As we mark the Winter Solstice, Stephanie Noble’s poem, "In Celebration of the Winter Solstice," invites us to embrace the gifts of darkness. It reminds us that darkness is not to be feared but celebrated—a source of mystery, renewal, and promise. In the quiet of these longest nights, we find rest, reflection, and the fertile ground where the seeds of our inner light take root.

Let us honor this time of stillness and renewal, allowing the darkness to hold us as we prepare for the return of the light.

Read the full poem here: uua.org/worship/words/reading/celebration-winter-solstice.

May this Solstice bring you peace and joy in the richness of the present moment. 🌙✨

#WinterSolstice #EmbraceTheDarkness #SolsticeReflection
#UUSharedValues #SacredSeasons #WinterMagic #Rest #Renewal
#CelebratingSolstice #UnitarianUniversalist #UU



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“I seem to be witnessing it everywhere these days – UUs rising to meet the moment…We are learning to live with the daily risk of just being who we are... It is not easy, but it is the wellspring of honesty and courage that will feed our ministry in the years ahead.” - UUA Executive Vice President Carey McDonald.

As Unitarian Universalists succeed in advancing our values in these challenging times, our UUA Executive Vice President Carey McDonald shares some reflections on the threads of hope and care that run through safety considerations:

“While there is tremendous opportunity for UU’s to meet the needs of this moment, the truth is that risks and costs of our ministry are likely to be concentrated in our most impacted communities. As our exposure grows, we must not only be ready to protect those who are most likely to be targeted, and the fear is real. We need to prepare our institutions as a whole, institutions increasingly led by those of us who are BIPOC, trans and queer, or disabled, so that we can continue to be safe havens.”

🌟✺What are some ways your UU congregation or community is creating stronger, safer foundations for community care? What supports would help you lean in more deeply to these practices?✺🌟

#CommunityCare #UU #HopeAndResilience #FaithInAction #SharedValues #UnitarianUniversalism #UnitarianUniversalist #Friends #Family #Church







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Jeff Milchen

:

"We celebrate that we are all sacred beings, diverse in culture, experience, and theology." - Rev. Dr. Sheri Prud’homme

Pluralism is the recognition and celebration of diversity in beliefs, cultures, and experiences, affirming that no single perspective holds all the truth.

In her theological reflection on UU Shared Values, Rev. Dr. Sheri Prud’homme writes that Unitarian Universalism embraces pluralism by affirming that there are many paths to the sacred. We hold fast to the idea that no single religion holds all the truth—not even our own.

Through free, open, and respectful dialogue, we honor the diversity of beliefs and experiences that shape our communities. This ongoing exchange allows our theological perspectives to evolve and grow, deepening our understanding and connection to one another.

How do you create space for dialogue and learning across differences in your life?

Read more from Rev. Dr. Prud’homme about Pluralism and its place in our shared values: https://www.uua.org/beliefs/shared-values/theological-reflection

#UU #Pluralism #UnitarianUniversalism #Diversity #SharedValues #LoveAtTheCenter #Faith #Church



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Geoff Duke

:

Geoff Duke

:

As we move through the third week of Advent we invite you to reflect on joy—a joy that sustains us even in the hardest, darkest places. As Unitarian Universalists, we understand joy as a vital force that keeps us grounded in our values while giving us the strength to continue the work of compassion and justice. As founder and CEO of International Justice Mission Gary Haugen says, “Joy is the oxygen for doing the work of justice.”

Kate Bowler’s words from her Everything Happens podcast episode with Haugen offer a powerful reminder of this truth:

“Sometimes it can feel like you carry the weight of the world on your shoulders. You might wake up tired and go to bed tired. You feel as though you can't possibly fix every problem that comes your way because it's simply too much. We all need the reminder that joy is the way forward—that there's still room for laughter, beauty, and joy even in the hardest, darkest places. It is the only way to continue to do this hard, important work.

So, what is the moment when you feel the most levity? When it feels like you're taking a big, deep breath of fresh air? When joy comes naturally? Double down on that. Get in the snuggle zone with your kid. Pet your dog or your cat, if they're into that sort of thing. Take a long walk or a long bubble bath. Watch that hilarious show on Netflix everyone is talking about.

Yes, compassion is the job, but joy is the oxygen."

✨What moments bring you joy? How do you double down on those moments in your own life? Share your reflections in the comments below and join us in embracing joy as we move through this sacred season.✨

#Advent #UU #UnitarianUniversalism #UnitarianUniversalist #Joy #SharedValues #Faith #Hope #Justice #church #family #friends #holiday





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Central East Region of the UUA

:

On December 9th, Nikki Giovanni, one of the most celebrated poets of our time, passed away. A revolutionary voice in the Black Arts Movement and a champion of social justice, Giovanni used her words to challenge oppression, celebrate love, and reflect on the human condition.

In her poem “Allowables,” she confronts how fear can drive us to harm, even when no real threat exists. It’s a powerful call to pause, question our instincts, and resist letting fear control our actions.

As we honor Nikki Giovanni’s life and legacy, may her words inspire us to confront how fear shapes our lives and consider the choices we make in its grip.

ALLOWABLES
By Nikki Giovanni

I killed a spider
Not a murderous brown recluse
Nor even a black widow
And if the truth were told this
Was only a small
Sort of papery spider
Who should have run
When I picked up the book
But she didn’t
And she scared me
And I smashed her

I don’t think
I’m allowed

To kill something

Because I am

Frightened.



