Did you know that beliefs in unprovable and irrational phenomenon are actually on the rise? In this sermon, Rev. Ritchie wrestles with what constitutes irrational belief, what to do when you encounter them in others (or yourself!) and why, in a time when scientific explanations are stronger than they have been at other points in … Continue reading Unbelievable!
As we approach Yom Kippur, it is customary to spend time in self-reflection and making amends with those we have harmed. What might we learn from this practice and what might repentance look like in a time of anthropogenic climate change, wildfires, and other disasters? Morgan Patten will explore how we might make amends while also … Continue reading Hanging in the Balance: Delight, Despair, and Making Amends with the Natural World
Rev. Susan looks at different ways that religious traditions have marked the transition to autumn, and explores how embracing seasonality can enhance the spiritual life. Join us at 10:30 AM for worship, coffee and fellowship time to follow worship. Attend in worship in person at the Barn at Stratford, or online (link provided below). We … Continue reading The Pumpkin Spice Worship
On Ingathering Sunday, we will celebrate the start of the new church year by noting the importance of “third places”—places (like churches!) where people gather that are not home or work. Third places provide a sense of respite from ordinary preoccupations, and they make for healthy communities and individuals. No water celebration this year, but … Continue reading Ingathering: The Power of Third Places
Rev. Ritchie explores how we’ve let down the working class in this country, and what we can do about it as a community of faith. Join us at 10:30 AM for worship, coffee and fellowship time to follow worship. Attend in worship in person at the Barn at Stratford, or online (link provided below). We … Continue reading Stiffed
Whether they describe how the universe was made, how a people, nation or family was formed, or how we have become the individuals we are, the origin stories we choose to tell have great power in shaping our futures. In today’s worship, Rev. Susan delves into origin stories that we love, as well as those … Continue reading Origin Stories
More than just something we pay or give, our attention can be a precious resource, an embodied experience, and a tool through which we can grow what we value most. Guest preacher Rev. Meg McGuire will explore the significance of what we give attention to and how bringing intention to our attention matters, as individuals … Continue reading The Practice of Attention
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
