Rev. Dennis Hamilton and Worship Associate Corey BrunsonBecause we are humans, we live in a human-sized scale model of the universe. Because we encounter the world through our minds, we try to fit it all into our model, into our minds. It doesn’t fit. Let’s try another perspective. Let’s get oriented. If you would like … Continue reading “Reorienting the World”

Worship Associates Lauren Keenan and Celia BarberenaAre there summer traditions that you look forward to, or would like to revive? Ways to celebrate the longer and (sometimes) warmer weather? Activities that promote re-creation, rest-oration and that may elude you the rest of the year? How important is it that we make room for recharging in … Continue reading “How Is Summer Special?”

Worship Associates Robin Jensen and Ray KriseUnitarian Universalism approaches forgiveness as a spiritual practice – a path toward healing, reconciliation, and personal growth. It is an ongoing process which does not erase accountability but shows a way to move forward with compassion. Self-forgiveness can liberate us from spiritually burdensome feelings of guilt and resentment and … Continue reading “On Forgiveness”

Worship Leader Rev. Charlotte Bear and Worship Associate Allyson McDonaldOur story is changing, unfolding as we speak. Your story matters. If you would like to join our service via Zoom, please click here.

Worship Associates Jon Czarnecki and Christina ZaroThere is an old expression, “freedom is not free.” In this service, we explore the costs of freedom from several perspectives: from those who pay and those who are paid, from those who want to pay but cannot, and from those who can pay but do not want to. … Continue reading “Freedom is Not Free”

Rev. Russ Menk and Worship Associate Lauren Keenan Ralph Waldo Emerson (a Unitarian minister) probably gave the finest 19th-century defense of the ideal of individualism. Emerson promoted non-compliance to authority if it went against your own life’s path. But isn’t a freedom to disregard authority/law at the core of our country’s current crisis? Are Emerson’s … Continue reading “Individualism – Was Emerson Wrong?”

Rev. Axel Gehrmann and Worship Associate Charlotte BearFor most of us, there are few people who shaped us more meaningfully than our parents. Today we will reflect on the role our fathers played throughout our lives – all kinds of fathers – their presence and their absence, their gifts and their limitations, the lessons they … Continue reading “Of Fathers and Fatherhood”

Rev. Elaine Gehrmann, Jorge Torrez, Lucy Faridany, and the UUCMP Community ChoirNelson Mandela said, “For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.” This Music Sunday we will be treated to a variety of musical pieces which celebrate … Continue reading “Practicing Freedom – Music Sunday”

Rev. Axel Gehrmann and Worship Associate Celia Barberena “Freedom” has long been a defining feature of our liberal faith. Our forebears rejected doctrine and dogma, and instead affirmed freedom of belief, freedom of thought, freedom of conscience. And yet unfettered freedom has its challenges. In our land of liberty today, what do we do when … Continue reading “The Limits of Freedom”

Worship Associates Jon Czarnecki & Ray KriseWhy should we stop dreaming just because we are awake? Daydreaming in conversational parlance is often cast as a negative activity, inferring that our minds are wandering aimlessly and unproductively and that we are not paying attention. “Ah, I caught you daydreaming.” However, we might do well to follow … Continue reading “The Creative Possibilities of Daydreaming”