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What does it mean to truly live as part of an interconnected web of existence?

✨Interdependence✨, one of our Unitarian Universalist Shared Values, calls us to recognize the sacred connections that bind us to one another and the Earth, inspiring us to live with reverence, humility, and care for the world we share.

Rev. Dr. Sheri Prud’homme reminds us that our UU heritage has long embraced the integration of science and reverence for the natural world. From the Transcendentalists' awe of nature to today’s urgent call to action against climate change, our theology affirms that we are not separate from, but deeply connected to, the Earth and all its life systems.

This interdependence humbles us and inspires us to cherish both our own lives and the life of the planet and all its inhabitants. Yet, as we embrace this truth, we must also confront the harm of past arrogance and colonialism, striving toward accountability and repair.

How does recognizing your interdependence with others and the Earth shape the way you move through the world?

Read Rev. Dr. Prud’homme’s full reflection at https://bit.ly/49Ajh3G.

#SharedValues #Interdependence #UnitarianUniversalism #Theology #UU #UnitarianUniversalists #LoveAtTheCenter #friends #family #church #faith #welcome







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Ethan Loewi

:

Rumni Saha

:

Rumni Saha

:

Beth Casebolt

:

Advent invites us to reflect on love—not just as a feeling, but as a transformative force that calls us to action. Rev. Natalie Fenimore, in “Love at the Center: Unitarian Universalist Theologies,” reminds us of the prophetic voices among us who embody a love ethic. Among them was bell hooks, who taught that love is active engagement—dismantling systems of oppression like racism and sexism while building communities rooted in care, respect, and cooperation.

As Unitarian Universalists, we are called to be prophets of love, living out this ethic in our words and actions. Love challenges us to act for justice, create belonging, and extend the circle of care to all. This season, let us reflect: Who are the prophets of love in your life? How can you learn from their example? And how might you become a beacon of love in the world?

“Love at the Center: Unitarian Universalist Theologies” is available at https://www.uuabookstore.org/Love-at-the-Center-P20036.aspx

#Advent #ProphetsOfLove #UU #UnitarianUniversalism #UnitarianUniversalist #faith #family #church #SharedValues



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🌟 We’re Moving to Bluesky! 🌟
Follow us at https://bsky.app/profile/uua.org and invite others to follow us as we expand our community.

The Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) has left X/Twitter and we are establishing our progressive religious presence on the growing social media platform, Bluesky.

Recent changes to X/Twitter’s platform, including a rise in disinformation, hate speech, and policies that undermine marginalized communities, conflict with our vision of a world rooted in dignity and respect for all. As a faith community dedicated to fostering inclusive, transformative spaces, we are choosing a platform that better supports meaningful connection and aligns with our shared values of Justice, Equity, Transformation, Pluralism, Interdependence, and Generosity.

Please join us on Bluesky at https://bsky.app/profile/uua.org , where we’ll continue to share UU news, tell the stories of our faith, and provide updates on how we’re living our values in the world.

Together, we can build meaningful connections and foster digital communities that reflect the inclusive and transformative world we are striving to create.💙✨


We are Unitarian Universalists. We are brave, curious, and compassionate thinkers and doers. https://linktr.ee/theuua

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The holiday season provides a meaningful time to think about how our varied celebrations, rituals, and practices reflect our values. From the way we gather to the traditions we honor, it’s all an opportunity to live what matters most. Each choice we make, from the songs we sing to the stories we share, becomes part of a larger tapestry, threading UU values throughout our holidays.

🌟✨ What are some ways you incorporate UU values into your holiday traditions? 🎁🕯️ Share in the comments and invite other UUs to answer!

#UUValues #HolidayTraditions #UnitarianUniversalism #UnitarianUniversalist #Family #Friends #Faith #church #BelovedCommunity



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In the wake of climate disasters, many of us feel the weight of grief—grief for what has been lost, for disrupted rhythms of life, and for an uncertain future. Rev. Joan Javier-Duval, reflecting on the 2023 flooding in Vermont, reminds us that this grief, as immense as it is, holds the potential to become fertile ground for imagining something new. Amid the heartache, we can find the seeds of creativity, resilience, and transformation.

What if we allowed ourselves to feel this grief fully, not as an end but as a beginning? Together, we can reimagine and rebuild with love for the Earth and one another.

🌍💔💡 How are you processing the changes in our world, and what possibilities do you see within the grief? Share your own reflections in the comments.

Read Rev. Javier-Duval’s full reflection in UU World at https://bit.ly/uuworld-grief.

