Pride Month calls us to celebration, but it also calls us to action. This Sunday, we’ll look back at the origins of Pride and the courageous LGBTQIA+ folks who stood up at Stonewall and how we’re being called to reclaim the future of Pride. We’ll talk about how Pride grew into a movement, what real allyship looks like today, and how all of this connects with our Unitarian Universalist values, especially in our call to dismantle systems of oppression and build a world where everyone is welcome.

As we move into Pride Month, this is also a chance to check in with ourselves and our community: How are we showing up for LGBTQIA+ people, not just during June, but all year long.

Brandon Connelly will speak.

Perri Gardner is the Worship Associate

Hosea Ballou: Heretic, Christian Mystic, Something Other?

Hosea Ballou is understood to be the founder of American Universalism. Charismatic Ballou was an inspired speaker, worthy of all the accolades for bringing Universalism to the powerful movement it was in the 19th century. Loved by so many, Ballou is still known as a heresiarch, preacher of deception to the detriment not only of his own salvation but that of all who followed him.

A closer look at his story will feel familiar; a boy raised to accept without question yet dares to question anyway.

Service by Jenny Peek.

Anne Martin is the Worship Associate

The history of Unitarian Universalism originates in Europe and dates back many hundreds of years and features generations of people who stood for human rights, equality, and social justice. The founders were doubters, thinkers, and people for whom integrity counted for something. It also features generations of people who seem first to lose their religion, and then, by means of private struggle and personal risk find new meaning in religion. Join us for a service on the history of Unitarian Universalism and how it fits in today’s world.

Program by Don Morishita

Melody Lenkner is Worship Associate

Few American films can lay claim to the “greatest movie ever made” but Casablanca is certainly one of them. Loaded with quotable dialogue, memorable characters, and a powerful message about rejecting cynicism to reclaim one’s faith, Casablanca rewards multiple viewings.

This Sunday, join congregant Jonathon Thompson for a talk on the 1942 film Casablanca, its themes, its legacy as both art and propaganda, and its relevance to today’s world.

Perri Gardner is the Worship Associate

Join us for a hands-on meditative and joyful art project service to engage your creative spirit. This is a service that will accommodate everyone’s art skills. No previous art experience is required. Pam Blankenheim and Betsy Morishita will lead everyone through doodling exercises to help you try something new and kickstart your creativity.

Presented by Betsy Morishita and Pam Blankenheim.

This is old news now, but Marie Kondo encouraged people to declutter and minimize by getting rid of anything in their lives that does not bring them joy.  This led to a lot of jokes about husbands and kids being put out on the front porch or people quitting jobs.  And we also have to hold the fact that sometimes life is just not joyful.  How do we cultivate and hold onto the moments of joy that do arrive in our lives? Come share your joys and celebrate with us. 

Presented by Jeannine Robinett

Worship Associate is Perri Gardner

Even if things seem bleak, stepping outside and watching birds reminds us that not everything is bad—life carries on, beauty exists, and not everything is doom and gloom. Sometimes, just noticing a small, winged creature going about its day can bring a little bit of peace. Learn about the winged creatures in our area, the best local places to watch them, and how to help them by creating a bird-friendly yard.

Please join us as Sarah Harris, the president of the local Prairie Falcon Audubon Chapter shares the knowledge she has gained from her years of experience birding.

Melody Lenkner is the Worship Associate

For a large part, contemporary spiritual life has turned into “proper beliefs and dogmas”. Spiritual life is more, much more than “proper belief and dogmas”. It is about being faithful to loving as we are loved. Such faithfulness is filled with risks and challenges. A spiritual life is not meant to be a safe place. We are pleased to welcome the Reverend Don Hammond (retired) from United Church of Christ as he reflects on this topic. 

Melody Lenkner is Worship Associate

Most of us can either remember or easily imagine a time when someone apparently needed a helping hand, or maybe we were that person. As lovely social beings, humans more often than not will notice and come to help without ever being asked. What is the experience for the helpee and the helper? When do we know to ask or offer, respectively? Our visiting minister, Rev. Jenny, joins us this Sunday. As a newly disabled person, Jenny will share her evolving reflection on this topic.

Worship Associate is Don Morishita

Sound meditation is being used by Lejla Becirovic, social worker for Idaho Home Health and Hospice, as a therapy for residents at a local assisted living facility. The program is designed with three key objectives: reintegration, engagement, and fostering cohesiveness among participants. People often report reduced anxiety, improved focus, and a greater sense of belonging. Her innovative work has earned her a distinguished place in healthcare and social work. In 2024, she was honored with the Global Recognition Award for her lifetime contributions, a testament to her dedication to advancing care practices.

Worship Associate is Don Morishita