Our religious communities at their best are places where we grow our capacities to be with experience in all its complexity and paradox, to listen deeply to one another, to allow ourselves to be seen and held in love, and to respond creatively and collectively.

In a patchwork quilt, each piece of fabric contains a story in itself—where, when, and how it was made; what other garment or fabric it once was part of; who created and touched the fabric. Sewn together, the quilt collectively tells other stories…

When we are engaged in acts of love, we humans are at our best and most resilient… If the goal was to increase the love, rather than winning or dominating a constant opponent, I think we could actually imagine liberation from constant oppression.

Here we engage in a holy alchemy, finding beauty in the ordinary and life in the present.

We come from many places—along different paths, bringing different truths.

Spirit of the divine masculine, grant us the strength to nurture in ourselves, and in every young person we have the privilege to know, the gifts of patience, curiosity, and compassion.

Love is the center and foundation of this faith... let fall away all that might distract us from the whole-hearted practice of Love.

The journey toward inner truth is too taxing to be made solo.

In this heartbreak what we carry forth is our humanity in newly revealed form—our hearts tender and delicate.

There is room here for each and every one. Come in. Be among us.

Welcome, all who seek renewal in a weary world.

Let us remember that we are not alone until we light this flame next time.

Building relationships requires the risk of being open and curious.

I believe that we are all "life drummers" just waiting to join in the rhythm.

May we view each other as partners, comrades, friends on the journey

We gather this morning as one community

Every time we open ourselves to one another, we become more human.

Queer joy is resistance.

Can we enfold other people in the way we long to be enfolded?

I didn’t know the human heart could hold so much love before I met this congregation.

The only way we survive this modern agony is together.

What happens when you don’t agree?

Can we find space for lifting our heads in wonder—that we’re still striving, still trying together

People of faith are experts in human kindness.

Hold us gently as we gather closer together, comforting each other, healing each other.

May our beacon of hope give you respite

You can crush Love down, bury it, cover it over, but it will rise.

The spiritual touchstones I trust are found in community.

It is in gathering that we find our hope.

Whether you have made promises, broken promises, or are renewing your promises, you are beloved and you are welcome here.

Safety is not tied to our capacity to watch our neighbors, but rather based on our capacity to truly look out for one another.

We can’t run from ourselves. The answer to safety is always closer rather than farther away.

Light the fire of the Future

Friends, thank you for your witness to all that exists on the margins; thank you for your commitment to hold yourselves and one other in great and steadfast love. Moving forward from this space, may we continue to nurture spiritual growth. May we continue to travel along the winding pathway to...

May we continue to find ways to connect while keeping safe this holiday season.

Let us marvel at the miracle of being here, right now.

We gather together....

I learned that love and support can be expressed in many different ways by different people.

Set your compass to point towards hope and begin your journey home.

A quick flash that makes you doubt your senses— But then a tiny ember glows on the braided twine And brings a flame to life. Soon you find a candle sitting on a table, Desolate until its wick touches yours, And suddenly the brightness doubles; In an instant the warmth has grown. This intensified...

Committing to right relationship means being willing to revise our practices when we learn that previously accepted habits might be harmful.

As we light this flame, we remember friends and loved ones near and far and we give thanks. As the fire burns brightly, we open our minds and hearts to new ways of being and we feel alive....

Unitarian Universalism has a place for you. It is right here.

We are one, a diverse group of proudly kindred spirits, here not by coincidence but because we choose to journey together.

We gather because we need community to do all of this holy work.

Can you imagine what it was like to be inside of that house, afraid that it might fall all apart from the destructive force of the wind and the rain, from the whole storm?

To be a Unitarian Universalist means we’ll never be done with the work.

I feel disoriented when I’m in a new place or situation and can’t figure out whether the rules are real or imaginary.

When we feel overwhelmed, we gather to find a path, to find new ways forward.

Part of being in community is noticing what's needed. Part of being in community is doing what is necessary but unclaimed.