When we want something to be different in our lives or in the world, our goal can sometimes feel so far away. How can we approach the powerful work of change without sinking beneath discouragement?

This time of year, people commonly make resolutions about what they plan to do in the new year. But what if we made resolutions to try less? What if we prioritized doing nothing, whenever possible? What might emerge in the open spaces we tended?

Together we share the ancient story of wonder and hope reborn, sing carols, and reflect on the meaning of Christmas in our lives and in the world.

“In the universe there moves a Wild One whose gestures alter earth’s axis toward love” says poet, scholar, and theologian Rev. Dr. Rebecca Parker. This morning, we gather to welcome new members, honor the Winter Solstice, and find meaning in this time of deep darkness and turning of the seasons.

As Buddhists in our community and around the world prepare to celebrate the day Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment or awakening (Bodhi day), what can we gain by waking up to our own lives?

As Buddhists in our community and around the world prepare to celebrate the day Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment or awakening (Bodhi day), what can we gain by waking up to our own lives?

An alert goes out, and all around the world, no matter what time it is, dozens of botanists stop what they’re doing and take out their cell phones to look at a picture. Somewhere on earth, a child has eaten a plant that doctors can’t identify. Can anyone help? As it happens, these botanists might be the only people who can. What motivates any of us to be generous with our time, our talents, and our knowledge of obscure berries?

Every bonfire began as a spark and as we consider our role in the building the fire that sustains this community, we each have a part to play. From the tinder, to the kindling, to match, and heavy logs, how do we contribute to fanning the flames of this place?

In our difficult world and our challenging lives, what can bees teach us about community, beauty, and how to thrive?

It can be hard to risk when the stakes are high or our resources feel low. Yet without risk, our lives can become smaller, more dull, and less hopeful. How can we answer life’s call to risk boldly for love and justice?

On a day when we reflect on new members joining our ranks and our ancestors who came before, what can we celebrate and embrace about being alive today? What wisdom and power do we contain in our lived experiences now that we would pass back to those who preceded us?

When we enter into community, what do we make of our obligation to love another, even when we don’t always like one another? In this service we’ll examine the deeper dimensions of congregational relationships which call us to love alike even if we don’t think alike.