As we enter into the fourth and final week of Advent, we turn to 🕯️hope — a hope grounded not in naïve optimism but in the resilient practice of liberation.

Dayna Edwards’ prayer, “Our Lifelong Work of Liberation,” reminds us that hope is a call to action, connecting us to generations of freedom fighters who envisioned a more equitable world. Their hope was revolutionary, sustaining them through struggle and transformation.

Even now, in times of division and injustice, hope calls us to build communities rooted in care and liberation. 💕 By carrying hope forward with courage and resolve, we honor the legacy of those who came before us and move closer to the vision of a more loving world. 🌍

✨Where do you see hope at work in the world around you? ✨

Read the full prayer here: https://www.uua.org/worship/words/prayer/our-lifelong-work-liberation.



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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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"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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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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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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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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🔸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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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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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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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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✨ 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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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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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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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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🌟 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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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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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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🌟 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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📢 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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🧡 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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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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In today's chaotic political climate, where many are struggling against forces of oppression and the stakes for our democracy feel incredibly high, it’s crucial to remember that small, remarkable acts of bravery and solidarity happen daily. When we choose to recognize these moments and let them fuel us, we find the energy to keep going.

As Howard Zinn reminds us**:** Living with kindness, courage, and purpose, despite all that is bad around us, is itself a victory. We don’t have to wait for a perfect future to take action; each small step we take now, in resistance to injustice, creates meaningful change. By choosing to live with hope and courage today, we help shape the world we aspire to, even in the face of adversity.

#UnitarianUniversalism #UUValues #UUFaith #UnitarianUniversalism #UnitarianUniversalist #LoveAtTheCenter #Friends #Family #Faith #Church #Welcome #Worship #Liberation #Courage #SharedValues



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“When I heard 'Authentic Selves' had been chosen as the Common Read, I cried and was overwhelmed with emotion. A weight lifted from my heart, knowing that Unitarian Universalists are listening and committed to creating loving, safe spaces for the gender-expansive community during such tumultuous times.”
—Jozeppi Angelo Morelli, trans queer man, author, public speaker, gender educator, and retired LEO WTC 9/11 first responder

Jozeppi “Joey” Angelo Morelli is one of the many trans and nonbinary voices featured in the 2024–2025 UU Common Read, "Authentic Selves: Celebrating Trans and Nonbinary People and Their Families." This groundbreaking book, edited by Peggy Gillespie with a foreword by activists Jazz and Jeanette Jennings, celebrates trans and nonbinary people through stunning photography and powerful personal stories.

Too often, trans and nonbinary stories are framed solely through struggle or political battles for legal rights. "Authentic Selves" shifts the focus, offering a rich compilation of life stories that highlight joy, community, and connection—showcasing not only trans and nonbinary individuals, but also their partners, parents, children, siblings, and chosen families.

Discussion guides are available to help congregations and communities engage with these compelling stories. Learn more at http://uua.org/read.

#UUCommonRead #TransJoy #AuthenticSelves #LGBTQIA #Community #UUFaith #UnitarianUniversalism #UnitarianUniversalist #LoveAtTheCenter #Friends #Family #Faith #Welcome





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Share Your UU Faith Journey!

UU World is looking for stories of how UUs found their way to Unitarian Universalism or returned to the Unitarian Universalist faith in adulthood. If you'd like to be considered, please send an essay of no more than 450 words along with a photo of yourself and a one- or two-sentence biographical description to world@uuworld.org. We would love to hear from you!



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🎶 Join the UUA Virtual Hymnal Song Selection Team! 🎶

Are you passionate about music and Unitarian Universalist values? The UUA Virtual Hymnal Task Force is seeking 3-4 dedicated volunteers to help shape a new, accessible, and joyful online hymnal collection! 🌍✨

As a Song Selection Team member, you'll play a crucial role in creating a living resource grounded in liberation and anti-oppression. Starting in January 2025 through General Assemby 2025, you'll work on developing processes for music submissions, reviewing songs, and selecting pieces for this groundbreaking project.

