Where Does Your Heart Lean?
What makes your heart sing? Are you more Unitarian? Or Universalist? Is there a difference? This exploration is not about taking sides, but rather, understanding who we are at our core and how we fit together.
Archives: Services
Lessons from Gate A-4
UU Amherst Worship Design Team Service created by the Pacific Western Region Staff Team. In her poem “Gate A-4”, Arab-American poet Naomi Shihab Nye shares an account of distress, compassion and community as she is called to interpret Arabic for a fearful traveler at an airport. The PWR Staff has puttogether a worship service that … Continue reading Lessons from Gate A-4
The Gift(s) of Love
“Joy is the gift of love. Grief is the price of love. Anger protects that which is loved. And when we think we have reached our limit, wonder is the act that returns us to love.” (Valerie Kaur)
The Words That Come Before All
When the Indigenous Peoples of Western New York celebrate the Midwinter festival, the gathering begins with a communal thanksgiving to the elements and forces of nature that support life on earth.John Snodgrass teaches Religious Studies at Canisius College, and he is the author of numerous books including “Sun Dance: Plains Life in Balance” and “Jolly … Continue reading The Words That Come Before All
Where is the Light? Celebrating Imbolc
Imbolc is the Celtic celebration of the growing light that was born at the Solstice. It is a time of Emergence and Awakening.
Centering Practices & Establishing Boundaries
Masters of all religious traditions on earth now understand that spiritual training is essential not solely for monks and nuns but for all people, whatever their faith or way of life. The nature of spiritual development is intensely practical, active, and effective. The danger we are all in together makes it essential now that we … Continue reading Centering Practices & Establishing Boundaries
Identity Crisis
Just what does it mean to be a Unitarian Universalist? Some people think we are a cult; could it be true?
Active Hope
Based on the book by Joanna Macy and Chris Johnstone, this service is meant to help us find our center, the source of our hope, in the midst of climate chaos. A New Book Study Opportunity: Join Rev. Michelle in reading Active Hope: How to Face the Mess We’re In Without Going Crazy (Joanna Macy … Continue reading Active Hope
Inviting the New Year
What are our touchstones for renewed hope and strength? This service features a sermon shared by UUA President, Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray.Following the Service: You are invited to remain in the chapel for a UU Christian Communion rite. The rite celebrates the gathered community and is fully inclusive. One need not hold a Christian framework to … Continue reading Inviting the New Year
Come Christmas Morning
Howard Thurman wrote: “When the song of the angels is stilled, when the star in the sky is gone, when the kings and princes are home, when the shepherds are back with their flock, the work of Christmas begins…” What is the work we are called to do?