#ClimateChange #Grief #Reimagine #UU #UnitarianUniversalism #UnitarianUniversalists #LoveAtTheCenter #SharedValues #friends #family #church #faith #welcome #BelovedCommunity



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Kim Mason

:

Kim Mason

:

🔸Join us for this one-time introductory workshop
Recognizing Anti-Palestinian Racism and Creating an Environment of Understanding🔸

🗓️ Thursday, Dec. 5
⏰ 4 PM Pacific / 7 PM Eastern
📍 ZOOM Virtual Event – Registration required to receive Zoom link
📌 RSVP here: https://bit.ly/4imrQ67

Presented by the Institute for the Understanding of Anti-Palestinian Racism (IUAPR) and hosted by Unitarian Universalists for Justice in the Middle East (UUJME), this 90-minute interactive workshop will:
🔸 Educate and celebrate Palestinian culture and history
🔸 Describe and identify anti-Palestinian racism (APR)
🔸 Address APR's impacts on health and wellness
🔸 Begin to examine ways to confront and reduce APR

💡 Why This Matters:
IUAPR conducted a national survey of 1200 respondents that reveals:I
- 88% of respondents witnessed or experienced APR
- 75% felt isolated
- APR affects mental and physical health in 70%+

Let’s learn, reflect, and act together. ✨

#UUJME #IUAPR #AntiRacism #CommunityCare #UU #unitarianuniversalist #unitarianuniversalism #faith #sharedvalues #learn #SocialAction #FaithinAction



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🌟 Giving Tuesday is today! And if you sign up now as a monthly donor to the UUA, your gift will double in value—for a year! Thanks to a generous UU couple matching one year’s worth of new monthly gifts made today, up to $25,000. 💕

As a Faithful Sustainer, you’ll help the UUA build vibrant congregations, support bold leaders, and promote inclusive values throughout the year. Plus, you'll enjoy a discount on Beacon Press books 📚. Monthly giving is an easy, safe, and environmentally-friendly way to support Unitarian Universalism year-round.

💞 Together we give. Together we thrive. 💞

Make your gift today: 👉 bit.ly/Sustainers25

#GivingTuesday #give #donate #UUA #UU #UnitarianUniversalist #UnitarianUniversalism #faith #family #friends #church #SharedValues #BelovedCommunity



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🌟 What does theology mean in the context of Unitarian Universalism? 🌟

Our Shared Values - Interdependence, Pluralism, Equity, Justice, Generosity, and Transformation, grounded in Love at the Center - are a living expression of UU theology.

But what is theology in Unitarian Universalism? For some, the word “theology” can feel off-putting—too tied to traditional religious belief systems. Yet, as Rev. Dr. Sheri Prud’homme reminds us, UUs do have a theology. It’s not confined to the study of God but asks deeper questions: What does it mean to be human in the cosmos? How are we connected to all that is, and to what do we hold sacred?

Rev. Prud’homme likens UU theology to a patchwork quilt, woven together from many sources—texts, lived experiences, music, architecture, and so much more. Each piece tells a story, coming together to create a dynamic and evolving whole.

Over the next weeks, we’ll be exploring these shared values, and we invite you to reflect on how your own stories contribute to this collective quilt. 🧵✨

Learn more at uua.org/beliefs/shared-values.



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Maryann Batlle

:

Maryann Batlle

:

Lenore Bajare-Dukes

:

Central East Region of the UUA

:

The spirit of Advent, a season of waiting and preparing, transcends faith traditions and speaks to the universal longing for renewal and hope. Today, the first Sunday of Advent, draws us into this sacred time, mirroring the earth’s quiet stillness in winter. As Rebecca Ann Parker reflects in her poem “A Winter Blessing,” the “earth speaks softly of her longing,” calling us to kneel close and listen deeply to the prayers hidden in the ground. This is not just a season of anticipation but an invitation to respond—to "distill peace from the snow," weave wonder from grief, and transform winter’s starkness into acts of mercy, justice, and love.

In UU congregations and homes around the world, many of us light the first candle of Advent today. As we do, let us reflect on how we can prepare our hearts for the world’s needs. May we, as Parker writes, trace the arc of the year bending toward justice and make our lives an answer to the earth’s longing: to bow in reverence, to rise in hope, and to bring the peace of this sacred season into a world yearning for healing and joy.

Read the full poem on the UUA WorshipWeb at https://www.uua.org/worship/words/poetry/winter-blessing.



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Sharing this message from our UUA President, the Rev. Sofía Betancourt, PhD, with gratitude for the care and wisdom she brings to this tangled time.

May we all find ways in this holiday season share our commitments with one another, to give voice to our hopes, and to recommit to the long-haul work of building Beloved Community.

#Thanksgiving


Beloveds, this season of gratitude is rightly a cherished time of coming together with family of origin or of choice, and of experiencing the real love and care that is present when we share a meal together. And we cannot ignore that these rituals will all unfold amid a backdrop of fear and uncertainty, of devastation and violence.

This holiday season comes in a year where we must all recommit ourselves to the work of truth-telling and accountability. We must bear witness to the truth that the historical foundations of the United States are steeped in oppression and genocide, and that violence continues today. May our time spent in the care and connection of our communities deepen our courage to face the real evils of this world.

As we ground ourselves and honor the harvest today, may we deepen our commitment to climate justice. With family and friends near, let us share our commitments with one another and support each other in carrying them through all the days ahead. As we tend to our own spirits, may we renew our commitments to tend to our communities and to this precious Earth.

In this time of painful truths, grieving, and community gatherings, may there be food and faithfulness, and a recommitment to the Shared Values we hold dear as Unitarian Universalists around our shared tables this year.

#Thanksgiving

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Thanksgiving is often seen as a celebration of gratitude and unity, but the traditional story erases the painful realities experienced by Indigenous peoples. The myth obscures histories of violence, cultural destruction, and displacement that continue to impact Native communities today.