Interested? Apply by November 8th! Learn more and apply here: https://bit.ly/4eNeDkz



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Living our UU Shared Values can show up in the small, everyday things we do. It might be as simple as listening more in community settings, sharing your space or resources with someone, or taking a moment to reflect on our interconnectedness. These small acts help create communities where everyone can thrive with dignity and love.

🌍✨ What’s one small, daily act that helps you live out your UU shared values of interdependence, pluralism, justice, transformation, generosity, equity, and love? Share in the comments❤️.

#UU #sharedvalues #UUValues #UUFaith #UnitarianUniversalism #UnitarianUniversalist #LoveAtTheCenter #Friends #Family #Faith #Church #Welcome #Worship #Liberation



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As Unitarian Universalists, we proudly hold space for diverse beliefs, recognizing that pluralism enriches our community. After years of thoughtful discernment and deep conversations, thousands of UUs participated in a democratic process to explore our faith’s values and core theology. This culminated in a vote at the 2024 General Assembly, where delegates approved a new expression of our faith through Shared Values—Equity, Generosity, Interdependence, Justice, Pluralism, and Transformation, all centered around Love.

In this video, UUA Co-Moderator Charles Du Mond and Rev. Nancy McDonald Ladd reflect on the importance of revising the language we use to describe our faith. We encourage you to watch and share this video within your congregations and communities as we live into these promises together.

#SharedValues #UUA #UnitarianUniversalism #GA2024 #UUFaith #UUMinistry #Community #UnitarianUniversalism #UnitarianUniversalist #LoveAtTheCenter #Friends #Family #Faith #Church #Welcome



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**Urgent Help Still Needed for Hurricane Victims**
http://www.uua.org/giving/disaster-relief

Thanks to the incredible generosity of individuals and congregations, the UUA Disaster Relief Fund has already provided $90,000 in grants to some of the hardest-hit UU congregations and communities in North Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. As communities continue to assess the full extent of damages from Hurricane Milton, we know the need for recovery support will continue.

At the heart of our Shared Values is love—the force that unites us and carries us through even the hardest times. Now is the time to put that love into action. Your donation to the UUA Disaster Relief Fund will directly support Unitarian Universalists, their congregations, and their communities.

Every contribution makes a real difference, offering hope and aid to those in desperate need. We also encourage congregations to consider taking up a Sunday plate collection, now or in the coming months, to provide ongoing support for those affected.

Please donate today: http://www.uua.org/giving/disaster-relief

#DisasterRelief #HurricaneSupport #UUA #CommunityCare #HurricaneMilton #SharedValues #UU #unitarianuniversalism #unitarianuniversalist #loveatthecenter #friends #family #church #faith #belovedcommunity



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In her reflection, “Organizing as a Spiritual Practice,” Antoinette Scully shares how every call, email, and relationship she builds is an act of prayer and justice. For Scully, organizing is a sacred part of her Unitarian Universalist faith, reminding us that justice work isn’t the responsibility of one person, but a collective effort. Each of us has unique gifts that contribute to our shared liberation, whether it’s leading, offering support, or quietly building behind the scenes. Every contribution helps move us closer to a just and loving world.

Is justice work part of your spiritual practice? How can you use your unique gifts to contribute to our collective efforts for justice and democracy?

Read the full reflection: https://bit.ly/3YfS1SO.

#SharedValues #UU #unitarianuniversalism #Democracy #DefendDemocracy #unitarianuniversalist #loveatthecenter #friends #family #church #faith #organize #belovedcommunity #UUTheVote #Democracy #socialjustice #socialaction #faithinaction



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🌍 The Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) is holding firm in its commitment to socially responsible investing, pushing back against a Congressional critique accusing the UUA of participating in a “woke climate cartel.” In response to the U.S. House Judiciary Committee, the UUA emphasized its First Amendment right to express its faith through investments that align with climate justice and environmental goals. 🌱 For over seven decades, the UUA has centered values-based investing, driving positive change in corporate behavior through climate action and social justice.

