“Gotta Keep on Moving Forward”
September’s Theme—Embracing Possibility
Topic: Becoming
“Ebbs and Flows”
Each year, Unitarian Universalists around the country mark the start of a new year with the ritual of Water Communion, where we remember that even though water can be a source of destruction, it can also be a source of healing and renewal. In song and silence and ritual, we will welcome in a new … Continue reading “Ebbs and Flows”
“Onward and Upward”
For generations, our Universalist and Unitarian ancestors-in-faith sought to grow the Beloved Community by fostering “the continuity of human development in all worlds, or, the progress of humanity onward and upward forever.” And yet, we know that progress is never linear, that there are always setbacks and disappointments along the way. How do we temper … Continue reading “Onward and Upward”
“Building a Legacy”
At our very successful Virtual Service Auction this year, Tim Miller won the opportunity to choose a sermon topic for a Sunday Service. Based on the book, “Shaking the Gates of Hell: A Search for Family and Truth in the Wake of the Civil Rights Revolution” written by John Archibald, we will reflect on our … Continue reading “Building a Legacy”
“Becoming Beloved”
Our Universalist roots call us to an embracing, all-encompassing, salvific Love. This universal love meets us where we are and crucially also asks us to grow more whole through our encounters with each other. To embody this love, we must transform and be transformed by our commitments to lift each other up, to seek liberation … Continue reading “Becoming Beloved”
“The Stories We Tell About Ourselves”
In this new moment, we are beginning to tell stories of who we are now and how we have survived the past year. These stories about what we did, what we chose, how we lived, will follow us for years to come. How can we practice our values and be compassionate with ourselves as we … Continue reading “The Stories We Tell About Ourselves”
“The Earth is What We All Have in Common: A UUnited Service”
This Sunday we join with our neighbor congregations all over the state of Alabama to celebrate Earth Day and remember our commitment to be good stewards of the Earth, our only home.
“Forgiving As We Go”
We are becoming something new, something we haven’t quite imagined yet. And in the process of becoming, we are going to bump heads and make mistakes. What could it look like to center forgiveness as we move in these uncharted waters? Who might we become with grace as our guide? Video Link
“The Progressive Religious Impulse”
Unitarian Universalism is a relatively new approach to religion, and also has ancient roots. What is the thread that connects us to our past and informs how we approach our future? And how does being aware of this thread help us live our lives today? Rev. AJ van Tine is a lifelong Unitarian Universalist and … Continue reading “The Progressive Religious Impulse”
“Rising and Blooming”
This Sunday we mark Easter on the Christian liturgical calendar and we celebrate “Flower Communion” a distinctly Unitarian Universalist ritual. In both celebrations, we are called to reflect on hope, possibility and what can be made new. This service will include a virtual Flower Communion and will be followed by an in-person Drive-Thru Flower Communion … Continue reading “Rising and Blooming”