April 29, 2018: “Emerging as a flower or a weed”

Presenter: Don Morishita

The level of happiness and satisfaction in our lives depends a lot on how we see the world, how we see another race, another culture, another religion, and how we see other people. It is too easy to lump a race, culture or religion into one group or type of behavior to mollify our own insecurities. Using plants as a metaphor, the beauty of wild flowers and the detrimental effects of weeds are like those groups of people we like and dislike.

But there is more to a wild flower or a weed than its appearance. What may look beautiful may actually be harmful and what may appear ugly may actually be beneficial.

The first principle of Unitarian Universalism is to respect the inherent worth and dignity of every person. One of the meanings of this principle is that we treat each person individually and consider who they are as individuals and not as a group.

Unitarian Universalism honors the differing paths we each travel. Our congregations are places where we celebrate, support, and challenge one another as we continue on our spiritual journeys.

Unitarian Universalists covenant to affirm and promote the inherent worth and dignity of every person; justice, equality and compassion in human relations; and acceptance of one another.

Newcomers of all religious paths or none at all are always welcome. We are handicapped accessible. Please park in the rear of the building. Child care is available.

April 22: “Joy in the Journey: Faith Transitions, Recovery, and Hope”

Presenter: Liza Long

What do faith transitions and living in recovery have in common? How can we find hope and meaning when our familiar traditions fail us?

In a world full of perfect Instagram feeds, is it okay to feel sorrow, anger, grief, and disappointment?

Liza Long is an author, college English instructor, former National Alliance on Mental Illness-Boise board president, and the mother of a son who lives with bipolar disorder. She believes in thrift stores and in embracing the journey, no matter where it leads us.

Please join us to learn more about faith transitions and living in recovery have in common.

Unitarian Universalists covenant to affirm and promote the inherent worth and dignity of every person; justice, equality and compassion in human relations; and acceptance of one another.

Newcomers of all religious paths or none at all are always welcome. We are handicapped accessible. Please park in the rear of the building. Child care is available.

April 15 2018: Our Dance with Divinity

Presenter: Robyn Romney

Life’s a dance, you learn as you go. Sometimes you lead, sometimes you follow. Don’t worry about what you don’t know. “Life’s a dance, you learn as you go.” Country singer John Michael Montgomery

Citing references from the book, “God a Human History”, Reza Aslan’s narration regarding religious history is based on innate desires and cohesive attempts to understand the divine by humanizing “It” with human traits and emotions. Religions have sought to satiate that which our brains are hardwired to comprehend.

“Whether we are aware of it or not and regardless of whether we are believers or not, what a vast majority of us think about when we think about God is a divine version of ourselves.”

Snacks and group discussion will follow.

Unitarian Universalism honors the differing paths we each travel. Our congregations are places where we celebrate, support, and challenge one another as we continue on our spiritual journeys.

Unitarian Universalists covenant to affirm and promote the inherent worth and dignity of every person; justice, equality and compassion in human relations; and acceptance of one another.

Newcomers of all religious paths or none at all are always welcome. We are handicapped accessible. Please park in the rear of the building. Child care is available.