Since Descartes created his mind-body dualism, western colonial spirituality has traditionally focused on the immaterial soul and mind as the objects of the spiritual while ignoring the body. But what if the body could be our greatest ally in aligning ourselves with our highest values?

Niceness culture teaches that the moral way is to always be nice to everyone, no matter the context. In this service, Rev. Chris will examine why niceness is not always a Unitarian Universalist value and suggest more covenantal ways of being together.

Imbolc is an honoring of the Celtic Goddess Briget and the Christian Saint Brigid, who was renowned as a patron of beauty. Beauty tends to be thought of as a superficial, subjective quality, but what if true beauty can remind us of what is important in the world?

Recently, the Unitarian Universalist Association’s Article II Commission released a proposal to replace our principles with a list of shared values. Whatever your feelings about these changes, it presents an opportunity to re-vision our faith for a new generation. In this service, we’ll examine the proposed changes and how participating in this process is core … Continue reading Redefining Unitarian Universalism for a New Generation

Howard Thurman once said, “Keep alive the dream; for as long as a man has a dream in his heart, he cannot lose the significance of living.” In honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, we’ll examine how one keeps alive the dream in times of despair and how our actions can contribute to the … Continue reading Keep Alive the Dream

The hearth fire was where stories were traditionally told in many cultures, and the tradition continues through fireside services today. Our chalice fire can be a great place to rededicate ourselves to our highest truths. In our annual fire communion service, we’ll have the opportunity to rededicate ourselves to the task of living in this … Continue reading The Fire That Warms Us in the Winter

The Christmas story is accompanied by terrifying dreams and visions that are seldom included in the feel-good seasonal narrative but which shape the story in important ways. They are an invitation to a different way of being. In our annual Christmas Eve service, we’ll consider the invitation inherent in the season and ask: where is … Continue reading The Invitation: A Christmas Eve Service

Don’t feel like being joyful this holiday season? In our annual Blue Christmas service, we’ll hold space for all emotions. If the holiday season is a difficult one for you, come and be with others who understand this pain. No enforced joyfulness here!

As we celebrate the darkest day of the year, is their still joy in the darkness? In this service, we’ll explore darkness and whether it can help us find the light.

In contrast to our dominant market economy, many cultures have traditionally existed as egalitarian gift economies where the world, and its associated responsibilities, belong to everyone. In this service, Rev. Chris will examine whether this model could help us find joy in the everyday act of living.