Archives: Services

The Path, Part II: Keeping to the Path, or How to Steer Clear of Spiritual Bypassing

A Sermon with Zen Tales Watch the service HERE. In the early 1980s, psychologist John Welwood coined the term “spiritual bypassing” to refer to the use of practices and beliefs to avoid confronting uncomfortable feelings, unresolved wounds, and fundamental emotional and psychological needs. In the years that have followed, many well-meaning seekers have fallen under … Continue reading The Path, Part II: Keeping to the Path, or How to Steer Clear of Spiritual Bypassing

The Path, Part I: Clearing A Path to Heartfulness

Watch the service HERE. In a world overrun with words, thoughts, noise and conflict, how might we clear a path to a more heart-centered life? We’ll explore new paradigms for setting deeply-felt intentions for our “homecoming” service that could yield better results than resolutions or even “goals.” The service includes a guided meditation for opening the heart … Continue reading The Path, Part I: Clearing A Path to Heartfulness

The New Humanism 

Watch the service HERE. Humanism can seem a little science-y. Modern Humanism (turn of the 19th century through the ’60s) was focused on science and did not truck with what it considered superstition. While worthy, it seemed more like a litmus test than a spiritual path. However, a new Humanism is popping up all around … Continue reading The New Humanism 

Move In The Hand

Watch the service HERE. The Rev. Kaaren Anderson has written about a time when she put down her book to ponder her own hands, what they touch and experience and create. “I don’t want smooth hands,” she tells us. “I want mine to speak to my person, to my life’s work, to the sum of … Continue reading Move In The Hand

Unjudge Someone

Watch the service HERE. In cities throughout the world, individuals are “checking out” real live people in a program called “Human Libraries.” The goal is to encourage us to engage with others in one-on-one conversations to break down stereotypes and the judgement that comes with focusing on the “cover” and not the “book.” What have … Continue reading Unjudge Someone

“It’s Just Not Fair!

Watch the service HERE. In the Article II revision that was passed by our General Assembly in June, Unitarian Universalists name justice as one of our faith’s central values. And certainly all of us want to believe in a universe in which everyone has an equal chance at health and happiness. But we also know … Continue reading “It’s Just Not Fair!

Confessions of an Imposter

Watch the service HERE. Drawing on personal experiences, Homilist/storyteller Gloria Holland explores her own loss of Faith, mostly in herself, then discusses the relationship between Faith and Doubt. Worship leader Eric Tschuy, Music from Mary Reese and a Time for All Ages from Tara Toler. Gloria returns to Eastrose for the 3rd time; she is … Continue reading Confessions of an Imposter

Providing Support, Safety and Opportunity Amidst the Ruins

Watch the service HERE. Cultivate Initiatives is a group of people that envisions communities that are safe, supportive, and full of opportunities. As a nonprofit organization serving East Portland and East Multnomah County, they empower individuals and communities through workforce development, housing and homemaking, and supportive sheltering. Caleb and others from the Cultivate Initiatives team … Continue reading Providing Support, Safety and Opportunity Amidst the Ruins