Read the full story here: https://bit.ly/3YsCDTd

#ClimateJustice #FaithInAction #UUA #SociallyResponsibleInvesting #GlobalInvestorStatement #UU #ClimateCrises #ClimatePolicy #UUClimateRevival #SocialJustice #Faith #UnitarianUniversalism #UnitartianUniversalist



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Last weekend, the UU the Vote team was joined by Unitarian Universalist Association President Dr Sofia Betancourt as we traveled to meet with volunteers in the Dallas / Fort Worth region of Texas.

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🌿 Indigenous Peoples' Day serves as both a reminder of the ongoing struggles Indigenous communities face and a celebration of their resilience and strength. Centuries of land theft, broken treaties, and systemic oppression continue to impact daily life, with battles for sovereignty, land rights, and justice still being fought today. Yet, despite these challenges, Indigenous peoples stand strong, protecting their cultures, lands, and communities.

Through their leadership in movements for environmental justice, cultural revitalization, and social change, Indigenous voices continue to shape the future with strength, wisdom, and hope.

#IndigenousPeoplesDay #IndigenousRights #LandBack #Resilience #HonorNativeLand



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🌟 Happy Clergy Appreciation Day! 🌟

Today we uplift and honor our Unitarian Universalist clergy!

Your courage, guidance, and open-hearted leadership create spaces where love grows, justice is championed, and community blossoms. Thank you for being with us in moments of joy and challenge, for nurturing our spirits, and for helping us build a world rooted in compassion and equity.

We're grateful for all you do!

#ClergyAppreciation #UUFaith #GratitudeInAction #UUMinistry #Community #UU #UnitarianUniversalism #UnitarianUniversalist #LoveAtTheCenter #Friends #Family #Faith #Church #Welcome



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🌈✨ Happy National Coming Out Day! ✨🌈

Whether you're out, not yet, or somewhere in between — you are loved and valued just as you are.

Coming out is a personal journey, and there's no right or wrong time to share your truth. Remember, your identity is yours to own, and you deserve to be celebrated every day, no matter where you are on your path. 🏳️‍🌈

Sending love, strength, and solidarity to everyone today. We honor and support you, always. ❤️✨ #NationalComingOutDay #YouAreLoved #LGBTQIA #Community #UUFaith #UnitarianUniversalism #UnitarianUniversalist #LoveAtTheCenter #Friends #Family #Faith #Welcome



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📣 "My humanity is not up for debate, and neither is yours." 📣

Li Kynvi's reflection reminds us of the courage it takes to simply be. In a world where identities are often questioned or challenged, the act of showing up as oneself is an act of bravery. As Unitarian Universalists, we are called to create spaces of belonging for everyone, honoring the sacredness of each person's journey. Let us whisper to one another the truth: you belong, we all belong—just as we are.

May we bring this spirit of inclusion to every space we enter. ✨

Read Li Kyvni’s full reflection, “Courage for Us All,” at Braver/Wiser here: https://www.uua.org/braverwiser/courage-us-all

#Belonging #Courage #TransRights #UnitarianUniversalism #Inclusion #UUValues #UUFaith #UnitarianUniversalism #UnitarianUniversalist #LoveAtTheCenter #Friends #Family #Faith #Church #Welcome #Worship #Liberation



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On September 28-29, UU congregations across our faith community gathered for the UU Climate Justice Revival. Together, participants envisioned a world where people and ecosystems can thrive, built connection and collective power, and charted a course for a new era of bold climate action.

A big thank you to everyone who organized, participated, and left ready to push forward! Here's a selection of images that different congregations shared with us. We invite the congregations and people pictured to tag themselves in the photos!

#ClimateJustice #SideWithLove #ClimateAction #FaithInAction #Sustainability #UUCommunity #LoveInAction #UU #UnitarianUniversalism #UnitarianUniversalist #LoveAtTheCenter #Friends #Family #Faith #Church #welcome #ClimateJustice #uuclimaterevival





















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As we move deeper into this election year, UU congregations may be wondering how to stay aligned with Unitarian Universalist values while maintaining compliance as a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit. It's crucial to understand what activities are allowed and which are prohibited under IRS rules. Non-partisan activities like voter registration drives and issue advocacy are permissible, but endorsing specific candidates or engaging in partisan activities is not.

