Speaker: Sunny McMillan
The Call to Restorative Justice
“Justice” and “Equity” are two of our six stated Unitarian Universalist values, all anchored with Love at the center. Under these values, we covenant as an association of congregations to (among other things) “dismantle racism and all forms of systemic oppression,” and “declare that every person is inherently worthy and has the right to flourish … Continue reading The Call to Restorative Justice
Looking Back, Looking Forward
Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
BUF’s traditional Candlelight service begins with caroling at 6:45PM followed by a meaningful service with music by both choirs, seasonal reflections, and, of course, our wonderful candle ceremony. Led by BUF minister Sunny McMillan and affiliated minister, Rev. Barbara W. ten Hove with Melanie Rieck, keyboard artist and Ben Workman-Smith, choir director.
Sunday Service
Finding Awe
In the 13th century, Sufi mystic and poet Rumi wrote that “awe is the salve that will heal our eyes.” 800 years later, professor of psychology at the University of California, Berkeley, Dr. Dacher Keltner, would find awe in the lab. Defining awe as “the feeling of being in the presence of something vast that … Continue reading Finding Awe
Deep Roots, Vibrant Growth
In November, BUF’s Social and Environmental Justice Committee (SEJC) special collection will go to an historic Unitarian congregation in Magyarszovat, Transylvania, Romania with whom BUF has maintained a partnership since 1992. This partnership is a reminder of our tradition’s history and origin story, which extends back to the establishment of Unitarianism in Transylvania in the … Continue reading Deep Roots, Vibrant Growth
Sing Out Praises for the Journey
In our very own gray hymnal, the first line of #295 reads: “Sing out praises for the journey, pilgrims, we who carry on, searchers in the soul’s deep yearnings, like our forebears in their time.” As Unitarian Universalists, there is great theological and philosophical diversity in our songs and spiritual searches, but we don’t often … Continue reading Sing Out Praises for the Journey
What Kind of Ancestor Do You Want to Be?
In a time that provokes us, challenges us, and often saddens us, we may be left feeling frustrated at the question “what am I called to do?” It is a question with so many (too many) answers. On November 2, All Souls Day, we will explore the ways we live, create and reinforce the foundations … Continue reading What Kind of Ancestor Do You Want to Be?
Changes in Perspective, Possibilities of Hope
Theologian Reinhold Niebuhr once wrote, “Nothing that is worth doing can be achieved in our lifetime; therefore we must be saved by hope.” In chaotic and challenging times such as these, however, hope can be hard to come by. Today, we will explore how changes in perspective can open up the possibility of hope. It’s … Continue reading Changes in Perspective, Possibilities of Hope