UUSMV OOS for December 11, 2022 ‘Tis the season that invites us into wonder and awe at our very existence — how we came to have life on our tiny tilting, twirling planet set in this vast, cold, inhospitable cosmos. As daylight dwindles and the night skies shift, we marvel at falling leaves and warm … Continue reading Follow that Star: Missions of Wonder with Reverend Janet Newton

In his writings on religious community, influential Unitarian Universalist theologian James Luther Adams was profoundly influenced by the Jewish philosopher Martin Buber’s description of human beings as “promise-making, promise-keeping, promise-breaking, promise-renewing creature[s].” These promises exist within our tradition through our devotion to the creation and maintenance of Covenant.   As we enter the season of … Continue reading In Search of a New Covenant: How the Power of Covenant Invites Meaningful Change with Rev. Janet Newton

The French have a term — l’esprit de l’escalier — which is often translated as ‘staircase wit.’ It refers to those moments when you think of the perfect reply to someone, but just a little too late: as you descend the staircase away from the conversation. Have there been times in your life when the … Continue reading The Courage to Raise Our Voices with Rev. Janet Newton

Since the founding documents of the United States of America enshrined the ability to pursue happiness, it has become commonplace to orient our lives toward avoiding sorrow — and all that it has to teach us. But only by allowing ourselves to embrace sadness when it arises can we create authentic bonds of community and … Continue reading “Joy and Woe are Woven Fine: The Courage of Sadness” with Reverend Janet Newton