For more detailed guidance, check out the article "Advocating for Change as a Tax-Exempt UU Congregation" on UU World: https://bit.ly/3zZ2GZF.

Stay informed, get involved, and ensure your advocacy supports UU values!

#UUTheVote #Democracy #SharedValues #UUWorld #UU #unitarianuniversalism #Democracy #DefendDemocracy #unitarianuniversalist #loveatthecenter #friends #family #church #faith



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Resharing this message from UUA President Rev. Sofía Betancourt, PhD. We are holding all those in the path of Hurricane Milton in our hearts and in our prayers.

Please donate as generously as you can to the UUA Disaster Relief Fund so we are ready to support our communities in the coming days and weeks:

https://www.uua.org/giving/areas-support/funds/disaster-response/disaster-relief-fund-collections


Beloveds, once again our loved ones, communities, and congregations are facing storms of unimaginable size and strength as Hurricane Milton approaches landfall in Florida. We know that those in the path of the hurricane need our support. We are mindful that beloveds in the South remain highly likely to be impacted by the realities of climate devastation while having access to fewer resources and support. This work is the work of justice.

Our commitment to communal care as an expression of interdependence teaches us that it is once again time to support one another in the face of climate disruption. I also want to acknowledge that some of our congregations in Florida have already been impacted by Hurricane Helene. What we are preparing for is truly disaster building upon disaster. In recent weeks, we have seen such beautiful stories of generosity and collaboration. Thank you to all those who have responded and thank you to the hard-working members of our Southern Regional staff and to the UUA Disaster Relief Fund for all their efforts. I have every faith that we will once again rise to meet this need together.

A few best practice reminders. As with so much of our justice work, following the leadership of frontline organizations who have established networks and relationships already on the ground is key. Please respond to requests as generously as possible without duplicating efforts of those already providing services on the local level. The first days of a response are for professionally trained responders. We will come together, in community, to meet the needs and follow the direction of those working on site. Thank you for all the ways you have already modeled this in the wake of Hurricane Helene.

Thanks to the generosity of UUs around the country, we are once again providing financial support to congregations impacted by disaster. You can continue to help by making a donation to the UUA’s Disaster Relief Fund, where your donation becomes a grant provided to Unitarian Universalist congregations and entities. Grantees use the funds to address their own needs and extend meaningful support in impacted communities.

The Disaster Relief fund benefits from both individual generosity and from the coordinated giving of our congregations. If your congregation would like to extend your offering or promote generosity through your own communications channels, we have created a helpful resource to answer any questions you might have.

Caring for one another is the way that we live out our faith and meet the moment with love and a commitment to the thriving of all. A link to the Disaster Relief Fund is available in the comments to this post.

#UnitarianUniversalism #HurricaneRelief

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What’s your UU superpower? Do you bring people together with compassion or inspire others to act for justice? Maybe it's your ability to listen deeply and create space for diverse voices. Whatever it is, we want to hear - share yours in the comments!

#MySuperpower #UUValues #UUFaith #UnitarianUniversalism #UnitarianUniversalist #LoveAtTheCenter #Friends #Family #Faith #Church #Welcome #Worship



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The Mosaic Fostering Belonging and Liberation Fall Conference is less than two weeks away! This multigenerational event offers a meaningful space for connection, resources, and support as we work together to dismantle racism and oppression.

There’s still time to register and join fellow UUs from across the country, either online or in-person in Bethesda, MD, from Friday, October 18 to Sunday, October 20, 2024. Don’t miss out—registration for in-person participation closes this week on October 11.

