As we prepare to mark the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, join CSI political science professor and congregant Perri Gardner for a reflection on its lesser-known section—the grievances—and what they reveal about justice, power, and moral courage. Let’s explore how these revolutionary complaints speak to our Unitarian Universalist principles today and consider what it means to be a people still becoming free. What might a modern declaration call us to do? Come for history, stay for hope.

Presented by Perri Gardner

Worship Associate Jonathan Thompson

What do Unitarian Universalists believe?
What values do Unitarian Universalists hold highest? Is Unitarian Universalism really a religion? Can anyone be a Unitarian Universalist? What are some characteristics of UUs? Are UUs Christian? How do UUs explain evil? Can UUs go to heaven or hell? Can a UU be saved? These are a few of the 100 questions that nonmembers ask Unitarian Universalists  from the book by the same name by John Sias from interviews with the Rev. Steve Edington.

By Michael Becerra

Worship Associate Anne Martin

Sunday morning is picnic morning at Harmon Park in Twin Falls. We will meet at 10:30 AM at the Red Shelter in Harmon Park in Twin Falls. Everyone is invited especially immigrants and refugees.  This is a potluck so please bring something to share but please do not bring pork products so our Muslim friends can join in eating with us.

Pam Blankenheim and Jen Okelberry

Adam Thompson has been gardening, growing, and selling plants across the state of Idaho for 15 years. Shortly after his first season working in a greenhouse he obtained his Associate degree in horticulture from the College of Southern Idaho and a bachelor of science degree from Boise State University.
Alongside his educational endeavors and student research Adam deeply immersed himself in the plant industry from houseplant maintenance to commercial design and organic market farming. He began his own residential gardening business, Western Zen, in 2018. His company continues to provide horticultural services throughout southern Idaho.

Pam Blankenheim is the Worship Associate

Refugees in the Magic Valley within the Context of Current Affairs” 

Join us as Haley Grachico, from the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants, provides a brief background of refugee settlement in the Magic Valley and an update on the current refugee status within the context of larger immigration policies in the USA. She will also offer opportunities for ongoing support and engagement. 

Worship Associate is Melody Lenkner

Join the MVUUF this Sunday for our annual Flower Communion service—a celebration of beauty, resilience, and community. In this beloved Unitarian Universalist ritual, each person brings a flower to share and leaves with one from another, symbolizing our unique gifts and shared strength. Like a bouquet, our community is beautiful not in sameness but in the vibrant differences we bring together. Through music, reflection, and ritual, let’s explore how beauty endures in difficult times and how diversity makes us whole. All flowers welcome! 

By Perri Gardner

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

The tree of life is an ancient and universal symbol.

Presented by Rev. Jenny Peek.

Worship Associate Pam Blankenheim.

Time to work and play, and clean our home.

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