We may find ourselves, particularly in difficult times such as now, wanting to rest within circles of familiarity, safety, and comfort, such as family circles or circles of friends.  But are we meant to stay within safe circles?  Today’s service, based on the Soul Matters resources, challenges us to push beyond what is familiar and comfortable to … Continue reading Widening the Circle

This time of year we are urged to feel and spread joy, but these superficial messages are often in the service of merchandising.  In a follow-up to our service of November 21, Susan Kaphammer invites you to take a deeper look at ordinary joy and joy that changes the world, at joy in the midst … Continue reading Choosing Joy, Part 2

Pandemic time has given us the chance to learn an important truth about relationships by bringing so much to a halt and making us more mindful and deliberate about our interactions.  An essential learning about cultivating relationships is how important it is to Go Slow.  We can find a quieter way of moving; a more … Continue reading Cultivating Relationships

We are living in times of significant change.  The recent past has brought upheavals in daily activities, relationships, and social expectations.  Our UUCY congregation has been and continues to be experiencing changes in where we are, who we are, and what we do.  We are challenged by change in all aspects of our lives to … Continue reading Embracing Possibilities

The topic of “expectations” seems particularly appropriate as UUCY is poised at the beginning of a new church year, in a space new to us, with (perhaps) new social and health rules.  In our liberal and humanist traditions, UUs tend to assume tremendous power of human beings to shape our world.  But we can lose touch … Continue reading What Does It Mean To Be a People of Expectation?

“We all are playing.  Playing it up, playing it down, trying to play fair.  Playing for keeps, playing favorites, playing it safe, sometimes too safe. He plays hardball; They’re playing house; I’m playing it by ear, or at least learning to play it by ear.  She’s tired of playing second fiddle; He’s playing right into their … Continue reading What Does It Mean To Be A People of Play?

Our UU forebearers dared to believe that the story of humanity and individual stories of life, death and salvation are not predestined by God. This freedom carries the responsibility to be aware and careful as we create the stories of our own lives and the story of our country and our world. Because our stories write us … Continue reading What Does It Mean To Be A People of Story?

We are reminded in our Unitarian Universalist Principles that we are seekers engaged in our own unique spiritual journeys — the free and responsible search for truth and meaning. This process of “becoming” isn’t just about moving into our true selves; it is also about untangling from old selves. How might we recognize and shed the identities … Continue reading What Does It Mean To Be A People of Becoming?