Curious to learn more? Watch this video invitation to see what’s in store: https://bit.ly/3XUkCge

Secure your spot today: https://bit.ly/3MlcU9v



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In a world shaken by so much loss and destruction, Adrienne Rich’s words point us to an important truth. While the weight of what has been broken can feel overwhelming, healing doesn't rest in extraordinary hands alone. It lives in the quiet, persistent work of those who, despite the odds, work to rebuild the world, piece by piece, heart by heart. Take some time this weekend to consider this question: What is yours to rebuild in the midst of all that has been lost?
https://bit.ly/3zVxGtz

#Healing #Rebuilding #Resilience #Community #UUFaith #UnitarianUniversalism #UnitarianUniversalist #LoveAtTheCenter #Friends #Family #Faith #Welcome #Worship



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From Beacon Press: "Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz’s influential New York Times bestseller exposed the brutality of this nation’s founding and its legacy of settler-colonialism and genocide. Through evocative full-color artwork, renowned cartoonist Paul Peart-Smith brings this watershed book to life, centering the perspective of the peoples displaced by Europeans and their white descendants to trace Indigenous perseverance over 4 centuries against policies intended to obliterate them."

Read more and order at https://bit.ly/4dCGy5c



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The scale of destruction in the wake of Hurricane Helene has been utterly devastating to many communities in the southeastern United States. Some Unitarian Universalist congregations have been seriously impacted and others are still trying to assess the damage. You can help support Unitarian Universalists and their communities as they recover from this storm by giving generously to the UUA’s Disaster Relief Fund: https://www.uua.org/giving/disaster-relief.

Sunday plate collections are an important way to support this fund and we encourage all congregation that are able, to consider taking up such a collection. Disaster Relief Fund donations become grants to Unitarian Universalists, their congregations, and their communities. All gifts granted in the course of immediate crisis response will be extended directly to impacted communities. While an immediate collection is ideal given the immediacy of the need, please consider a gift or dedicated collection at any point, now or in the coming months.

Our hearts are with everyone struggling to get through these days and begin recovery efforts, especially our siblings in LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC communities, who have consistently been the least supported by local institutions. We know that some UU communities experiencing lesser impacts have already been organizing support for more directly impacted folks. Thank you for being a beacon of hope for so many.



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🍯 Shanah Tovah 🍎

For our Jewish friends, this evening marks the beginning of Rosh Hashanah, the first of ten days of reflection, repentance, and renewal. As we approach the threshold of a new year, Rabbi Annie Lewis’ poem invites us to pause and feel the weight of this moment, where light filters through the cracks of what has been, guiding us toward the Source of all that is sacred and true.

This holy day calls us to consider what we cherish most—those people, values, and moments that anchor our lives. These reflections help guide us through the storms and chaos, leading us toward healing and reminding us of what is truly precious.

As we enter this new year, may we realign with what matters most and find strength in the light that guides us. May the year ahead bring peace, healing, and transformation—both personal and communal—as we work together to build a more just and compassionate world. 🌟

#ShanahTovah #RoshHashanah #NewYear #HighHolyDays #UUFaith #UnitarianUniversalism #UnitarianUniversalist #LoveAtTheCenter #Friends #Family #Faith #Welcome #Worship #Poetry



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Thank you for doing this hard but important work!


Image: The Sunday tailgating crew wearing Supermajority and Side With Love shirts in front of the Roberto Clemente baseball statue in Pittsburgh. People are holding pink signs that say “We are the…

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Calling pro-LGBTQ people of faith! We are living in a terrifying time for trans and nonbinary people and our families, as anti-trans legislation and hateful, false anti-trans rhetoric is sweeping the United States. Worst of all, religion is seen by many as a tool for hate.

Please join Build Trans Justice & Safety: For Unitarian Universalists on Tuesday, October 1 at 5pm PT / 8pm ET. This program equips people of faith—leaders and lay—to understand what’s going on, become more familiar with the experiences and realities of trans and nonbinary people, and gain tools to advocate for trans rights and also ensure that your churches are welcoming and safe spaces for trans/nonbinary people and our families in this moment.

Register: tinyurl.com/build-trans-justice

[Image description: Graphic with a person with brown skin and long purple hair and a pink dress holding a trans flag, on a black background with a border of interlocking blue, pink, and white stripes. Text reads, “Build Trans Justice & Safety: a webinar for Unitarian Universalists. Tuesday, October 1. 8-9:30pm ET / 5-6:30pm PT. For UUs from both legislatively hostile and protective areas (this is a change from the initial promotion.” Led by the Transforming Hearts Collective, in partnership with: Side With Love, UUSC, Pink Haven Coalition.” Sign up now: tinyurl.com/build-trans-justice.]

