Chaplain (Lieutenant) Toben R. Squires, USN, will join us this Memorial Day to share stories about his work. He will address concerns about the importance of remembering our veterans and challenges the future may bring. Chaplain Squires graduated from our UUA Seminary, Starr King School of the Ministry in 2020. In 2023 he was recognized by the US Navy as a Chaplain. We will be recognizing our relatives who are now or did serve in the military.
How we treat each other, how we engage politically, how we treat our planet, it’s all interconnected. Our Climate Justice Revival in September and our priorities from our new year service in December identify a number of challenging realities and opportunities for community care. This service will focus on climate justice and how this issue interweaves with so many others in our community.
It is well known that 2500 years ago, that after sitting under the Bodhi Tree, the Buddha attained enlightenment, came to realization of deep reality. This experience led to his extensive teachings on nonviolence and wellbeing. While western translations describe the Buddha “awakening” under the Tree, eastern traditions speak of his “waking to the Tree.” The Buddha’s insights occurred when he spiritually met and came into alignment with Nature. She will talk about how coming into alignment with Nature returns our species to harmony and peace with all beings and the Earth.
