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When we become fully aware of our limited time on earth we can still leave behind flowers and songs.Reflection | By Tania Márquez | May 17, 2023 | From Braver/WiserTagged as: Beauty, Death, Indigenous American, International, Personal Stories, Worship -
We must unstick our minds if we want to bring change into the world.Reflection | By Tomo Hillbo | March 8, 2023 | From Braver/WiserTagged as: Contemplation, Direct Experience, Food, Growth, Humility, International, Reason, Revelation, Worship -
Every time we open ourselves to one another, we become more human.Reflection | By Tania Márquez | December 14, 2022 | From Braver/WiserTagged as: Children, Christianity, Community, Generations, Inclusion, International, Race/Ethnicity, Worship -
We need resilience, perseverance, and persistence.Poetry | By Summer Albayati | September 21, 2021 | From WorshipWebTagged as: Faith, International, Islam, Patience, WorshipWeb, Worship -
I've adopted the practice of spiritual reconnection with my ancestors to heal intergenerational trauma.Reflection | By Jabari S. Jones | February 10, 2021 | From Braver/WiserTagged as: #BlackLivesMatter, 1st Principle (Worth & Dignity), 2nd Principle (Justice, Equity, & Compassion), 3rd Principle (Acceptance & Spiritual Growth), 4th Principle (Truth & Meaning), America, Anti-Oppression, Black History / Whitney Young / James Reeb, Direct Experience, Diversity, Generations, Healing, History, International, Prophetic Words & Deeds, Race/Ethnicity, Transformation, Trauma, Worship -
We are all in this together, and when bad things happen that are preventable by human means, we are all implicated.Reflection | By Erica Shadowsong | November 11, 2020 | From Braver/WiserTagged as: Evil, Goddess, International, Worship -
You do not have to wear the dress. You do not have to have a party. You do not have to dance the waltz con tu papa. You do not have to accept the gift of your last doll. You can break those traditions. You have right of passage into adulthood simply for being you. We are thankful that you...Blessing | By Raquel V. Reyes | July 16, 2018 | From WorshipWebTagged as: 1st Principle (Worth & Dignity), 3rd Principle (Acceptance & Spiritual Growth), Acceptance, Change, Children, Coming-of-Age, Community, Family, Identity, Integrity, International, Quinceañera, Transformation, Youth/Teens -
Luz del sol to warm your days. Luz de luna to illuminate your nights. Luz de estrella to steer you through rough oceans. Luz de vela to celebrate your fifteenth year. Esta luz, this chalice is lit for you this day, That it and this community may be a source of light to guide you into adulthood.Chalice Lighting | By Raquel V. Reyes | July 12, 2018 | From WorshipWebTagged as: Coming-of-Age, International, Quinceañera, Unitarian Universalism, Young Adults -
Welcome to this sacred celebration of emerging adulthood. We are gathered today to rejoice and bear witness as (name) and her parents and friends mark her transition from childhood to the estate of a young woman. The quinceañera tradition has its roots in the ancient cultures of Central and South...Opening | By Kendyl L. R. Gibbons | March 20, 2018 | From WorshipWebTagged as: Bridging, Children, Coming-of-Age, Generations, Growth, International, Quinceañera, Women -
This message for all ages involves two people, one of whom will need to bring forward a broken mug, plate, or bowl. These two leaders might hold a private rehearsal so that, in worship, this feels natural and playful — and yet meaningful....Time for All Ages | By Jaelynn Pema-la Scott, Erika Hewitt | December 16, 2017 | From WorshipWebTagged as: 1st Principle (Worth & Dignity), 2nd Principle (Justice, Equity, & Compassion), 6th Principle (World Community), Beginnings, Brokenness, Community, Direct Experience, Healing, Humanism, Integrity, International, Living Our Faith, Love, Relationships, Responsibility, Secular, Trust -
The Golden Chain: an Ife Creation Story Notes: There are many versions of this creation myth, most with the same elements. These adaptations by Erica Shadowsong include most of these common elements, additional ones found in the version cited in the story below. This story also uses a neo-pagan...Time for All Ages | By Erica Shadowsong | October 24, 2017 | From WorshipWebTagged as: Anti-Oppression, International, Multiculturalism, Race/Ethnicity -