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As the battering winds of hurricane Helene tear across the Southeast, we know that we can only make it through if we redouble our commitment to communal care. Holding those directly impacted, we share words of solidarity from Rachel Myslivy and Rev. Ranwa Hammamy, two key staff members of our Side with Love Organizing Strategy Team and leaders in this weekend’s Climate Justice Revival. Essential information about how to give to the UUA Disaster Relief Fund is linked below.

“We know that as Helene makes landfall in Florida and continues through the south, the most impacted among us will be the ones who have consistently been the least supported by our broader communities and institutions. People whose identities and experiences leave them with little or no option to seek safety from the storm, who are at risk of losing livelihoods and even lives, because the supports for their survival in moments of climate disaster do not exist We know this will happen because it has happened before, especially to our kin in the south.

As you gather this weekend, if you are gathering this weekend, we invite you to hold those who are in the path of Hurricane Helene in your hearts and minds. As you reimagine together, we encourage you to explore how our work to create a world with genuine safety from climate disasters will require much more than mitigation, but real, systemic, cultural, and spiritual change. Hold our siblings in Helene's path, and the communities most impacted by climate disasters in your location, at the center of why we must recommit ourselves to this work. Imagine what a flourishing world could look like for them first. What would it look like for people who have been historically denied their humanity and dignity to finally have the supports that are needed to thrive? Then, expand that sense of care and generosity towards those among us who have historically been given the resources to do more than survive. Centering the people who have never been centered and building towards THAT world in your revivals will bring us to a place we have never fully reimagined together...yet.

And if you are in a community or location that is facing a disaster this weekend, whether it is because of Hurricane Helene, a nearby wildfire, an emergent heatwave, or some other form of ever-growing climate change, know that you are encouraged to reschedule your revival. Taking care of yourselves and each other is a critical, if not the foundational, work of climate justice.”

Now is the time to help. Our UUA Disaster Relief Fund can provide the funds UU congregations need for repairs after natural disasters, but we rely on donors like you to build up that fund. Last year, the DRF made grants totaling more than $275,000, the highest amount in a single year for the last five years. We try to keep at least $100,000 on hand for emergency use, but right now, the fund balance is down to $30,000. We request your help to replenish this important fund now.

https://www.uua.org/giving/areas-support/funds/disaster-response



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🌍 UU Climate Justice Revival is this weekend! 🌍

Looking for some inspiration as we gather for action, reflection, and community? Here are some powerful quotes from the Side with Love UU Climate Justice Revival Sermon Award Winners to spark your thoughts and lift your spirit as we work towards climate justice together. 🌱💚

We’d love to hear from you! Drop a comment and share how you’re participating in climate justice work or what motivates you to keep advocating for our planet.

✨Let’s keep building momentum for change! ✨

More details about the Revival in our Linktree.

#ClimateJustice #SideWithLove #ClimateAction #FaithInAction #Sustainability #UUCommunity #LoveInAction #UU #UnitarianUniversalism #UnitarianUniversalist #LoveAtTheCenter #Friends #Family #Faith #Church #Welcome #UUClimateRevival

















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Read the full story at https://www.uuworld.org/articles/banned-books-fight-censorship-tips-protect-free-expression


There are so many ways we can protect our collective democracy, including by protecting access to books in our schools and libraries across the United States. PEN America, a nonprofit that works to protect free expression, recently recorded 3,362 book bans in public school classrooms and libraries, most of which include books discussing issues of race and racism, or center LGBTQIA+ identities.

I remain inspired by the ways that Unitarian Universalists are fighting book bans in our communities. Our friends at Beacon Press also share this commitment, as it aligns with their own publishing mission of social and racial justice. Learn more about what others are doing and how you might get involved, too, in a story from our UU World magazine. You’ll find the link in the comments below.

#BookBans #UUWorld #AmReading

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As we approach the UU Climate Justice Revival this weekend, the UUA is pleased to announce that we have signed the 2024 Global Investor Statement to Governments on the Climate Crisis.

