Trust is built at the speed of relationship, so it takes two (or more) to build trust! The ability to trust is a muscle of the heart that is exercised through the practice of covenant. It’s not always easy, and it doesn’t necessarily come naturally, but we can do it!

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Science writer Ed Yong refers to the ways in which our screen-focused, fear-based society is impacting our scope of concern. He says we are currently being “crunched ever inward” and that it behooves us to get out and connect with others. Being in community is a beautiful way to uncrunch ourselves and stretch!

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When things feel precarious and unpredictable, it’s crucial to know what there is that is trustworthy and dependable. What is it that reliably supports us and holds us up?

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Holding us now – to hope, to courage, to clarity and to each other – is the radical love at the very center of Unitarian Universalism. It shows up as wonder (and grief) for our achingly beautiful world; it shows up as relentless respect and care for one another, resplendent in all our vulnerability and power; it shows up as gratitude for the reliable rhythms of nature and community, calling us gently to rest and urgently to rise. We are held by and we comprise a mighty love no tyrant can diminish or demean. How, in these darkening days, shall we bring this love to bear?

A talk from from Rev. Victoria Safford: A graduate of Vassar College and Yale Divinity School, Victoria has served congregations in Massachusetts, Minnesota and Iowa, and currently serves as chaplain to the staff of the Unitarian Universalist Association. Victoria lives with her family on the west side of St. Paul.