“Though we tremble before uncertain futures, may we meet illness, death, and adversity with strength. May we dance in the face of our fears,” writes trailblazer Gloria Anzaldua, who knew a thing or two about courage. Courage requires both vulnerability and careful strategy. Like other people of...Reflection | By Marisol Caballero | September 29, 2017 | From WorshipWebTagged as: 1st Principle (Worth & Dignity), 3rd Principle (Acceptance & Spiritual Growth), Anti-Oppression, Courage, Identity, Indigenous American, International, Multiculturalism, Race/Ethnicity, Unitarian Universalism, Vulnerability -
Each of us at the wedding had unique stories about their life, but most knew how it felt to be an Asian American in this country.Reflection | By Yuri Yamamoto | September 20, 2017 | From Braver/WiserTagged as: 2nd Principle (Justice, Equity, & Compassion), 6th Principle (World Community), 7th Principle (Interconnected Web), America, Anti-Oppression, Direct Experience, Identity, Immigration, Inclusion, International, Multiculturalism, Race/Ethnicity -
We light this chalice remembering and honoring our own tradition and celebrating the rich diversity of traditions among us. As we search for justice, meaning, and purpose, may we remember that justice, meaning, and purpose live first in deeply listening to one another. This chalice lighting was...Chalice Lighting | By David Breeden | August 21, 2017 | From WorshipWebTagged as: 2nd Principle (Justice, Equity, & Compassion), 4th Principle (Truth & Meaning), Connections, Diversity, Hospitality, International, Living Our Faith, Meaning, Multiculturalism, Purpose, Tradition, Unitarian Universalism -
For almost thirty years after coming to the United States, I didn't fully understand the cultural cues around me. Initially, this gave me the false sense of liberation. I often interpreted uncomfortable situations to be my fault, as an ignorant immigrant. Trying hard to assimilate, I unconsciously suppressed what came naturally to me.Reflection | By Yuri Yamamoto | July 5, 2017 | From Braver/WiserTagged as: 4th Principle (Truth & Meaning), America, Culture, Direct Experience, Identity, Immigration, International, Letting Go, Multiculturalism, Race/Ethnicity, Transformation -
Characters: Narrator, Very Important Person, Enemies (including Leader of the Enemies), Spider, and at least four Cave Rocks. Materials needed: Grey, silver, or white yarn Narrator: I’d like to share a story with you today – a story about a simple little spider who did an amazing thing. You’ll...Time for All Ages | By Diana Davies | March 28, 2017 | From WorshipWebTagged as: 1st Principle (Worth & Dignity), Acceptance, Animals, Caring, Earth, Inclusion, Interdependence, International, Kindness, Nature, Salvation, Secular, Self-Respect -
In every worship service at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley, you’ll hear diverse voices, sources, and viewpoints. The congregation is committed to being a multicultural community, and honors that commitment in every service in a measurable, noticeable way: at least one worship...Leader Resource | By Christian Schmidt, Kristin Grassel Schmidt | March 7, 2017 | From WorshipLabTagged as: #BlackLivesMatter, Anti-Oppression, Direct Experience, Diversity, Humanism, Identity, Indigenous American, International, Multiculturalism, Prophetic Words & Deeds, Race/Ethnicity, Seven Principles -
I am ever grateful for the friends who are my family; who have pieced me together each time I’ve fallen apart; who laugh, cry, dream, and age happily by my side.Reflection | By Marisol Caballero | December 28, 2016 | From Braver/WiserTagged as: Acceptance, Caring, Child Dedication, Children, Family, Fathers, Forgiveness, Generations, Humanism, International, Mothers, Secular -
!["We [heart] our Muslim neighbors" in Arabic and English, with the Standing on the Side of Love heart logo](/files/styles/max_320x320/public/png/s/ssl_muslim_neighbors_long.png?itok=NX79C7B2 "Image courtesy Maryah Converse")
Image | By Maryah Converse | April 18, 2016 | From WorshipWebTagged as: 1st Principle (Worth & Dignity), 2nd Principle (Justice, Equity, & Compassion), 6th Principle (World Community), 7th Principle (Interconnected Web), Acceptance, America, Anti-Oppression, Community, Hospitality, Immigration, International, Islam, Living Our Faith, Love, Unity -
!["We [heart] our Muslim neighbors" in Arabic and English, with the Standing Side of Love heart logo](/files/styles/max_320x320/public/png/s/ssl_muslim_neighbors_square.png?itok=xkb86bLz "Image courtesy Maryah Converse")
Image | By Maryah Converse | April 18, 2016 | From WorshipWebTagged as: 1st Principle (Worth & Dignity), 2nd Principle (Justice, Equity, & Compassion), 6th Principle (World Community), 7th Principle (Interconnected Web), Acceptance, America, Anti-Oppression, Community, Hospitality, Immigration, Inclusion, International, Islam, Unity -
