We will explore the theological legacy of universal salvation through the writings of the medieval English mystic Julian of Norwich. Julian described the unconditional love of God, discovered and rediscovered in a context of social isolation and epidemic. How can we meaningfully imagine a destiny of universal wellbeing, in a world of such material inequality? … Continue reading Universal Salvation and Unconditional Love
In this worship service, we explore the surprising role that Unitarianism played in bringing Buddhism to the West, as well as the spiritual compatibilities between Unitarian Universalism and Buddhism. Most of all we celebrate the deep truths and practices that emerge when open minds come together. Join us either in person (vaccines and masks required) … Continue reading Unitarian Universalists in the Lotus
The habits of mind and heart that keep the prospect of new possibilities, personal and communal, alive. Join us at 10:30 AM either in person (masked and vaccinated) or on Zoom. Susan Ritchie (she, her, hers) is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting. Topic: NUUC VIRTUAL WORSHIP AND SUNDAY PROGRAMMINGTime: 10:30 AM Sundays Join … Continue reading The Moon, Green Cheese, and the Art of the Possible
The death this past week of the liberal and controversial Episcopal Bishop John Shelby Spong prompts this week’s reflection on what it is that we know—and don’t know—about the historical life of Jesus. In this we discover common ground between Jesus, Spong, and our own tradition: the belief that “one prepares for eternity by not … Continue reading Who Do You Say That I Am?
How can we take all the “pivoting” the pandemic has required us to do and shape it into a spiritual practice? “Turning,” the central metaphor of the Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur, offers a path, and reminds us of our reasons for (In)Gathering. You can attend today’s worship either in person or on Zoom. If … Continue reading (Re)Turn Again: (In)Gathering 2021
We explore the intersections of the Buddhist idea of attachment and the Christian concept of idolatry in order to gather the spiritual resources necessary for embracing an unknown future with courage and creativity. Susan Ritchie (she, her, hers) is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting. Topic: NUUC VIRTUAL WORSHIP AND SUNDAY PROGRAMMINGTime: Sundays 10:30 … Continue reading Clingy, Much?
Who are Unitarian Universalists? We bring ourselves to this faith with many different experiences. So, we interpret Unitarian Universalism through a variety of lenses. The symbols we use, the stories we tell, the information we gather from various sources, and the narratives about our faith ancestors as well as theologians convey meanings about our identity … Continue reading Who Are UUs? Remembering, Identity and Community
Historically, utopian communities arise after major, disruptive events such as wars and pandemics, that challenge established ways of living. In this worship, we’ll look at what lessons we can learn from failures and successes of utopian communities of the past and present about how to live better as we intentionally recreate our lives. Spoiler: It … Continue reading Utopias, Practically Speaking
Today’s message is an extended response to a congregant’s question, “what does ‘queer’ mean?” Once a slur, “queer” has been reclaimed by activists to celebrate the power of people and ideas and even religious beliefs that don’t fit easily into established categories. We’ll explore how this perspective is revolutionizing the way we think about religion. … Continue reading Queer(ing) Religion 101: It Is All True
This question gets to the heart of the distinctive Unitarian Universalist teachings about the [super]natural. We find most of our answer in ee cummings: “Miracles are to come. With you I leave a remembrance of miracles: they are by somebody who can love and who shall be continually reborn, a human being.” Rev. Susan Ritchie … Continue reading Do You Believe in Miracles?
