In an increasingly dystopian world…
How can we continue to move towards Utopian+Futures (in the best sense of this term)?
Ocean Vuong encourages us to use art to “corrupt” systems of oppression,
as well as to delight for the sake of pure joy and healing.
Ava DuVernay reminds us that “your art will free someone else.”
Then… What if we allow curiosity and imagination to lead us towards liberation,
and into the liminal spaces of “already+not+yet+ and the healthy+worlds+to+be?

Has someone suddenly shown up with exactly what you need at a key moment? Has the course of your life been altered by what felt like a chance encounter? Whether we believe in a higher power or not, what meaning might coincidences – or some may say moments of grace – have in our lives?

“Never get between a mother and her cubs” we are told. How can we be fierce like the mama bear in our work for a more just and peaceful world? Join us this Sunday, whether your relationship with “mothering” is joyful or complicated.

Where is joy in the pursuit of happiness?

This weekend we reflect on the ancient Christian story of Easter, a story of impossible joy in the midst of hopelessness, grief, and oppression. In these times when we so desperately need our own joy renewed, what meaning might we find in this ancient holiday?

This Palm Sunday and first day of Passover, we will be reflecting on what it means to live at the thresholds of liberation—in the wilderness, at the margins, in the borderlands. Through multi-faith reflections, sacred text, singing, and the metaphor of dance, we’ll explore how movement—in grief, in protest, in hope—can be a spiritual practice of becoming.

When the world doesn’t feel like a “happy” place, how can we tap into an abiding joy to sustain our souls and our work for justice?

When money feels tight and the future feels uncertain, it’s easy to get into a bunker mentality. Yet humanity’s survival has always been more dependent on the strength of our communities then the wealth of any individual. In frightening times like these, how can we strengthen our trust in each other?

As the season turns to spring and we celebrate our annual intergenerational Flower Ceremony, we reflect on what the garden can teach us about awakening love and justice in our hearts and in this maddening and beautiful world. All are invited to bring a flower to participate in the in-person ceremony (we’ll have extras too), wear floral prints, or have flowers with you on your zoom screen at home.

Dare I say it? There I said it! Let us gather and meet with agency and transformative action the dystopian realism of these days. However, the most vital step is determining and practicing these values in our daily lives as individuals and communities.

“Unitarian Universalism is a living tradition that has changed in many ways from the original Christian roots of its Universalist and Unitarian heritages, and it continues to evolve today.” At the General Assembly in June 2024, UUs voted to replace the existing Seven Principles and Six Sources language in the bylaws of the Unitarian Universalist Association with language describing Unitarian Universalism through the shared values of Interdependence, Pluralism, Justice, Transformation, Generosity, Equity, all centered around Love. UUA bylaws mandate that this review and revision process be done every 15 years.
However, the most vital step is determining and practicing these values in our daily lives as individuals and communities.

In these days when our values and our very lives can feel under daily assault, how do we balance the need to tend to our souls with the need to rise strong for healing and resistance?