Investors recognize that policy mechanisms are essential to achieve a net zero emissions economy by 2050 or sooner, with interim targets in line with credible 1.5°C pathways. That’s why ahead of #COP29 – alongside hundreds of investors – we’re calling on governments to enact 5 essential policy actions to accelerate the private capital flows needed for a just transition to a climate-resilient, nature-positive economy.

Find out more: https://bit.ly/3TzwxhQ

#GlobalInvestorStatement #UUA #UU #ClimateJustice #ClimateCrises #ClimatePolicy #UUClimateRevival #SocialJustice #Faith



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With heavy hearts given the ongoing and escalating violence between Israel and Hamas, we offer the following statement developed this week by the Office of the President and other senior national staff of the UUA:

"Living Our Shared Values Amid Ongoing Violence" https://bit.ly/4gAxtg2

And as we face this profound existential crisis together, may we remember that pluralism, justice, and interdependence are the shared values by which we affirm basic dignity and human rights in our own community, even when it feels as if our perspectives can never be reconciled.



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🌈 Today is Celebrate Bisexuality Day! 🌈

Bisexuality is the largest identity within the LGBTQ+ community, with 57% of U.S. LGBTQ+ adults identifying as bisexual, according to a 2024 Gallup study. Today, we honor and celebrate the beauty, diversity, and strength of the Bi+ community. These stories, love, and experiences are vibrant and essential, and we uplift them with joy.

Get resources about bisexuality from PFLAG National: https://bit.ly/3XMImUx

Learn more about how UUs work to create inclusive religious communities and advocate for LGBTQ+ justice and equity: https://bit.ly/4e7qE43

#BiVisibilityDay #CelebrateBisexualityDay #BiPlusAwareness #LoveIsLove #UnitarianUniversalism #BelovedCommunity #UUValues #UnitarianUniversalist #LoveAtTheCenter #Friends #Family #Faith #Church #Welcome #SidewithLove



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As we welcome the autumn equinox today, we find ourselves in a moment of balance between light and dark, a reminder of the cycles that shape our lives. The falling leaves teach us to release what no longer serves us, just as the fiery aspens inspire us to live with enthusiasm. The deep roots of old trees remind us to stay grounded through life's changes.

This prayer by the Rev. Christine Robinson invites reflection on the interconnectedness of living and dying, and how the natural world shows us that nothing truly good is lost.

How might we embrace the grace and wisdom of this season in our own lives? 🍂🌿

Find the full prayer at https://bit.ly/4elqqWu.

UU WorshipWeb
#AutumnEquinox #UnitarianUniversalist #Balance #SeasonOfReflection #UUWorshipWeb #UnitarianUniversalism #LoveAtTheCenter #Friends #Family #Faith #Church #Welcome #Worship #Prayer #UUFaith



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We are deeply saddened by the tragic murder of Juan López, a courageous Honduran environmental defender and longtime partner with Fundación San Alonso Rodríguez. His life was taken for standing up to corruption and defending his community's natural resources. #JusticeForJuanLópez Guapinol Despierta

https://www.uusc.org/press/justice-for-juan-lopez-uusc-condemns-murder-of-honduran-human-rights-defender/

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💫✨ As Unitarian Universalists, our faith calls us to imagine a world where everyone belongs, where love is at the center of all we do. This, for us, is Beloved Community. 💛 But we also know that the work of confronting racism and oppression has never been more challenging—and we remain committed.

Join us at this year’s Mosaic Fall Conference, where we’ll gather strength and wisdom from Nicole Pressley, Director of the UUA's Organizing Strategy Team, in her powerful keynote, "For the Living of These Times".

