2024 brought the deaths of Jimmy Carter, Quincy Jones, and other iconic and world-shaping individuals (and Richard Simmons). And in recognizing both the famous and infamous, we’ll have to consider whether we can appreciate the good works of people who did bad things.
If we try to bring everything with us from the old year into the new, things that are unnecessary and unhelpful accumulate. Today we invite you to consider 1) what to release, 2) what to keep, 3) what to make space for.
Our annual Christmas Eve service includes seasonal music and stories; a short homily; a wonderful piece by the choir; and, of course, the candle-lighting ceremony with candle dancers. Bring your family and friends!
Consciously or unconsciously, rituals shape our lives. Today we’ll consider how to make (the ones we want to continue) more meaningful. We’ll also have a ceremony of welcome four new BUF members!
Rev. Paul Beckel, Steffany Raynes, Claire Lending, Gayle Tilles, Lin Skavdahl, Beth Nyblade, and Jim Reimer will each share briefly about how the experience of reading particular books in particular circumstances has changed the way they see the world.
We’ll listen to…and learn about…and share in the creation of lullaby blessings. BUF Choir directed by Ben Workman Smith.
Paradox is the reality of two seemingly contradictory things being true at the same time. Our natural inclination is to fight the dissonance. Not allowing ourselves to feel joy in a time of grief. Or not allowing ourselves to see with fresh eyes because we need to utilize our experience. Sometimes it works best to … Continue reading Holding Space for Paradox (Together)
Prayer is not just about speaking and hearing. Recognizing what is before us, seeing what is true, creating visual arts that express our questions, aspirations, regrets … these too can be forms of prayer.
In what ways and with whom can you show up with an open heart today? We continue to honor our values. That is the path of healing.
Dear BUF Community, Let’s gather tonight simply to be with one another in this time of grief. We’ll begin at 6 pm with a modified Community Night Dinner. Since our cooks did not anticipate a larger group, please bring something to share. At 6:45, we’ll gather in the sanctuary for about 20 minutes of singing all … Continue reading Dinner & Singing