Swipe through these slides to uncover the truth about Thanksgiving. Confronting this history may be uncomfortable, but truth-telling is essential for accountability and transformation. It challenges us to live into shared values like justice, equity, and interdependence—not as abstract ideals, but as commitments to action.

Here are just a few ways you can make a difference:

1️⃣ Share the real story of Thanksgiving with friends and family this holiday season. Make space to be with the discomfort and contradiction this may bring.
2️⃣ Support Indigenous-owned businesses and Indigenous-led movements/organizations.
3️⃣ On November 28th, join the National Day of Mourning (uaine.org) or Indigenous Peoples Thanksgiving Sunrise Gathering (iitc.org) to honor Indigenous people and Native resilience.

Find more ways to support Indigenous communities at visionmakermedia.org/ally-for-native-voices/

#TruthAboutThanksgiving #IndigenousJustice #SharedValues #NationalDayofMourning #Unthanksgiving #Thanksgrieving #Courage #Resilience #UU #UnitarianUniversalism #UnitarianUniversalists #LoveAtTheCenter













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Maryann Batlle

:

Rayla D. Mattson

:

Rayla D. Mattson

:

On Thanksgiving Day, many in the United States will celebrate a holiday rooted in myth, exploitation, and dominance. Indigenous communities and their allies come together on this day for events like the National Day of Mourning in Plymouth, MA, and the Indigenous Peoples Thanksgiving Sunrise Gathering on Alcatraz Island near San Francisco, CA. These gatherings are an opportunity to reveal the true history of Thanksgiving, honor ancestors, and amplify Indigenous resilience and resistance.

Participating in these events is both an act of remembrance and a commitment to solidarity, offering opportunities to honor Indigenous voices and their stories, and to challenge ongoing systems of oppression.

NATIONAL DAY OF MOURNING
📅 Date & Time: Thursday, November 28, 2024, at 12:00 PM EST
📍 Location: Cole's Hill, Plymouth, Massachusetts. Also online via UU Mass Action's event at https://bit.ly/492JNlH.
🗣️ Details: Organized by the United American Indians of New England - UAINE, this event exposes the genocide, land theft, and cultural erasure experienced by Native peoples and calls us to reflect on the ongoing impact of these injustices. More info at uaine.org.

INDIGENOUS PEOPLES THANKSGIVING SUNRISE GATHERING (UNTHANKSGIVING)
📅 Date & Time: Thursday, November 28, 2024, from 5:00 AM to 8:00 AM PST
📍Location: Alcatraz Island, San Francisco, California & Livestreamed on the International Indian Treaty Council (IITC) Facebook page.
🗣️ Details: Hosted by IITC, this gathering offers a space to connect, honor ancestors, and recommit to justice. More info at iitc.org.

#NationalDayOfMourning #IndigenousJustice #SunriseGathering #SharedValues #UU #UnitarianUniversalism #TruthAndJustice #Unthanksgiving #UnitarianUniversalists #LoveAtTheCenter #SharedValues #socialaction





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🌟 Looking for inspiration to create change? 🌟

In September 2024, SELF Magazine named "Social Change Now: A Guide for Reflection and Connection" by Deepa Iyer as one of the best self-help books for anyone seeking a little inspiration.

Here’s what SELF had to say:
"This interactive guide is a handy resource for anyone trying to make a difference in today’s divided, unfair world. It offers practical steps to turn passion into action while helping you focus on self-care and avoid burnout. What sets it apart are the reflection prompts, which help you personalize the journey to your own values and priorities."

Drawing on her experience as a civil rights attorney and advocate, Deepa Iyer’s guide supports you in taking action for the causes you care about—whether that’s speaking out against racism, advocating for reproductive rights, or tackling climate change.

📚 Published by the UUA’s Skinner House Books, "Social Change Now" is available at https://www.uuabookstore.org/Social-Change-Now-P20076.aspx .

#SocialChangeNow #DeepaIyer #skinnerhousebooks #UUABookstore #SelfHelpBooks #SocialJustice #Inspiration #MakeADifference #UU #UnitarianUniversalism #UnitarianUniversalists #LoveAtTheCenter #SharedValues



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Nico Van Ostrand

,

Ember Kelley

,

Mylo Way

:

A Prayer for My Queer and Trans Siblings

Here you are.
Here, in this holy space,
on this ground that is holy
because you are here.

Here you are, in flesh and bone,
filling up this body that belongs to you alone.
Your pumping heart is a wonder
because it keeps you alive.
Your loving heart is a blessing
because it keeps all of us alive.

The Spirit of Love has a home in you.
May we all see that love in you
and let our hearts become mirrors
for the compassion at your core.

The Spirit of Justice has a home in you.
May we light our wicks
from one another until we are all aflame,
until we burn out every prejudice
we carry in these bones.

Here you are.
Holy as you are.

Blessed be.

Jess Reynolds
Love Like Thunder

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Today, on Transgender Day of Remembrance, we honor the lives, contributions, and humanity of transgender people lost to violence.

Anti-trans violence is an attack on human dignity and equity. Today, we hold space for the resilience, strength, and beauty of transgender communities, recognizing their right to live freely and authentically.

Trans lives matter. Trans voices matter. Trans futures matter.

We remember. We grieve. We refuse to accept violence as inevitable.

📺 Watch this message from Reverend Jami Yandle, the Unitarian Universalist Association’s Transgender Support Specialist: https://youtu.be/szPLQxdPTFM.

