To Know Another: ‘Love is the doctrine of this church’, ‘To seek the truth in Love’, ‘Beloved Community’, ‘Beloveds’. These are some of the mantras, if you will, and covenantal language we embrace to express our UU commitment to moving from a foundation of alove, working for equality, and seeing environmental justice as a core issue of human rights. Do I know my neighbors?
Unitarian Universalism calls us not only to affirm our values but to live them boldly in the world. In times of injustice, when systemic oppression and inequality persist, how do we move beyond words into direct action? What does it mean to engage in faithful resistance, to put our principles into practice with courage and integrity?
This sermon will explore the rich history of direct action within faith communities, including Unitarian Universalist movements for justice, and reflect on how we, as individuals and congregations, can answer the call to embodied love and liberation. From protest to mutual aid, from sanctuary to solidarity, we will consider the sacred work of showing up—especially when it is uncomfortable, especially when it demands risk, especially when love and justice require more than thoughts and prayers.
Together, we will reflect on how we can make our faith tangible, stepping into the prophetic tradition of those who have come before us, as we discern what it means to be a people of action in this moment.
Safe and stable housing is fundamental to human dignity, yet many in our community continue to face housing insecurity. This Sunday, we welcome a guest speaker from Habitat for Humanity to share their mission and vision for creating permanent housing and fostering pathways to stability in Grants Pass. Since its founding in 1976, Habitat for Humanity International has worked in all 50 U.S. states and 79 countries, helping more than 59 million people secure safe, affordable shelter. Together, we will explore how sustainable housing transforms lives and how we can strengthen our partnership with an organization committed to upholding the inherent worth and dignity of all people—ensuring that every person has the foundation they need not just to survive, but to thrive.
Ever have a hard time explaining what UUs believe? By the way we live our lives, our beliefs are often evidenced by being lived out loud. In honor of Women’s History Month, we remember the lives of a variety of UU women and what they tell us about our values. Some stood witness to the injustice of their times, some spoke truth to power in the halls of religion, education and government, some quietly explored the reaches of art and science. All remind us that our values are to be lived in our actions and deeds, both everyday and during extraordinary times.
When we talk about treatment for substance use disorders, the first things we tend to think of are detox programs and medication assisted treatment. One treatment approach that rarely comes into the conversation is nature connection as a treatment tool for substance use disorders. Let’s change that!
Love is not just an emotion—it’s a sacred, revolutionary act of defiance. Through the story of St. Valentine, a radical who blessed forbidden unions in the face of empire, the wisdom of mysticism, and the lived experiences of queer and trans people, we’ll explore how love transcends boundaries and transforms communities. What does it mean to embody love in a world that seeks to erase and control us? How can the perspectives of the marginalized teach us to live love as resistance, connection, and liberation? Together, we’ll reclaim love as holy power—a force to heal, disrupt, and create a just, expansive future for all.
Carl Thomas, Executive Director with Project Youth+ (formerly College Dreams) will share the important work this local non-profit organization is doing to help underserved youth in Jackson, Josephine and southern Douglas Counties. In over 20 local schools, staff Advisors support high achieving young people to further their education and career possibilities, and work to remove barriers and help keep vulnerable young people in school for their positive future. Out of school youth are also supported through work experience opportunities by Career Coaches and building life skills to navigate challenges. Hear their stories and the ways our congregation can support this important work.
Probably many of us think “circus,” “Tom Thumb,” “Jumbo,” or “Greatest Show on Earth” when we hear the name P.T. Barnum. Member Teresa Northcross explores the life of Phineas Taylor Barnum – showman, best-selling author, politician, impresario, moral reformer, unabashed capitalist, real estate developer, eventual Abolitionist, and a life-long Universalist.
Rev. Summer Albayati, our Pacific Western Region of the UUA staff person will again join us. As we enter a new year she brings her insight, compassion and encouragement to our beloved community.
When we think of the unhoused community, images of tent cities, cardboard signs, struggle, addiction, and isolation often come to mind—a community marked by tremendous needs. Yet, Elias Poore, SOUUP Intern Minister and formerly unhoused community organizer with over eight years of experience working with unhoused communities, challenges us to see beyond these stereotypes. Drawing on their lived experience and work alongside these communities, Eli reflects on the invisibility and vulnerability of houselessness while offering a hopeful vision, highlighting the profound lessons these communities can offer all of us about perseverance, interdependence, inherent worth, and the transformative power of relationships.