Image | By Maryah Converse | April 15, 2016 | From WorshipWebTagged as: 1st Principle (Worth & Dignity), 2nd Principle (Justice, Equity, & Compassion), 6th Principle (World Community), 7th Principle (Interconnected Web), Acceptance, America, Anti-Oppression, Community, Hospitality, Immigration, Inclusion, Interdependence, International, Islam, Justice, Unity -
Image | By Maryah Converse | April 15, 2016 | From WorshipWebTagged as: 1st Principle (Worth & Dignity), 2nd Principle (Justice, Equity, & Compassion), 6th Principle (World Community), 7th Principle (Interconnected Web), Acceptance, Anti-Oppression, Community, Compassion, Hospitality, Inclusion, International, Islam, Unity -
Our Time for All Ages this morning is a time of make-believe. I’d like you to put your imagination caps on so that we can pretend together. Raise your hand if you've ever been to a baseball game. How many of you follow a team you think of as “your” team? Well, I have bad news. (Here’s the...Time for All Ages | By Erika Hewitt | April 2, 2016 | From WorshipWebTagged as: 2nd Principle (Justice, Equity, & Compassion), 3rd Principle (Acceptance & Spiritual Growth), 4th Principle (Truth & Meaning), 5th Principle (Conscience & Democracy), Belief, Choice, Courage, Generations, History, International, Living Our Faith, Partner Church Observation, Prophetic Words & Deeds, Psychology, Secular -
This Time for All Ages is greatly enhanced by visual elements. If you're able to create a slide show, it may be helpful to show the accompanying images, as well as diagrams of the geocentric and heliocentric models of the solar system. We humans have always looked up at the stars, wondered about...Time for All Ages | By Erika Hewitt | March 21, 2016 | From WorshipWebTagged as: 4th Principle (Truth & Meaning), Awe, Earth Day, History, Identity, International, Living Our Faith, Partner Church Observation, Religion, Science, Secular, Wonder -
وطن المرء ليس مكان ولادته و لكنه المكان الذي تنتهي فيه كل محاولاته للهروب "Home is not where you were born; home is where all your attempts to escape cease."...Quote | By Naguib Mahfouz | March 4, 2016 | From WorshipWebTagged as: Family, Home, Identity, International, Presence, Strength
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These banners, based on welcoming signs by Maryah Converse, are designed for use on Facebook, Twitter, and GooglePlus. The banners' designer, Ellen Rockett, incorporated background designs from 19th century drawings of mosque art released by the New York Public Library's Digital Collection.Image | By Maryah Converse, Ellen Rockett | January 29, 2016 | From WorshipWebTagged as: Acceptance, Home, Hospitality, Immigration, Inclusion, International, Islam, Multiculturalism -
These banners, based on welcoming signs by Maryah Converse, are designed for use on Facebook, Twitter, and GooglePlus. The banners' designer, Ellen Rockett, incorporated background designs from 19th century drawings of mosque art released by the New York Public Library's Digital Collection.Image | By Maryah Converse, Ellen Rockett | January 29, 2016 | From WorshipWebTagged as: Hospitality, International, Islam, Multiculturalism, Peace, Relationships -
Image | By Maryah Converse | December 10, 2015 | From WorshipWebTagged as: Anti-Oppression, Caring, Compassion, Hospitality, Immigration, International, Islam, Justice, Relationships -
Image | By Maryah Converse | December 10, 2015 | From WorshipWebTagged as: Anti-Oppression, Caring, Compassion, Hospitality, Immigration, International, Islam, Justice, Seven Principles -
Image | By Maryah Converse | December 9, 2015 | From WorshipWebTagged as: America, Anti-Oppression, Compassion, Hospitality, Immigration, International, Islam, Justice -
We hear it said we are witnessing a “clash of civilizations.” We hear it from presidential candidates, from right-wing talk radio pundits, from white supremacist, nationalist and terrorist organizations. They say we live in the midst of a “clash of civilizations.” This is the first great lie...Reading | By Joshua Mason Pawelek | December 6, 2015 | From WorshipWebTagged as: 1st Principle (Worth & Dignity), 7th Principle (Interconnected Web), America, Direct Experience, Immigration, Inclusion, International, Justice -
How often we seek refuge in this sacred flame From the world’s trouble and pain. Today, may our lamp light the way For whose who know no refuge, That we may open our minds Our arms Our hearts Our mouths to sing “Come, whoever you are,” Wholly new and wholly true.Chalice Lighting | By Amy Carol Webb | November 24, 2015 | From WorshipWebTagged as: Compassion, Disaster, Hope, Hospitality, Inclusion, Interdependence, International, Journey, Leadership, Pain, Unitarian Universalism, Worth -