Transgender and nonbinary people can also visit UPLIFT at http://www.uua.org/lgbtq/transnb for support, affirmation, and connection.

💜 #TransDayOfRemembrance #UUSharedValues #TransRights #UU #UnitarianUniversalism #UnitarianUniversalists #LoveAtTheCenter #faith #welcome #Belonging #Courage #Resilience



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Jami A. Yandle

:

Jo VonRue

:

Jo VonRue

:

✨ You are beloved OF COURSE. You just are.✨
- Victoria Safford in ‘Beloved,’ an excerpt from the book “Love at the Center”

This simple yet profound truth anchors us in the heart of what it means to be human. Safford reminds us that to move through our days as if we are beloved—of God, of life, of the earth itself—is a radical act of love and belonging. It’s a call to remember that we, every single one of us, and every living thing, belong.

This isn’t about deserving or earning. It’s about inherent worthiness, a sacred place in the family of things. When we embrace this truth, we’re reminded of our shared calling: to live and love as if we, and everyone around us, are beloved.

May we carry this message in our hearts and actions, letting it guide us toward a world where love shapes how we see each other, and how we live together. 💜

Read the full excerpt in UU World at https://www.uuworld.org/articles/love-center-book-excerpt-beloved-victoria-safford-unitarian-universalism

#YouAreBeloved #Belonging #LoveAtTheCenter #UU #UnitarianUniversalism #UnitarianUniversalists #LoveAtTheCenter #SharedValues #friends #family #church #faith #welcome



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📢 Session Two - The Way Forward 📢
Forward Together: Anchoring in Community Post-Election

🗓️ When: November 19, 5 PT - 6 MT - 7 CT - 8 ET
💻 Where: Online
➡️ Register: https://bit.ly/4fyJcdY

As we move from uncertainty toward resilience, join us for an inspiring session led by the UUA’s Side with Love field staff. Together, we’ll explore the movement landscape and how congregations are responding with courage and creativity.

🌟 UUA regional staff will also guide breakout sessions, offering a chance to connect with others in your region. Together, we’ll discuss next steps and strengthen plans for the road ahead.

Let’s come together to envision and build a stronger way forward. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with fellow UUs across the country!

#SideWithLove #UnitarianUniversalism #Resilience #UnitarianUniversalists #LoveAtTheCenter #SharedValues #friends #family #church #faith #welcome



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Alia Shinbrough

:

Transgender Awareness Week, which began on November 13th, leads up to the Transgender Day of Remembrance on November 20th—a day when we honor and remember the lives lost to anti-trans violence. We’re honored to share this video for use in services and on social media, as we join in solidarity with the trans community: https://youtu.be/szPLQxdPTFM.

To everyone gathering in remembrance, may you feel the strength of community and the warmth of our blessings. You are seen, you are loved, and we hold space for your grief and resilience.

Transgender and nonbinary people seeking support and resources can visit UPLIFT at uua.org/lgbtq/transnb to find guidance, affirmation, and tools for connection.

#belonging #courage #resilience #uu #transrightsarehumanrights #TransDayofRemembrance
#UnitarianUniversalism #unitarianuniversalist
#transrights #inclusion #LoveAtTheCenter #uusharedvalues


The UUA is honored to share this video for use in services and on social media, as we show solidarity with the trans community on Transgender Day of Remembra...

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📊 Our Faith Is Needed: UUA Membership Steady and Religious Education Growing! 🌟

In a time when many report the shrinking role of religion, the 2024 UUA Certification Report offers encouraging news: Unitarian Universalist membership has remained steady, and participation in religious education has grown by 16%—the first increase in a decade!

This stability amidst broader trends of decline in mainline denominations highlights the resonance and relevance of our faith today. As Rev. Ashley Horan, UUA Vice President for Programs and Ministries, put it: “Our faith is needed.”

Key findings include:
✅ Over 1,000 UU congregations and communities.
✅ Innovative religious education efforts driving growth.
✅ Financial resilience, with average pledges up 43% over the past decade.

This year, the UUA is embracing transparency by releasing the full report online, inviting all of us to use this data as a tool for reflection, innovation, and action.

Explore the full report on UU World at https://bit.ly/3Z8UNee.

#UnitarianUniversalism #FaithInAction #ReligiousEducation #UUA #UU #LoveAtTheCenter #SharedValues #friends #family #church #faith #welcome



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Staff Writer

:

Elaine McArdle

:

Even in challenging times, the Unitarian Universalist Women's Federation reminds us of some remarkable feminist wins from the recent election that we can all celebrate! From historic representation to major policy advances, these victories showcase the power we hold when we come together. This progress is driven by grassroots organizations and dedicated individuals nationwide, who tirelessly gathered millions of signatures to place human rights amendments on state ballots.

Here’s a snapshot from the UUWF of the powerful changes unfolding across the country:

*Abortion Ballot Initiative Results*

New York: Proposition 1 - Equal Rights Act - PASSED
Enshrines abortion access into New York's state constitution. Abortion is legal in NY; after 24 weeks, additional consent is required from a medical doctor.

Maryland: Referendum 1 - Right to Reproductive Freedom - PASSED
Enshrines abortion access into Maryland's state constitution. Abortion is legal in Maryland.

