According to the Buddhist tradition, there are Three Poisons that keep humans trapped in a cycle of meaningless, painful existence–which is known as “samsara”. Given that our country is in a prolonged state of samsara, what do we need to know about “the three poisons,” and what are the anecdotes?
David West offers us an invitation to “remember to remember” the wisdoms of those who went before us, and those of us living in the now. How do we prepare for the future – for ourselves, our children, our families and all our relations?
Alec Lamoreaux, Operations Manager for the Northwest Seasonal Workers Association – NSWA is an independent membership association of workers in the seasonal industries of agriculture, timber and tourism. Alec will talk about the nuts and bolts of the NSWA, his personal journey toward and through this work, and ways that we can get involved.
Growing up in Oregon, Reverend Dennis always felt the true months of summer were July, August, and September rather than the school break that began in June. Yet, hotter and drier Junes have shifted our sense of season beyond the old Memorial Day to Labor Day boundaries in recent years. As this sometimes easy, often challenging summer season comes to an end, let’s look back at what we experienced and lessons learned and embrace new notions that will serve us well in the seasons to come.
Susan retired ten years ago from professionally performing as an oboist in the USA and abroad. She is currently an active member of Natural Way of Living which promotes using the nonphysical spiritual heart to guide us through life. Susan will share some of her experiences in her pursuit to realize the true purpose of life.
Our representative democracy is set aside in every presidential election as the winner-takes-all approach is used instead. We can do better! Equal Voice Voting is an easy way to allow proportional voting on a state-by-state basis to make all votes matter!
Jerry will reflect on how to navigate Grief and Gratitude side by side and help others at the same time, drawing on his long career as a trauma therapist, social work supervisor, and child puppeteer/ storyteller and songster.
Rev. Alison will lead us in our Unitarian Universalist Water Ceremony. Please bring a small vessel of water from somewhere meaningful to you to pour into our collective container, blending our diverse waters into one. Extra water will be provided in the sanctuary. Folks at home are encouraged to participate by gathering a vessel of water and a larger bowl to pour into before sitting down to watch the service. We’ll look to local indigenous wisdom to bless our waters and explore the history of this ceremony in UU tradition. “Drops of water turn the mill, singly none.” — Pete Seeger
It can be easier to imagine the world’s end than to imagine life without fossil fuels. What might 2050 look like if our wildest dreams of climate justice are fulfilled? Join us in a collaborative rich picture visioning process based on a recent UUA webinar. We can imagine collapse – can we imagine renewal – what might we imagine together?
This morning’s service will explore the wonder of song, music, and poetry in enriching our everyday lives and spirituality. Susan Barrett, Darian Leach, Dorothy Swain, Jerry Allen, Teresa Northcross, Gary Lark, and others will offer poetry and share their musical talent for our enjoyment, meditation, and inspiration. Let us know what your favorite hymns are; they might just be included in the service. Susan Barrett and Barbara Moore will host.
