UU Community Church of Washington County's Podcast

“Work a little harder, study more, push, push, push."  Stopping to listen to our own stories rather than the ambitions others have for us can enrich our lives.  Who are we in this moment and who do we wish to become?  Join us as we consider where our stories come from and how we can own our own stories.

Lee Baldwin will speak to the way UU Principles led him to migrate from a formal, commandment driven faith to Unitarian Universalism—a place where imperfect humans can learn and grow and contribute without feeling guilt at the imperfections they are striving to overcome.

Rev. Ben Robins, Christine Hinderer, Jane Hogue, and Mary Jacobs

Every year at General Assembly, Unitarian Universalists from across the country (and beyond) grapple with the big questions, such as:  What makes life meaningful?  What are we grounded in?  What are we aiming for?  This year is especially poignant, as we consider updating the Unitarian Universalist Association's foundational statement of principles, values and promises.  In this service we will hear from Rev. Ben and some of our GA delegates about what this gathering meant to them, as we consider our own spiritual journeys as individuals and as a church.

Celebrate Pride with the choir! Dress in your best pride-wear and be prepared to sing along and hear some tales of Pride from our congregation.

Some people just seem to rub us raw, maybe for an obvious reason or no discernible cause.  What's the best way to handle those to whom we have instinctive resistance?  Do we grit our teeth and try to survive or is engagement advisable?  Difficult folks, sometimes known as sandpaper people, can be revealed as meaningful spiritual teachers in disguise.

A group of friends can be made up of very different personalities, and a congregation is like that too. We'll explore 6 styles of spirituality (6 ways of doing church) and perhaps see a reflection of ourselves.

Every so often it is helpful to come back to basics.  We will consider Buddhist guidance for coming back to our breath and focusing on impermanence and gratitude.  We will reflect on the value of community as we cope with our struggles and celebrate our moments of profound joy. 

Words come at us relentlessly, but the words we choose to hold close to our hearts determine our well being. Those closely held words color our view of every moment. Truly, the way we view it is the way we pursue it. 

In Chinese philosophy, Wuxing is the study of the five elements - earth, water, fire, metal and wood. Wuxing can help you to change a relationship that is becoming unbalanced, perhaps too fiery or too rigid. Which of the elements need to grow within you?

In the Christian Easter tradition, Christ is reborn in a way that the disciples don't recognize. What do you do when change gets ahead of you? What is the role of elders in a living tradition?