In this sequel to Part 1, waterfalls cascade us deeper into the science of awe, including: the wonderful word “eudaemonia”; the gifts of people who are pre-disposed to experience awe; and the relations between awe, wonder, spirituality, and ambiguity.
Together we’ll remember and reflect upon people near, dear and notable whose lives concluded in 2024. We’ll light candles; we’ll sing; we’ll laugh; we may cry; and we will mourn together those we have lost. We will celebrate their legacies, hear their songs and consider how lives well lived can make such a difference.
At the turning of the year, many of us take stock of our lives: what we remember from days flown by, and what we want to find around the next corner. Our second annual participatory year-end service will take us through a collaborative process of sharing our thoughts, dreams, and goals for UUGP. Where have we been, and where do we want to go, as we live the daily joys and challenges of our seven principles? Onward to 2025!
In this time of long dark days when the southern hemisphere of the earth visits the sun, the folks of the north have for millenia ritualized the return of the light marked by the winter solstice. Stories of the return of the sun, celebrations of survival, the anticipation of rebirth that spring would bring, and faith in the promise of the future abound. Join us for a sharing of the stories, music, and the hope and joy of the season as we gather for the first of our longer, sun filled days.
Holiday celebrations—whether Solstice, Christmas, Hanukkah, or Kwanzaa—share a common thread: the theme of light returning in the midst of deep darkness. These traditions remind us of the enduring hope that even in the bleakest of times, light finds a way to shine through. In this service, we will explore these celebrations and their connection to the theme of “Light as Liberation”—a light that does more than illuminate; it liberates. This light carries the promise of freedom, belonging, and renewal for all people. It is the spark that breaks chains, guides us toward justice, and ignites the flame of collective transformation. Together, we will reflect on how this light calls us to action, to create a world where all can experience the warmth of liberation and the power of a brighter tomorrow.
The world’s climate is changing, and the shift in global atmospheric conditions is coupled with disruption of the nearshore Pacific Ocean along the west coast of North America. The recent shift in ocean drivers has contributed to broad-scale impacts to marine and estuarine habitats, including unfortunate consequences for several of Oregon’s marine species of greatest conservation need.
We have an ever-increasing need for peace in times of upheaval and change. Kathleen will reflect on how that peace can be found in uplifting music and sound. As we listen to healing sound, we can calm our nervous system and relax into a stillness where we can hear the gentle guidance within. Kathleen will share the pure sounds of alchemy crystal singing bowls, and her angelic voice, as we tune into the place of peace within each heart and soul.
This time of year, traditionally we welcome family and friends, gather around meals, and share with one another for Thanksgiving. Gratitude is an important spiritual practice. Yet for many, particularly Indigenous peoples, this is also a day of grieving the legacy of settler colonialism, or brings with it feelings of loneliness and grief from navigating personal loss. How can we best honor the complexity of this day, making space both for giving thanks and for those for whom this day represents cultural loss and colonialism, or who are navigating personal loss, grief and struggle? Intern Minister Eli Poore offers an invitation to explore these complexities in community, centered in love.
Honoring the Worth, Dignity, and Holiness of Trans Lives Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) serves as a deeply meaningful event, honoring the lives of transgender, nonbinary, gender non-conforming, and two-spirit individuals who have been victims of antitrans violence. Originating in 1999, TDOR was initiated by Gwendolyn Ann Smith in response to the murder of Rita Hester in 1998. Since then, the vigil has expanded to not only remember those lost but to also raise awareness of the ongoing challenges faced by the trans community, especially in light of growing legislative attacks and rising violence. Hosted by Intern Minister Eli Poore and featuring special guests including local trans activists, we create a space for healing, remembrance, and hope. By gathering in solidarity, we honor the lives lost while affirming the worth, dignity and holiness of trans lives and the collective resilience, creativity, and gifts of the trans community.
No matter the outcome of the November election, the question remains: where do we go from here? Our faith is rooted in the tradition of “prophetic witness,” a legacy inspired by the Hebrew Prophets and others throughout history who have spoken “truth to power.” This tradition challenges us to work together to create a more just world. Theologian Walter Brueggemann introduces the idea of the “prophetic imagination,” a vision, deeply rooted in love, for what our communities and the world could become. We gather to dream, both as individuals and as a community, about what this world could be and to discern the faithful steps we can take to make that vision a reality. Join Intern Minister Eli Poore for a SOUUP shared service as we explore these questions and share our joy, hope, grief, curiosity, and all the feelings that this moment in history brings
