Finding Faith in the Space Between is Liyah Babayan’s personal testimony of faith, resilience, and transformation shaped by displacement, trauma, and trust in the Creator. Liyah was born in Baku, Azerbaijan, and grew up amid ethnic violence and forced migration, learning early about fear, loss, and survival. Raised in an Orthodox Armenian Christian household under communism, faith was practiced quietly and inwardly, becoming a source of protection, guidance, and inner strength. As a child, she witnessed faith in action through the Salvation Army, where dignity, empathy, and unconditional care were extended to people in need. These experiences reshaped her understanding of faith from something merely believed into something lived and embodied. After settling in the United States as a  refugee, hard work, adaptation, and journaling became her pathway to gratitude and deeper trust in the Creator, even when she lacked full understanding. Through the concept of liminality, explored in her book Liminal and her coaching work, Liyah reflects on life’s in-between spaces, moments of uncertainty, transition, and instability as sacred thresholds for growth. She has learned that faith is not a destination or a certainty, but a daily practice of presence, self-awareness, and trust. Ultimately, resilience has become a spiritual practice for her: the choice to rise with purpose, remain open-hearted, and align mind, body, and spirit through life’s challenges. She invites others to see their own liminal spaces not as detours or disruptions, but as places where faith deepens, strength expands, and peace becomes possible.

Worship Associate Pam Blankenheim

While our US Constitution states that all people are equal, it took the US Civil Rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s to help create laws that banned discrimination in public places, employment, and receiving federal funds based on race, gender, ethnicity and religion. Today, laws also prevent discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity and ability. The history of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is deeply intertwined with the broader struggle for civil rights and social justice. These efforts aim to foster environments where individuals of all backgrounds can thrive, ensuring fair treatment, access, and opportunity. Recently, federal and state policies have declared DEI to be discriminatory towards majority groups and has pressured private entities to eliminate DEI programs, but DEI offers broad workplace, educational and societal benefits. Two of the principles of Unitarian Universalism affirm and promote the inherent worth and dignity of every person and justice, equity and compassion in human relations. Join us this Sunday for a presentation on diversity, equity and inclusion in America.

Presented by Don Morishita.

Worship Associate is Melody Lenkner

Indivisible has become a widely recognized force in the effort to protect and strengthen democracy, with grassroots groups showing up in communities across the country. At the local level, this work is driven by committed community leaders organizing neighbors to take meaningful civic action.  

Please join us as Heather Muth, co-founder of Indivisible Twin Falls shares how Indivisible’s mission comes to life locally. Drawing on her experience building and organizing a growing community network, Heather will discuss the group’s impact in Twin Falls County, its role in defending democratic values, and the priorities guiding its work in the months ahead.

Worship Associate Melody Lenkner

Discussing works of literature with others only adds to their value in strengthening connections among people,” writes Michael Fischer in “How Books Can Save Democracy.” Engaging together over the arts, he argues, helps people to become more empathetic and to bond with each other despite other differences we may have.
Join us this Sunday as Magic Valley UU member Jonathon Thompson discusses another favorite film, 1982’s animated feature The Secret of NIMH directed by Don Bluth. It is a story of resilience, courage, and friendship as widowed mouse Ms. Brisby braves a multitude of dangers to save her family from destruction.

Worship Associate Pam Blankenheim

We will review 2025 and say goodbye to all that did not serve us.  We will write letters to our January 2026 selves, enjoy the fellowship that sustains us and welcome new members with a small ceremony.

By Pam Blankenheim

Drawing on seasonal wisdom and perspectives of those who have weathered many winters, we explore an ancient practice: choosing hope in the darkness. This reflection invites us to reconnect with nature’s rhythms and discover hope not as naive optimism, but as a deliberate act of courage and endurance.

Program by Erica Hopkins

Worship Associate Don Morishita

December marks the time of year with festive celebrations. Christmas is probably the most recognized holiday in the US and many other countries, at least in part because of all the commercial and media attention. However, there are many other reasons for celebration in December representing other faiths and beliefs that are worthy of recognition. This includes Hanukkah, Rohatsu or Bodhi Day, Winter Solstice, Kwanzaa, Boxing Day, and others. Join us for a commemorative service recognizing the many events in December that give us the many reasons for the season.

Service by Don Morishita

The turning of the year brings songs on the wind and stories by the hearth. This Sunday, the Magic Valley UU Fellowship gathers for an Advent-season service of melodies, tales, and shared anticipation as we welcome the warmth and wonder of the holidays. 

Service by Perri Gardner

Please join us as Ellen Bush, who has been a scholar of the Aramaic teachings of Jesus, shares examples of the teachings of Jesus in his native language.  When his words are put in context with his world, we find Jesus’ teachings to be more expanded than traditional translations and relevant to our world today. Ellen will also share her journey following the Way of the Aramaic Jesus.

Worship Associate Melody Lenkner

Join Cassie Campbell for an insightful presentation on the importance of media literacy and the value of being an informed citizen. 

Newcomers of all religious paths or none at all are always welcome.

Perri Gardner is the Worship Associate