What is a story and why do we tell stories? Whether we hear stories in person, through a book, movie, podcast, reel or TikTok, they fascinate and compel us to listen. Stories help us make sense of the world, understand others’ experiences, and make meaning from our own lives. Sometimes a good story is all we need to keep going. Join us this Sunday when we begin the new year by exploring the purpose of stories.

America is a nation formed around the idea that the best government is that which gives the individual liberty to govern themselves. As lofty as that sounds on paper, in reality it is difficult to implement. On this Labor Day weekend, we will explore the relationship between the individual and the group. We’ll offer some examples of how the “right of conscience” might supersede “group norms.” And we’ll consider how UU values help us to discern a way to find the balance.

What if suffering is not only a catalyst for joy, but necessary to experience joy in its fullness? Just like salt is harsh on the tongue alone, suffering in and of itself can feel unbearable. Suffering can also intensify and highlight joy, just like salt enhances flavors in a dish! Join us on Sunday as we explore transforming suffering, and finding circular joy.

In this time of heightened concern about democracy, our deepest values and beliefs can still ground and guide us. What theological perspectives keep our country from living up to its promise, and how might Unitarian Universalists act with hope and love?

Full presence in this season, our lives, and ourselves requires connection to both mind and body. In all the busyness, how can we be present to our lives and loves? Join us for this worship service where we engage practices that allow us to feel, play, and process.

So many people long for community, and yet have never received an invitation to one. It can be difficult to make friends as an adult, let alone build an entire community. The loving, values-based, multigenerational community we have here at First Church is a sacred treasure, but it doesn’t need to be a secret treasure with a complicated map and decoder ring. Join us for this celebratory Ingathering worship service where we connect the universal human need for belonging with the practice of being an invitational community.

At every potluck planning session, there is a moment when someone worries, “what if all we have is jello salad?” We can choose how we respond to that concern: assign everyone a dish; dole out entrée / salad / dessert categories; or let it flow. Which potluck planner are you?

2024-09-22 ● The Rev. Dena McPhetres ● Inviting Relationship by First Unitarian Society of Milwaukee

We all have invitations we have turned down. What if we had said yes to that learning opportunity, that trip, that date? Our lives are as paved by our “no’s” as they are by our “yes’s.” Join us for this worship service where we explore the road not taken, and how the things we have turned down made space for the lives we are living today

All of creation lies in the space between imagination and action. When we listen deeply to one another, to impacted communities, and to the earth, we generate the care we need to respond to the climate crisis.