The traditional notion of kinship is challenging, because it boxes us in with people who may not share mutual love and respect. What happens when we open the box and include kin who are beyond our family of origin? Father Greg Boyle, S.J., founder of Homeboys Industries in Los Angeles said, “Radical kinship is the only thing that mattered to Jesus. We are one, and we belong to each other.” Join us this Sunday as we explore kinship beyond our biological roots.

The more we open ourselves to the possibility of receiving the gift of grace, the more we notice it in the world around us and feel able to give grace to ourselves and others. How do we open ourselves to grace? There is a physicality to grace; it takes practice. Fred Astaire was a graceful dancer, but Ginger Rogers did it in heels and backwards! Join us this Sunday when we explore less intimidating ways to practice grace.

2023/07/23 ● Paul Kosidowski & Sally Lewis ● Everyday Poetry: Why poetry? Why now? by First Unitarian Society of Milwaukee

I love many things about public libraries, but one of the best things is the grace period given after a due date. Grace is sometimes defined as an undeserved favor, giving someone the benefit of the doubt whether they deserve it or not. What if we lived as if everyone deserved grace, even those we don’t want to forgive? Even ourselves?

Some believe that grace is for a chosen few, but its true expansiveness can be a life-giving revelation. Join us for Rev. Jim’s final sermon at First Church as he looks at grace both human and divine, and reflects on gratitude, one of grace’s many gifts.

How, why, and with whom we gather together matters. In what ways have gatherings, whether professional, personal, or spiritual, changed your life? What serendipities and other moments of grace occurred because of the ways we have come together in community?

Creating liberation takes many hands and continual effort to become a reality.

Join us as we hear stories of people whose lives intersected with the Emancipation Proclamation through historical vignettes. We’ll explore what the proclamation meant for enslaved people at the time and follow the thread to the present-day annual Juneteenth celebration.

To help us celebrate LGBTQ Pride Month, Rev. Tony’s sermon will explore biblical references to homosexuality. You may be surprised by how few there are, and what they may have meant in context.

Today we will honor the 100th anniversary of the Unitarian Flower Ceremony, which began in the Unitarian congregation in Prague, Czechoslovakia in June 1923. Please bring a fresh flower from your yard, neighborhood or random roadside to contribute to our community bouquet. We will each receive a different flower to bring home! Our delight in the uniqueness of each flower and the beautiful bouquet of community is a special kind of happiness

As Unitarian Universalists, we hold Love at the center of our communities. It’s a Love that asks much of us, and offers immense possibility in return. Join us to explore the Love that breaks down walls, both within us and between us.