Worship Associates Ann Johnson, Christina Zaro, Ray Krise, and Lauren KeenanStorytelling is baked into our DNA. Very few things are truly universal across cultures, but basic storytelling appears to be one of them. Every culture has its own narratives, which are shared as a means of entertainment, education, cultural preservation or instilling moral values. Today … Continue reading “Our Stories”

Rev. Elaine Gehrmann and Worship Associate Allysson McDonaldIt is often said that actions speak louder than words. There are a few remarkable individuals, like Rev. Dr. King, whose lives told volumes about their principles, ethics, and values. How might the story of our lives better reflect our most deeply held beliefs? If you would like … Continue reading “Let Your Life Speak”

Rev. Axel Gehrmann and Worship Associate Max Cajar A book’s cover catches the eye and may offer clues as to what we will find inside. However more subtle and substantive stories often await those who take the time to peruse the pages, look more closely, and read between the lines of our lives. If you … Continue reading “Beyond the Book’s Cover”

Rev. Elaine Gehrmann and Worship AssociateJon Czarnecki Since our earliest childhood, we learn about our family through stories. Stories of ancestors, traditions, scandals, and saints. As we grow older we star in our own stories of failure and triumph, love and loss, struggle and hope. This morning we will consider the bundles of stories we … Continue reading “All I Am is Stories”

Worship Associates Bjorn Nilson, Ray Krise and Ann Johnson With a New Year upon us again, it is once again time to think about time. Or perhaps, think less about it and live more into it, into each moment. This month’s worship theme has been Presence. How do we achieve presence in the present? The … Continue reading “The Falsehood of Calendars”

Revs. Axel and Elaine Gehrmann, and Worship Associates Ray Krise, Robin Jensen, and Jon Czarnecki Join us for stories of the season, carols and candlelight. All ages are welcome! And please bring a plate of cookies to share. If you would like to join our service via Zoom, please click here.

Rev. Elaine Gehrmann, Jorge Torrez, Lucy Faridany and the UUCMP Community ChoirFor our annual winter holiday Music Sunday, Jorge Torrez, Lucy Faridany and our UUCMP Community Choir will share an inspiring assortment of music, lighting up the winter darkness, and welcoming a new and glorious morn. If you would like to join our service via … Continue reading “Lighting Up the Darkness – Music Sunday”

DRE Shannon Morrison and Rev. Axel GehrmannJoin us for our multigenerational holiday pageant featuring the children and youth of our Religious Exploration program. We will celebrate the signs, symbols and stories from a number of religious traditions, which feature illumination and inspiration found in the darkest nights of the year. If you would like to … Continue reading “A World of Winter Lights”

Rev. Axel Gehrmann and Worship Associate Lauren Keenan One of the customs of the holiday season is the giving and receiving of gifts. Often gifts are objects carefully wrapped in colorful paper, sometimes with a bow on top. They are designed to elicit a moment of joyful surprise among family and friends. Some say, however, … Continue reading “The Best Present is Presence”

Jon Czarnecki and Worship Associate Christina Zaro In this season of growing darkness, we sense a hard-wired fear; what if the light never returns? Yet, we are born in darkness to enter the light. Darkness is the place of peace. Our senses peak in darkness. So why do we fear it? Why do we associate … Continue reading “Hello Darkness My Old Friend”