Traditions celebrated at Christmas Eve and all holidays and Holy Days can ignite shared meaning, kindle hope, and reawaken dreams. This celebration of Christmas creates a loving space for the many ways we care for one another and ourselves through life’s darker seasons. Come celebrate our candle light service together.
The Saturday before this service the Unitarian Universalist Church of Utica joins more than 350 other UU congregations in workshops and projects to heal climate in partnership with those most impacted by climate change. This Sunday service acknowledges how difficult the current reality is as we revive our loving commitment to the world. All are … Continue reading Climate Justice Equals Community Care
Unitarian Universalism sprang from ancient stirrings and deep desires for freedom of religion. September 8 is the start of a new church year as we celebrate this freedom and recommit ourselves to the responsibility of democracy within our faith and beyond. We come together with gratitude and joy.
Eight months ago Rev. Karen led a worship service entitled “Staying at the Table Through Conflict” Less than 3 months from this August worship service our country will vote for the next President of the United States. What do our UU values tell us – how can we use our covenant – to Be Well … Continue reading Grounding Ourselves Through Tough Dynamics
If personal spiritual practice is not tethered to creeds and dogma, what might guide how we grow and deepen our spiritual and moral lives?
A surprising number of Unitarian Universalists find their spiritual grounding in nature, and in particular, through connection to trees. It is exciting to learn how science continues to empirically prove things about trees that many poets, children and spiritual guides have known for millennia. We’ll share stories of trees we have known and what we’ve … Continue reading Be Like a Tree
Laughing is a great way to open our hearts and minds. Laughing is good medicine to prepare us for the work to come. Hear and share parables, stories, songs, and poems, and get lots of spiritual permission to laugh (in case you need it). Even in the midst of all that is so wrong with … Continue reading Laugh!
In a month our Unitarian Universalist Association will vote on whether to evolve once again our 7 (and for UUUtica, our 8) Principles. No matter the outcome of the vote, our faith will not lose the chalice, nor bury the principles. However, we may gain a flower in which the core is love and each … Continue reading The Chalice and the Flower
Five Smooth Stones – a gift from one of our 20th century theologians, James Luther Adams. Rev. Karen learned this perspective and theological notation from two of the most powerful UU mentors in her life, both women, both mothers. She will share why the Five Smooths Stones are a lovely mother’s day present to us all.
Forgiveness is one of the most challenging religious and spiritual precepts. Together we ask, “What does it mean? Why is it important? Are there ways to practice forgiveness while holding people accountable for wrong-doing?’