Missouri: Amendment 3 - Right to Reproductive Freedom - PASSED
End Missouri's current total abortion ban and make abortion legal in Missouri up to viability (~24 weeks).

Arizona: Proposition 139 - Right to Abortion - PASSED
Ends Arizona's current 15-week abortion law and makes abortion legal in Arizona up to viability (~24 weeks).

Nevada: Question 6 - Right to Abortion - PASSED, now goes to a general election ballot in 2026.
Enshrines abortion access into Nevada's state constitution. Abortion is legal in NV; after 24 weeks, additional consent is required from a medical doctor.

Montana: Constitutional Initiative 128 - Right to Abortion - PASSED
Enshrines abortion access into Montana's state constitution. Abortion is legal in Montana up to viability (~24 weeks)

Colorado: Amendment 79 - Right to Abortion and Health Insurance Coverage -PASSED
Enshrines abortion access into Colorado's state constitution, allows abortion care to be covered until health insurance plans, and allows public funds to be used for abortion care.

*Wages and Paid Sick Leave*

Missouri and Alaska passed referendums to increase their state’s minimum wage to $15/hour and require employers to provide earned pay sick leave to their employees.

Nebraska passed a referendum to require employers to provide earned paid sick leave for employees.

Massachusetts passed a ballot measure to provide for unionization and collective bargaining for transportation network drivers.

Oregon passed a ballot measure that requires cannabis business to submit to the state Liquor and Cannabis Commission a signed labor peace agreement between the business and a labor organization as part of its licensure or renewal application.

New Orleans will add an amendment to its charter that lists fair wages, comprehensive health care coverage, paid leave and other workplace benefits as fundamental rights for the city’s workforce.

*Education*

Arkansas, California, New Mexico, Rhode Island, and Utah all passed ballot measures that provided funds to education, including higher ed, tribal schools, education facilities and public education through bonding, lottery proceeds, and other means.

Electoral

Sarah McBride won a seat in the United States House of Representatives, becoming the first openly transgender person elected to Congress!

For the first time, the U.S. Senate will have two Black women. Angela Alsobrooks of Maryland and Lisa Blunt Rochester of Delaware will join the small but growing sisterhood of Black women who have served in the upper chamber of Congress.

Sources: UUWF, Ballotpedia, Abortion Finder, AP News, The New York Times

#feminist #feminism #women #equality #womensrights #equalrights #prochoice



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For Unitarian Universalists, prayer is understood and practiced in many ways, reflecting the diversity of our beliefs. For some, it’s a moment of quiet reflection, a way to seek connection, or an expression of gratitude. It might take the form of sitting in silence, walking in nature, journaling, or gathering in shared intention. For others, prayer may not resonate as a practice at all, with meaning found instead in presence, meditation, or acts of service.

🕊️As a UU, what does prayer mean to you? Share your thoughts in the comments! 🕊️

You can also read other Unitarian Universalist perspectives on prayer here: uua.org/beliefs/what-we-do/spirituality/prayer.

#UU #UnitarianUniversalism #UnitarianUniversalists #LoveAtTheCenter #SharedValues #friends #family #church #faith #welcome #prayer



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I am happy to announce that the UUA Board of Trustees is putting forward two recommendations for the next UUA Moderator or Co-Moderators, to be elected at General Assembly in 2025. This is such a significant volunteer leadership position and I am grateful for the faithful work of the Moderator Search Committee, who were charged by the Board to recommend qualified individuals or teams of individuals for the Board’s review and potential nomination.

Learn more about the nominees in the story from UU World, linked in the comments below.

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UU World has launched ✨Wayfinder✨ - a twice-a-month email newsletter that connects Unitarian Universalists to the latest news and storytelling from UU World.

All of us are navigators. We hope this newsletter, like the stars, helps you chart a course aligned with our UU Shared Values. As we go, we’ll share moments of insight, inspiration, reflection, joy, and spiritual nourishment.

🎉 Join us by subscribing here: uuworld.org/newsletter 🎉 .

#UUWorld #Wayfinder #UU #UnitarianUniversalism #UnitarianUniversalist #LoveAtTheCenter #UUSharedValues



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Elaine McArdle

:

JJ Flag

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Victoria Safford

:

Central East Region of the UUA

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The day after the election, Venice Williams, Director of Milwaukee's oldest farmers market, Fondly Food Center, and Cultural & Spiritual Midwife at CLARA Healing Institute, shared a reminder that justice isn’t an occasional task—it’s a continuous, urgent calling. Her words challenge us to commit deeply and act decisively, in alignment with our Unitarian Universalist shared values of Interdependence, Justice, and Transformation.

We’re called to “continue to dismantle broken systems,” to “be a vessel of nourishing joy,” and to do it now. We honor the legacy of those who have struggled before us by refusing to pause or wait. This work requires all of us, everywhere, every day.

Let us continue. Not tomorrow, not when it feels easier, but today. Justice demands no less.

#UnitarianUniversalist #SharedValues #Justice #Liberation #UU #UnitarianUniversalism #welcome #BelovedCommunity #SocialJustice #SocialAction #FaithInAction #organize
When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it or it's been deleted.