Spirit of Life and Love, Shaken by sorrow We wonder why We wonder how Humans can find it within themselves To destroy life That exists also within them. Together we grieve the injustice Of lives cut short by hate Of survivors touched by terror And we stand firm in life Knowing that only love can...Prayer | By Jennifer Gracen | November 24, 2015 | From WorshipWebTagged as: Despair, Grief, Hope, Interdependence, International, Love, Mourning, Unitarian Universalism
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Introduction The Cornbread and Cider Communion is a tradition in some of our congregations. With gratitude for our freedom and for our abundance, let us celebrate this ritual today mindful of Syrian and other refugees who are unable to go home, those for whom we pray safe passage and a welcoming...Ritual | By Dawn Skjei Cooley | November 24, 2015 | From WorshipWebTagged as: America, Body, Communion (Christian), Food, Gratitude, Immigration, Interdependence, International, Solidarity, Thanksgiving, Unitarian Universalism -
December twenty-third, “O Holy Night” (1855). The first English translation of "O Holy Night" was by Unitarian minister John Sullivan Dwight, who tweaked the original French author's socialist themes and images to advance Dwight's own abolitionist cause. Not only was the French author a...Image | By Ralph Yeager Roberts | November 23, 2015 | From WorshipWebTagged as: Advent, America, Arts & Music, Christmas Eve / Christmas, History, International, Unitarianism, Winter, Winter Solstice / Yule -
December twenty-second, The First Unitarian Church Founded in Transylvania (1557). Despite recognition under the 1557 Act of Religious Toleration and receiving the king's patronage, the Unitarian church in Transylvania has faced frequent persecution....Image | By Ralph Yeager Roberts | November 23, 2015 | From WorshipWebTagged as: Advent, Christmas Eve / Christmas, History, International, Unitarianism, Winter Solstice / Yule -
December twelfth, Christmas Day is Clara Barton’s Birthday (1821). Clara Barton, Universalist and founder of the American Red Cross, is a hero of our liberal religious faith. We remember her around the holidays season since she was born Christmas Day, 1821. But in the season when we recall the...Image | By Ralph Yeager Roberts | November 23, 2015 | From WorshipWebTagged as: Advent, America, Arts & Music, Christmas Eve / Christmas, Healing, Health, International, Prophetic Words & Deeds, Secular, Universalism, Winter, Winter Solstice / Yule -
Spirit of Hope, God of Many Names, Source of Love, We gather, hearts heavy with grief for our neighbors in Paris, in Beirut, in Baghdad; all cities victimized by terrorists. We pray for the victims, for the families, for the communities marred by chaos and hatred. May they have the resources they...Prayer | By Jude Geiger | November 20, 2015 | From WorshipWebTagged as: Acceptance, Compassion, Direct Experience, Immigration, Inclusion, International, War
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Hay tantísimas fronteras que dividen a la gente, pero por cada frontera existe también un puente. There are so many borders that divide people, but for every border there is also a bridge. Adapted from "Copla #1," Puentes y fronteras/Bridges and Borders, translated by Katherine Callen King.Reading | By Gina Valdés | August 26, 2015 | From WorshipWebTagged as: Anti-Oppression, Community, Connections, Culture, Direct Experience, International, Multiculturalism, Relationships, Secular -
There are different versions of this Middle Eastern folktale; this version is just one way to tell it. You can find storytelling tips on WorshipWeb, but this story is also followed by suggestions about integrating this story into worship....Story | By Anonymous | August 10, 2015 | From WorshipWebTagged as: 4th Principle (Truth & Meaning), Animals, Honesty, Integrity, International, Mindfulness, Playfulness, Power, Relationships, Vision -
I sit alone, planning the rest of the day. Last night, I was joking and smoking, in broken Pashto, with the resident contingent of the AUP.* I introduced them to the beauty of Dominican tobacco, hand-rolled and perfectly aged. They all seemed to enjoy this symbol of Western democratic values, the...Meditation | By George A Tyger | May 18, 2015 | From WorshipWebTagged as: Acceptance, Connections, Direct Experience, Diversity, Generosity, Gratitude, International, Islam, Kindness, Military, Military Service, Peace, Unity, Veterans Day, War -
