We have survived election day (if not yet election-and-transition season). We‘re all here at the opening of a new chapter in this country, and the only clear thing is that our many different versions of the story don’t match up. Is there a place we can meet, out beyond “wrongdoing and rightdoing”? What shall we do … Continue reading “Let’s Talk About What’s Next”
Ever since the pandemic took over, a lack of certainty has become one of few constants in our lives. Now, here we are – perched on a knife-edge of uncertainty about what the future holds for our country, our neighbors, the world. How can we be faithful to our better angels in this moment – within ourselves, … Continue reading “More Like a Plant Than a Jewel”
Ever since our revolutionary ancestors won independence from England, voting has been an essential part of this country’s identity. But looking back at how voting has happened in America gives a less-than-consistent message about what really matters. What principles are guiding us now? Join us for online worship at uusociety.org/worship-and-music/online-sunday-worship/ at 10 a.m. on Sundays! All … Continue reading “Voting in America”
Last week’s focus was on listening carefully to ourselves – enough to allow our minds and hearts to be changed. This week’s topic is the other side of that practice: how listening intently to the people around you can lead to transformative change, too. Join us for online worship at uusociety.org/worship-and-music/online-sunday-worship/ at 10 a.m. on Sundays! … Continue reading “On Needing Each Other”
So many issues surround us right now – all of them urgent. It’s hard to know where to look, who to follow… how best to use the small voice each of us has, to do the most good. How do we convince anybody of anything? How is it that minds are changed? Join us for … Continue reading “On Changing Minds and Hearts”
Please join us for reflections on different periods of the history of Indigenous Peoples, including the Western Abenaki and efforts to preserve Abenaki cultural heritage in Vermont. For our October 11 service, we welcome special guest Charlie D.-Megeso. Charlie is a Nulhegan-Coosuk Abenaki Citizen, a Vermont State recognized Tribe. He is a former member of … Continue reading “Facing History”
Rev. Patricia Hart, Worship Leader; Cheryl Herrick, Worship Associate It’s hard to take a deep breath these days, much less find the time and focus and faith to practice deep listening. Nevertheless, that’s exactly what we are called to do. Where is truth, among all the events, fears, information/disinformation swirling around us? Can we let … Continue reading “Love Will Make You Brave”
Rev. Patricia Hart, Worship Leader; Jon Sallée, Worship Associate; with the Healthy Congregation Team A decade ago, this congregation drafted and adopted a Covenant – a brief statement that both describes and guides how members of the Society interact with one another (and, ideally, with everybody else). “Living” this Covenant is a primary way we … Continue reading “Covenant – Noun and Verb”
What does it mean to bring our full and authentic selves to a community, and what does it mean for that community to accept everyone the way they are? How do we make sure that there really is a seat at the table for everyone? Let’s think about it and sing about it during the … Continue reading “Gathering Round the Welcome Table”
Rev. Patricia Hart, Worship Leader; Judy Brook, Worship Associate; with special music by Penny and Adele deRosset The pandemic may have changed lots of things, but it’s still September: school is starting, and so is this new year at the First UU Society! Join us for a celebration of this wonderful religious community, which is … Continue reading “Come, Come, Whoever You Are!”
