Our soul is the means through which we connect to the transcendent. Mysterious, difficult to define, yet clearly connects us with the interdependent web of life. We spend so much of our resources – time, dollars, energy – into identifying imperfections, seeking self-improvement. What if we took all that focus and turned it toward that sacred connection instead? Reverend Jenny Peek joins us from Pocatello to share her reflection, “Owning our Strengths for Good.”

Presented by the Rev. Jenny Peek.

Perri Gardner is the Worship Associate

On September 17^th, 1787, the Framers of the Constitution concluded their work in Philadelphia by signing the document that would soon bind us together in common enterprise and community. Then, as now, there is still much work to be done to build and strengthen our union. In 2004, the US Congress passed a law providing for a recognition of Constitution Day and Citizenship Day every September 17^th. This occasion gives us the opportunity to reflect on our progress toward “a more perfect union”.

Join congregant and CSI Associate Professor Perri Gardner for a discussion of our shared values and principles as enshrined in the US Constitution. This service will take a special focus on our 1^st Amendment freedoms of expression and speech. Pocket Constitutions will be distributed to all members, friends, and visitors! 

Worship Associate is Jonathan Thompson

We all have moments in our lives when we see someone, stranger or friend, who could use a helping hand. Reaching out and touching someone was a marketing slogan used many years ago, but this really apply to helping someone in need of assistance. How many times have we stopped and helped a stranger or friend in need? How many times have we not stopped and helped a stranger or friend in need? Opportunities for helping others as well as being helped can provide positive benefits in out lives. When we miss or decline the opportunity to help someone in need is a failure of kindness.

Presenter is Don Morishita

Our service Sunday will be both in person at our location 160 9th Avenue East in Twin Falls as well as on ZOOM beginning at 10:30 AM Mountain Time. 

Jack Hartley Memorial Service

Join us Sunday September 10^th for an informal memorial service in honor of former MVUUF member, Jack Hartley. For those of you who knew Jack, he was a long time member who moved away to Tennessee several years ago. Jack passed away on February 24, 2023 at the age of 98. His ashes have been sent to Idaho so they can be scattered in the mountains that he loved.

We plan to meet for lunch at 12 pm, at a location yet to be determined and following that, we will drive to Porcupine Springs in the south hills for distribution of his ashes. Everyone will have an opportunity to share a story or words related to Jack.

“Bring Your Own Brunch – Round Table Conversation”

In honor of Labor Day, the September 3rd service will be a “bring your own brunch” round table conversation where all Unitarian Universalists and guests will be invited to share their present or past work-life experiences. We’ll ask the question “Working 9 to 5, how did (or didn’t) you thrive?”

Presented by Pam Blankenheim. How did the jobs you had help you to understand what principles you wanted to live by?

Please bring a brown bag brunch for yourself or pastry, fruit or other morning treats to share.

Where and how do we create space for stillness? What might be there, in the quiet, waiting for our attention? Inspired by nature as fresh light on the Simon and Garfunkel tune, Rev. Jenny Peek brings this soulful reflection to Magic Valley Unitarian Universalist Fellowship.

For your enjoyment, I have attached Simon & Garfunkel “The Sound of Silence” : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nkUOACGtGfA

Our service Sunday will be both in person at our location 160 9th Avenue East in Twin Falls as well as on ZOOM beginning at 10:30 AM Mountain Time. 

The Worship Associate is Don Morishita

Please join us this Sunday when our guest speaker, Jim Percy,  from the Beginners Mind Sangha in Boise will lead us in a discussion regarding the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh. By profession Jim is a nurse and  is a  strong believer in the integration of Buddhist practice into daily life.  He shares that the understanding that Buddhism provides is essential to his practice as a nurse and has seen that the insights of the practice consistently prove effective in relieving the suffering he has encountered in the world.

Melody Lenkner will be the Worship Associate

Making a decision can be tough, but it is much more complex when a group of individuals must make a choice together. Our Fifth Principle calls for the use of the democratic process in our congregations and society, but the ways we actualize democratic choice-making are often left unexplained. There are many ways to cast a vote and many ways to tally votes and determine a winner. In our current moment, voting and voting methods are under great scrutiny and consideration. This Sunday join CSI political science professor Perri Gardner for a conversation about the rules we use to make rules.

Jonanthan Thompson is Worship Associate

Pam Blankenheim will speak Sunday about her recent visit to the Twin Falls Public Library. Pam will update us on attempts to direct the library towards an extremely right/ultraconservative viewpoint.

She will also provide us with an overall review of the function of today’s public libraries and a review of what’s new and cool as well as tried and true in our own Twin Falls Public Library.

Join us this Sunday as our guest speaker, Lavonne Limpus, M.A., shares her knowledge of the art of self care. The inherent worth and dignity of every person starts at home. With self care and some basic science, our discussion will offer some practical techniques that can lead to self forgiveness and by extension to the forgiveness of others.

What is at the guiding center of our lives? As Unitarian Universalists, we have drawn upon many sources for inspiration, wisdom, and guidance for understanding our human relationship with one another and all beings, and our planet.

Join us this Sunday as Rev. Jen, our visiting minister from Pocatello UU Fellowship, shares her thoughts on the recent General Assembly.