We often create stories in our own minds to explain, justify, or make sense of what others are doing. In this way, we come accept a false version of things without creating the opportunity to really understand what is going on. If we don't get caught up in these stories, we can be more open to the realities of the world.

As UUs, we might assume that many of us are on the same page when it comes to our electoral preferences, or at least in the same chapter. But we are more diverse than we may know- and affirming that diversity is a worthy challenge.

The idea that Unitarian Universalism should be widely diverse and inclusive is commonly accepted among us. But I wonder how often we ask ourselves why we want to be more diverse. After all, it takes effort to embrace what is unfamiliar. What does holding differences within a unity bring to our lives and our faith that might make the effort worthwhile?

People often say they came to UU congregations to be with like-minded people. However, with time we come to discover that we don't all look at things the same way. How do we practice the art of really embodying a celebration of difference? And at the same time what still holds us together?

Between our first work day and our last, we cover an incredible journey. Some of us "work in the home", or have not yet begun the career journey. How can our UU identities help us through this odyssey? We ask the question: "What would a UU do?"

It has been said that what will come next to help lead humanity out of this time of division and climate devastation is not some great individual, but community, and specifically inclusive communities of hope, courage and resilience. We are experiencing the limits of both a society and faith focused on individualism - depression, isolation, loneliness, fear and fragmentation. How can we learn to live and share and practice a richer experience of community and why is this needed?

Emrys Staton will share some experiences of living in intentional communities, and the lessons learned to build and maintain strong communities.

Strength is something that we all seek in our lives. And yet there are so many stories and metaphors about strength - some which are harmful or misleading. What are the ways we can look at strength that help give us courage but also flexibility for this divisive time in which we live?

How can we become more radically inclusive? This fall, UUCP invites us all to share and understand our own personal histories through a series of "affinity groups," which is an important step in accepting each other. Benjie will personally invite us to join in this process, and (of course) lead us in singing!

When asked to name spiritual qualities, humility is not often the first thing we mention; we may not mention it at all. But in negotiating a rapidly changing world, might humility be one of our spiritual keys?