Karen Brown & OthersThe UU principles begin with, “UU Congregations affirm and promote . . . ” and the third principle concludes ” . . . the encouragement of spiritual growth in our congregations.” What do you need for your spiritual growth? Some of us might say “nothing!” Yet, this is a basic tenet of … Continue reading “Your Spiritual Growth and Our Responsibility”

Natalie Fryberger, Ken Cuneo, Christine Kolisch, Robin JensenThe second principle lists three qualities: justice, equity, and compassion. Justice and equity are always getting more attention, but it is compassion that regulates the two others. Natalie Fryberger, Ken Cuneo, Christine Kolisch, and Robin Jensen will focus on compassion and how it determines if justice and equity … Continue reading “Compassion and the Second Principle”

Pastor Tobias Schlingensiepen & W.A.s Micah Forstein & Lee Hulquist The first principle speaks to the inherent worth and dignity of every human being. Being the Fourth of July, Americans celebrate the birth of the independent spirit born with the help of our founding fathers. But while freedom is important. what is freedom without the … Continue reading “Freedom and the First Principle”

W.A. Lee HulquistThis Sunday our virtual UUCMP worship service will allow us to join the closing service of the UnitarianUniversalist Association’s Annual General Assembly. This is an opportunity, through Zoom, to be in unity with our fellow UU’s from around the world! A link for this Sunday service will be sent via email and Weekly … Continue reading “General Assembly Closing Service

Rev. Axel Gehrmann & W.A. Micah ForsteinWe say we are a welcoming congregation. We are “people of different ages, races, classes, religious and sexual orientations, gender identities and political views.” We are also people of differing physical condition and ability. When it comes to physical variances, how well do our practices reflect the principles we … Continue reading “Each and Every Body”

Rev. Elaine Gehrmann & W.A. Ann JacobsonThere is both ancient wisdom and modern research telling us that we hold and transmit somatic experiences through the generations. What can our bodies tell us, and how can we work to resolve and heal generational trauma, and transmit strength and resilience?

Rev. Axel Gehrmann & W.A. Ray KriseAccording to Jewish teachings, the fourth commandment calls us to “remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy.” This idea takes on different shape in various Christian and Muslim traditions and has guided secular practices as well. (Your co-ministers’ upcoming sabbatical is an auspicious example.) The Sabbath asks us … Continue reading “Observing the Sabbath”

Camille Hatton, Music Director, and Susan Panttaja Intern Minister Music has a way of drawing us into collaboration. We find ourselves singing or humming along, tapping out the rhythm, or moving our bodies together, in a collective response. While we can’t yet gather in one place, we can make music together, unified by rhythm and … Continue reading “Our Lives Flow On in Endless Song”

Rev. Axel Gehrmann & Erin ForsteinWhat a journey this past year has been! In this religious community that spans all ages, we have all learned a lot, and each of us has grown one year older. This morning we will be recalling the past and looking to the future, as we celebrate this year’s Religious … Continue reading “The Journey of Our Lives”

Susan Panttaja & W.A. Kathleen CraigFor many of us, life would not be complete without animal companions, be they pampered fur persons, beloved feather babies or fish, devoted therapy and service animals, or the wild critters who frequent your yard. Today we will celebrate the blessings of “all creatures great and small.”