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Central East Region of the UUA

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Elaine McArdle

:

JJ Flag

,

Victoria Safford

:

🌟 Black Lives of UU (BLUU) November Worship: What Will You Do When It’s Your Turn? 🌟

In this challenging election season, it’s easy to feel the weight of broken systems. But the wisdom of the hive reminds us of our shared strength. Join Rev. Mykal Slack for BLUU worship to reflect on how to show up when it’s your turn.

🖤 Black Sacred Space 🖤
BLUU's online worship services are Black Sacred Space in their entirety - by and for Black people, with the words and voices of Black folks across the diaspora. Black UUs and Black UU-adjacent folks are warmly invited to join the service.

Non-Black siblings, please share this invitation with Black people in your community. Your support in spreading the word is deeply appreciated.

🔔 Arrive early in the Zoom Room, 15 minutes before the service, to settle in and connect.

👉 Register here: https://bit.ly/40HpIPN

#spiritualcare #community #BlackUUs #BlackLivesUU #healing #love #selfcare #UU #UnitarianUniversalism #UnitarianUniversalists #LoveAtTheCenter #SharedValues #friends #family #church #faith #welcome #BelovedCommunity



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Kat McKim

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Victoria Safford

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As we make sense of the presidential election results, we encourage you to find a moment to pause, breathe deeply, and remember that “we comprise holy and ferocious power…a holiness no tyrant can diminish or demean.”

Read the full poem, “All is Not Lost” by the Rev. JJ Flag and the Rev. Victoria Safford in UU World: https://bit.ly/3OiWZcV

#UU #UnitarianUniversalism #UnitarianUniversalists #LoveAtTheCenter #SharedValues #friends #family #church #faith #welcome #BelovedCommunity
#Belonging #Courage #Resilience



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Today we face the reality of deep divisions. Yet, as UUs, we come together, rooted in Love that calls us to action and offers us courage.

Our commitment to justice and democracy goes beyond any election. Together, we’ll hold each other in our grief and our resolve, grounding ourselves in hope and fierce compassion. Now is the time to invest in trust, deepen our bonds, and move forward with purpose.

💫 We will resist division, create sanctuary, and build the conditions for liberation. With love, faith, and unity, we rise.

Read our full statement at https://bit.ly/4fCv42W.

#SideWithLove #FaithInAction #UUCommunity #UU #UnitarianUniversalism #UnitarianUniversalists #LoveAtTheCenter #SharedValues #friends #family #church #faith #welcome #BelovedCommunity







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On this painful morning, we share this message from our UUA President, the Rev. Dr. Sofía Betancourt.

[As we await video caption uploading on Facebook, please know that the text of the message in this post is a transcript of the message shared in the video below.]



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Victoria Safford

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Victoria Safford

:

Resharing this prayer for Election Day from our UUA President, the Rev. Sofía Betancourt, PhD. May we support and care for one another within our communities and beyond, tonight and in all the days ahead.

#UUtheVote #ElectionDay


Beloveds,

In the name of all that we hold holy, let us enter into mindful prayer that carries us through the night toward the joy that comes in the morning.

Let us lean into the kindnesses and grace that keep us going – helping others to their voting locations; feeding each other; working as poll workers, vote counters, chaplains, observers and more; making final donations; continuing with the unsung labor that keeps communities going; praying through the day; supporting those exhausted by worry; leaning into the hope that is generated between and among us.

Knowing that we may be waiting for that morning of joy and justice long into the future, let us abide with the promise of the world we collectively covenant to bring into being. A world of justice, equity, mindful interdependence, and love. One of generosity, that holds inviolable the sacred dignity and inherent worthiness of all people and all beings.

In this time marked by intentional division and the encouragement of hate among neighbors, let us instead put our faith to work in support of our communities. May our prayers be heard as a call to transformation, to build our collective power, and to sustain our moral witness through this election and beyond.

On this day may those who are barred from voting through systems of injustice, the prison industrial complex, or simply living with the consequences of U.S. politics from other locations around the world know they are held holy with a love that abides. May this be a day remembered long into the future as one that revitalized our hope in the idea that our liberation is collective, that democracy can guide us toward a higher purpose for our living, and that our greatest freedom lives in our care for one another.

Help us to hold fast to our values through all that is yet to come. And when the days are difficult, may we lean on our inheritance of a tradition that claims democracy itself as a vehicle for love. We are the holders of grand possibility, who will give of ourselves to protect all those in harm’s way until the day when we realize the promise of beloved community. Hold fast to the love that lives at the center of this faith, that it may carry you through the days ahead.

Amen, Ashe, and Blessed Be

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by Rev. Brandan Robertson, Senior Communications Manager, Side With Love

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Kat McKim

:

🌟 UUCF - Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Fullerton recently raised over $15,000 to support reproductive justice, helping people in states with abortion bans travel to California for care. 🌟

Through monthly fundraisers, special collections, and original plays on reproductive rights, the UUCF community rallied together to support individuals suffering under increasingly restrictive abortion laws, where access has been limited or outright banned in many states, leaving countless people without essential healthcare options.

UUCF’s local Planned Parenthood has leveraged $10,000 of the raised funds for a matching grant with Concerned Clergy for Choice and other local congregations, expanding the reach of UUCF’s efforts to even more communities. Read UUCF’s story in UU World at https://bit.ly/40EmIDE.