“You sargin or commandant?” a young Afghan lieutenant asks as he points to the cross on my chest. I try to explain what a chaplain is. In the end, he suggests Army mullah, and I agree. Not the most accurate description, but the most meaningful for him. Chaplain has little meaning for him.Meditation | By George A Tyger | May 17, 2015 | From WorshipWebTagged as: Acceptance, America, Community, Connections, Direct Experience, Diversity, Humanism, International, Memorial Day, Peace, Secular -
This reflection was created for Choir Sunday, an annual tradition at the First Unitarian Universalist Society of Burlington, Vermont. You can adapt the language as suitable for you....Time for All Ages | By Martha Dallas | May 11, 2015 | From WorshipWebTagged as: Arts & Music, History, International, Music Sunday, Unitarian Universalism, Unitarianism -
Based on a folktale from Africa and China. Printed in Doorway to the Soul, ed. Elisa Davy Pearmain (Pilgrim Press, 1998). Themes: cooperation, gratitude, sharing, generosity Roles: 5* for rehearsal; 9 more characters can be briefed by phone or email Preparation: moderate This humorous folk tale...Complete Service | By Erika Hewitt | April 16, 2015 | From WorshipWebTagged as: 3rd Principle (Acceptance & Spiritual Growth), 7th Principle (Interconnected Web), Connections, Generosity, International, Prophetic Words & Deeds, Relationships, Responsibility, Stewardship, Water Communion -
Suppose you scrub your ethical skin until it shines, but inside there is no music, then what? —Kabir Suppose you cried a thousand years for a child who died when she drank bad water. Suppose you organized a great movement to clean the water. Suppose you carried the first filled glass to the...Poetry | By Stephen M. Shick | March 17, 2015 | From WorshipWebTagged as: 2nd Principle (Justice, Equity, & Compassion), 7th Principle (Interconnected Web), Earth, Earth Day, Interdependence, International, Relationships, Service, Unitarian Universalism, Water Communion, Climate Justice
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The earth. One planet. Round, global, so that when you trace its shape with your finger, you end up where you started. It's one. It's whole. All the dotted lines we draw on our maps of this globe are just that, dotted lines. They smear easily. Oceans can be crossed. Even the desert can be crossed.Poetry | By Mark Belletini | March 17, 2015 | From WorshipWebTagged as: 7th Principle (Interconnected Web), Earth, Earth Day, Interdependence, International, Nature, Wholeness, Climate Justice
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Ultimate Grace, the heart of every matter, in every perfection and imperfection, in all senses and: tenses, in moments of every right and wrong, presenting choices to inquiring hearts. You are in the purpose and the journey of mishaps. You are in moments of understanding and misunderstanding. We...Prayer | By Ma Theresa "Tet" Gustilo Gallardo | February 12, 2015 | From WorshipWebTagged as: Awe, Freedom, Grace, International, Justice, Unitarianism
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I feel sorry for the kids today who are taking geography in school for the first time. When I was in school, unless you got really interested in the history of Iraqi Kurdistan, there was a chance you could get all the way through geography class without ever having to know learn to spell Sulaymania.Sermon | By Wayne B. Arnason | January 21, 2015 | From WorshipWebTagged as: Dissent, Inclusion, International, Multiculturalism, Politics, Universalism, Multiculturalism
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Overview: Organize a discussion and develop a relationship with the local or regional School of the Americas Watch (SOA) organization dedicated to addressing the military school in Geogia run by the US Army and held responsible for violent, repressive and corrupt leadership training of Latin...Complete Service | By Joseph Lyons | January 21, 2015 | From WorshipWebTagged as: International, Justice, Nonviolence, Peace, Violence, War
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The journey was a long one. We started on an airplane, a 16-hour trip crossing the international date line. A van for an hour, then another hour’s plane ride. A pedi-cab trip, and a four hour van ride. Then another hour’s drive up a windy mountain road, turning off the road onto a rocky, bumpy,...Sermon | By Vail Weller | January 21, 2015 | From WorshipWebTagged as: Direct Experience, Generosity, Globalism, International, Justice, Poverty, Privilege, Unitarian Universalism, Universalism