Rev. Susan responds to a question submitted to her about whether or not Unitarian Universalism is a heresy with an unequivocable yes, no, and maybe, ruminating along the way on what it takes to hold unorthodox positions in socially responsible ways. Join us at 10:30 AM for worship, with coffee and social time following. Attend … Continue reading Who’s a Heretic Now?
If you’ve ever felt inadequate, or your sense of belonging has ever been shaken by insecurity, you know how difficult it can be to change your perspective and get out of that rut. The Eastern tradition, Mahayana Buddhism, offers liberating and universalist insights to assist in digging out of that place of shame and comparison … Continue reading What We Need
Prompted by a question submitted to her, Rev. Susan makes a review of religions that organize around principles other than a belief in God, including Western humanisms. Along the way, we will explore what it means to be religious—with or without God. Join us at 10:30 AM for worship, with coffee and social time following. … Continue reading On Being Human, Religiously
Rev. Susan preaches about facing our weaknesses and vulnerabilities with courage and self-compassion. Join us at 10:30 AM for worship, with coffee and social time following. Attend in worship in person at the Barn at Stratford, or online (link provided below). We are worshiping at the Barn at Stratford while our building is under construction. … Continue reading How To Fall Into a Hole (With Style and Grace)
Summer is a perfect time for stories. Today we will hear several different kinds of stories including wisdom tales, a modern parable and even a story from the Bible. These are stories that may help us understand others and ourselves a bit better in uncertain times. Stories that speak to our lives and the world … Continue reading Stories of Change and Challenge
In this sermon, Rev. Susan answers a question submitted to her: “What does it mean to be spiritual? Is it different from being religious?” by exploring what Unitarian Universalists and those who identify the Spiritual but Not Religious (“Nones”) have, and don’t have, in common. No religious exploration class this week, as many of our … Continue reading Nones on a Bus
While we think of the Fourth of July as celebrating independence in all forms, the deism that characterized the worldview of the Declaration of Independence included the acknowledgement of a personal and national dependence on “divine providence.” In today’s worship, Rev. Ritchie explores deism, and celebrates our interdependence on all that sustains us, helps us, … Continue reading Happy Interdependence Day!
Part of being Unitarian Universalist is the challenge of finding new meanings in light of new experiences. After spending the week at our denomination’s General Assembly, Rev. Susan explains how our larger faith is grappling with new ways of defining who we are, and how we operate, from a new framing of our Principles & … Continue reading The Church that Moves
From the hidden history of sex segregated bathrooms to a surprising lesson learned from a seminary trained drag queen, Rev. Susan offers explores exactly how and why Unitarian Universalist commits itself to the liberation of LBGTQ+ folx. Join us at 10:00 AM for coffee and at 10:30 AM for worship (during the month of June … Continue reading What’s the Deal with Bathrooms? Reflections on Pride 2023
Rev. Susan continues her series on misunderstood theologies by looking at theism, focusing on the extremely varied and unconventional ways that people can understand “God.” Join us at 10:00 AM for coffee and at 10:30 AM for worship (during the month of June only we will be having coffee before rather than after service). … Continue reading God Talk