#ReproductiveRights #UU #UnitarianUniversalism #UnitarianUniversalist #LoveAtTheCenter #SharedValues #friends #family #church #faith #welcome #BelovedCommunity #FaithInAction #organize #welcome #BelovedCommunity #FaithInAction #organize



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💫 Friends, as we enter into a week – and perhaps longer – filled with deep uncertainty, anxiety, and fear, UUA chaplains the Rev. Dr. JJ Flag and the Rev. Victoria Safford offer some simple, quiet practices to tend to our spirits and souls, and remind us that through weariness and trouble, love will guide us.

Today, we center Interdependence:

🌿 **It’s time to go outside. Sometime today or this evening, make time to go out, rain or shine. Touch the living earth: soil, leaf, water, or just let the air touch you. Find a quiet place where you can stop a while, just quietly. In your mind, or whispering, speak to the earth as if it were a loving grandparent, an elder. Say (in your mind or whispering) what you’re most afraid of now. Stay still a little longer, and then offer a small prayer, perhaps like this: “Right now, what I need most is _____.” Breathe deep, and touch the earth again, with gratitude.** 🌿

#SpiritualPractice #Interdependence #Community #LoveWillGuideUs #UU #UnitarianUniversalism #UnitarianUniversalist #LoveAtTheCenter #SharedValues #friends #family #church #faith #welcome #BelovedCommunity



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Central East Region of the UUA

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📢 Find Support & Community in Our Post-Election Series

Join Side with Love, UUA Congregational Life, and senior UUA leadership for a series of online gatherings to help us reflect, respond, and prepare together following the 2024 Election. Each session provides spiritual grounding, practical insights, and community support.

🗓 Session One - 11/6: After Election Day
Ground yourself, connect with UUA resources, and get insights from Side With Love.

🗓 Session Two - TBD (When Election is Called)
Join UUA President Rev. Dr. Sofía Betancourt and others for reflection and immediate action steps.

🗓 Session Three - 11/19: The Way Forward
Discuss next steps and hear from Side With Love on the movement landscape.

⏰ All sessions at 8pm ET / 7pm CT / 6pm MT / 5pm PT.
📌 Register to attend and receive updates! https://bit.ly/4e5EzGJ

#UU #UnitarianUniversalism #UnitarianUniversalist #LoveAtTheCenter #SharedValues #friends #family #church #faith #welcome #BelovedCommunity #Democracy



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🍂 Wishing a Blessed Samhain to all who celebrate 🍂

As the veil thins in this liminal time, may you find peace, connection, and meaningful remembrance of those who came before. With the turning of the year, may renewal and insight light your path.. 🕯✨

#blessedsamhain #samhain #UU #UnitarianUniversalism #UnitarianUniversalist #LoveAtTheCenter #SharedValues #friends #family #church #faith #welcome #BelovedCommunity



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✨ In times of uncertainty, Diwali brings the assurance that light and love endure. 🕯️ Wishing you a festival full of hope, joy, and beautiful moments with those who matter most. 🌟💖

#Diwali2024 #HappyDiwali #UU #Faith #UnitarianUniversalism #UnitarianUniversalist #LoveAtTheCenter #Friends #Family



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Jeff Milchen

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Staff Writer

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Central East Region of the UUA

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Staff Writer

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🧡 Unitarian Universalist congregations offer "Our Whole Lives," a values-based, inclusive sexuality education program for all ages, creating safe spaces for youth to explore, ask questions, and grow confidently in their identities. As coalition partners with Siecus: Sex Ed for Social Change, we are in solidarity in advocating for comprehensive, affirming education for all. To learn more about OWL, contact your nearest UU church, which you can find at https://www.uua.org/find . 🧡











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Takiyah Nur Amin

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Takiyah Nur Amin

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Yesterday, we began a conversation about navigating these uncertain times. Today, explore our "Checklist for Community Resilience" for steps to stay connected and prepared.

As we continue this journey, visit the Community Resilience Hub at UUA.org/community-resilience-hub for a growing library of tools and resources. Updated regularly, it’s designed to support you in building safe and supportive communities as we face the weeks ahead.

Let’s keep building resilience—together.

#CommunityResilience #UUA #StrongerTogether #Courage #UUValues #UUFaith #UnitarianUniversalism #UnitarianUniversalist #LoveAtTheCenter #Friends #Family #Faith #Church #Welcome









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We know that these times are full of anxiety on so many levels. As religious communities, our responsibility in uncertain times is always to move deliberately, grounded in our values and in relationship with the key leaders, partners, and movements who share them.

We care deeply about each of you and all our congregations and communities. In this video, UU leaders and UUA staff offer guidance on what Unitarian Universalists can do right now to face the challenges that may lie ahead in the coming weeks with clarity and courage: https://youtu.be/n5eOXrBVlV0. We encourage you to share this, along with the linked resources below, among your leadership and with your congregations and communities as a place to begin having these crucial conversations.

We will continue to share updated guidance and resources. Bookmark our Community Resilience Hub webpage at https://www.uua.org/safe/community-resilience and return often for the most current materials. Know that you are not alone in these fearful and uncertain times—we are all in this together.

#Resilience #UU #SharedValues #unitarianuniversalism #unitarianuniversalist #loveatthecenter #friends #family #church #faith #welcome #belovedcommunity #Courage


As religious communities, our responsibility in uncertain times is always to move deliberately, grounded in our values and in relationship with the key leade...

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Central East Region Summer Institute

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Elaine McArdle

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