Services

Ingathering Service and a traditional UU Water Ceremony

It is the beginning of a new church year! As we gather together returning from our summer activities, our ingathering service will include a traditional UU Water Ceremony.  We invite you to please bring a small amount of water from your summer activities or water from your favorite water source, one might be the precious water faucet in your home. We will mingle the waters you bring into a common chalice of community. The service will include words from members of the congregation who will share their ideas, relationship with, or feelings about water. Everyone will be invited to take some of our communal water home to add to, and return for next years water ceremony.  

Awetheism: The Promise and Power of Awe (zoom)

New research into the experience of awe reveals that awe makes us feel small but deeply connected, and how this in turn makes us better people. With help from some well-timed lightning strikes (and no help from Siri or Alexa), we’ll explore what’s known about awe’s effects on us, and how it can benefit humanity. We’ll also learn how science can help us experience awe, plugging us into a grander vision of our larger selves within our communities, world, and universe. 

We Are All Artists

Harley Eblen is a cellist, music producer, and string arranger who has worked on numerous recording projects including a Billboard #1, and a Grammy nominated album. Through personal stories and playing music, Harley will look at how society teaches us that creativity is a rare gift, and how we can all reclaim expression as part of our spiritual path.

Traumatized People; Transforming Faith (zoom)

Traumatized People; Transforming Faith” delves into healing trauma through Unitarian Universalist (UU) spirituality. It explores how trauma impacts us spiritually, drawing on UU principles to foster resilience and healing through community support and spiritual practices. Through stories and rituals, we affirm the intrinsic worth of every soul. Join us in transforming pain into divine strength, deepening our faith, and cultivating a compassionate world together.

John Beeson: Oregon Outcast

This presentation features the story of John Beeson (1803–1889) who was called the Indian Apostle, Father Beeson, the Alpha and Omega of the Indian cause, a monomaniac, a depraved liar, vile, fanatical, and venerable. An advocate of justice for the Indians, he was politically disqualified for residency in Territorial Oregon. But his passion for justice and human rights in the face of adversity still resonate today.

Love Others

Love others. Be kind to others. Treat others with respect. These are common values for so many of us, and yet we find ourselves in a world where an “us and them” mentality and political polarization is so common. What can we do? How can we move forward?

Siesta People  (zoom)

Are we really listening to the rhythms that work for us? Do we know the cues calling us to slow down? Speed up? Dig deeper? This Sunday, we’ll tune in to the real news we need.

Achieving the Impossible: Hope and Community in Politics Today

Anxiety and outrage define the present political experience for many of us, and it can feel like we’ve lost the ability to engage in efforts for social change without feeling disenfranchised or overwhelmed. How can we ground ourselves and revive our energy for collective action in these times? Come hear organizing success stories and learn about opportunities to participate in renewed efforts for greater democracy in your community and beyond. 

Chaplain in the Wild (zoom)

The gifts of listening are often talked about in big ways, work done by professionals, but what does it mean to make it part of your everyday life? Let’s explore how presence can be an accessible tool for connection and why chaplaincy is needed outside of hospitals. 

Community Sharing

Our service will explore the wonder of song, music, and poetry in the enrichment of our everyday lives and spirituality. Several members and friends of the congregation will be offering poetry and sharing their musical talent for our enjoyment, meditation and inspiration. Let us know what your favorite hymns are and they just might be included in the service! Please let Susan Barrett or Barbara Moore know if you would also like to join in the music-making and poetry reading for this service. All are welcome to participate!