In the Old Testament story of the Tower of Babel, Yahweh observes a civilization which speaks a single language, enabling them to work together to build a tower. He worries that this commonality might unite them with too much power against him. So, he fractures their language and weakens them. They can no longer communicate. … Continue reading Speaking “Empathy” In an American Babel
It’s New Year’s Resolution time! Again? (sigh). In 2025, rather than “resolve,” how might we reflect and cast intentions for our lives? Have we become more tender towards ourselves, more flexible with others? Can we muster the energy to fight the good fight? “Now, I become myself,” writes the poet May Sarton, “it’s taken time, … Continue reading Some Assembly Required: On Becoming A Self
Watch the service HERE. Nobel Prize winner Albert Schweitzer has famously remarked that, “Until he extends the circle of his compassion to all living things, man will not himself find peace.” When it comes to our relationship with animals, how do we balance our seventh principle about interconnectedness with social norms that typically uphold the … Continue reading Inhabiting a Peaceable Kingdom: Our Relationship With Our Plate
“To embark on the journey towards your goal and dreams requires bravery. To remain on that path requires courage…” Steve Marboli Watch the service HERE. Seeing bravery and courage in others often inspires admiration and awe. Yet, almost all of us in our life have been brave and at times courageous. Rev. Suzie Matranga-Watson will look … Continue reading Being Brave, Having Courage
Watch the service HERE. As Easter and Ramadan converge (and with Passover on the horizon), 2024 offers us a valuable opportunity to practice a “free and responsible search for Holy Week.” What is the common thread in the Abrahamic faiths (and in our own tradition) that lifts up universal love and “salvation” in ways that … Continue reading The Paradoxical Commandments – Love Them Anyway
Watch the service HERE. Mohandas Gandhi once speculated that with so many hungry people in the world, when God next comes to earth it will be in the form of a loaf of bread. My guess is that this loaf will be a simple one, as close to the integrity of wheat and water as … Continue reading Bread, Not Stone: Hunger and Homelessness in the Land of Plenty
Watch the service HERE. The publication of Harper Lee’s To Kill A Mockingbird prequel, Go Set A Watchman, unleashed a torrent of befuddlement about the recasting of Atticus Finch from paragon of white virtue to an emblem of deep south racism. Mary Louise goes home as an adult and sees a different shade of Atticus … Continue reading Go Set A Watchman: On Radical Honesty
Watch the service HERE. During the Days of Awe, the Jewish High Holidays that begin with Rosh Hashanah on September 16 and end with Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement) on September 25, the Book of Life is open as we are asked to consider our behavior, our transgressions and how to turn towards reconciliation … Continue reading Honoring the Jewish High Holidays – “The Possum Experiment and the Choice to Be Kind”
Watch the service HERE. Sally Betser, a former member of Eastrose Fellowship, is a life-long health care practitioner and educator. A former paramedic, retired nurse, and current death doula, she spends her time (when she isn’t quilting) learning, sharing, advocating for, and speaking about end-of-life options in our modern world. She joins us today to … Continue reading Grace and Dignity
Watch the service HERE. The UU 7th Principle is about the interconnectedness of all beings. As humans, we always strive for some kind of connection with others and with the universe. When we experience the interconnecting web that is in all existence, we foster compassion and gratitude in ourselves and towards others. Come explore with … Continue reading They Looked to the Sky