🗓️ There's still time to register! Don’t miss this transformative event: https://bit.ly/3MlcU9v

Side with Love #BelovedCommunity #UUFaith #MosaicConference #UnitarianUniversalism #UnitarianUniversalist #LoveAtTheCenter #Friends #Family #Faith #Church #Welcome #Liberation #SocialJustice #Freedom #Antiracist #UU



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🌟 "The stories we share and how we show up together tell a powerful story about who we are and the future we’re building." - UUA President, the Rev. Dr. Sofía Betancourt🌟

On Sept 6th, we kicked off the 2024 UU the Vote mobilization with an incredible weekend at First Unitarian Church of Philadelphia! Rev. Sofía Betancourt, PhD and leaders from Side with Love, Positive Women's Network - USA, One Pennsylvania, Unitarian Universalist Justice Pennsylvania, and more inspired us to keep showing up for justice. Watch the replay: https://bit.ly/4eJVqjp.

The next day, 24 teams of UUs along with OnePA knocked on doors and registered voters, building momentum for the future!

Next stop: Pittsburgh, September 21-22! Register: https://bit.ly/4eJVqzV

Let’s keep this energy going! 💛

#UUTheVote #FaithInAction #2024Mobilizations #CanvassingForChange #BuildingCommunity #OnTheMove #EveryVoteCounts #Election2024 #UU #UnitarianUniversalism #UnitarianUniversalist #Church #Faith #Community #Friends #Family













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In our #UU communities, learning knows no age limits. Here’s why multi-generational learning is essential to the UU faith:

👥 Diverse Perspectives – Each generation brings unique insights, deepening our understanding of truth and meaning.

🤝 Collaboration – We build bridges and foster mutual respect across generations, nurturing deeper connections rooted in our shared values.

💡 Wisdom Sharing – Elders offer lived experience, while younger voices bring fresh energy and new ideas to shape our future.

🧠 Creative Solutions – Together, we co-create solutions that honor the past and embrace the future.

💬 Community & Connection – In learning together, we grow in love, deepen our bonds, and strengthen the Beloved Community.

Experience the benefits of multigenerational learning this weekend at the UN Multigenerational Seminar 2024, online or in person in NYC. Get more info and register here: https://ringcentr.al/4eskN9a. Unitarian Universalist College of Social Justice

#UnitarianUniversalism #BelovedCommunity #UUValues #LifelongLearning #SharedWisdom #UnitarianUniversalist #LoveAtTheCenter #Friends #Family #Faith #Church #Welcome #Worship #Learning





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Become a poll worker in your community! Our democracy depends on all of us to make sure every election runs smoothly and everyone's vote is counted.

When you sign up, Power the Polls will share everything you need to apply to be a poll worker in your community. You can make sure we have safe, fair, efficient elections for all voters. Get more info and sign up at https://bit.ly/3XwuIVv.

#UUTheVote #PowerThePolls #PollWorkers #DefendDemocracy #EveryVoteCounts #SafeElections #Election2024 #ProtectTheVote #UU #UnitarianUniversalism #UnitarianUniversalist #Church #Faith #Community #Friends #Family



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In this poem, #UU Rev. Julián Jamaica Soto reminds us that freedom is not just a right, but a responsibility—a sacred promise to fight for the freedom of others, because when one of us is held back, none of us are fully free.

A question to consider: ✨ How can you show up for the liberation of others in your daily life, knowing our freedom is deeply interconnected? ✨

UU WorshipWeb
#UnitarianUniversalism #UnitarianUniversalist #LoveAtTheCenter #Friends #Family #Faith #Church #Welcome #Worship #Poetry #Liberation #SocialJustice #Freedom



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With a focus on shared ministry, UUs are moving beyond traditional hierarchies, fostering collaboration among ministers, educators, musicians, and lay leaders. This inclusive, interconnected approach is about valuing everyone’s unique gifts, breaking down silos, enabling deeper, more authentic relationships, and creating a thriving community.

Read more in this #UUWorld story about how shared ministry is gaining traction and transforming Unitarian Universalist congregations and communities: https://bit.ly/3AT8DHT

#UU #UnitarianUniversalism #UnitarianUniversalist #LoveAtTheCenter #Friends #Family #Faith #Church #Welcome #Collaboration



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The Moderator Search Committee is now seeking applications for UUA Moderator – a vital leadership role in this crucial time for our faith. We are grateful for the faithful and dedicated work of our current UUA Co-Moderators, the Rev. Meg Riley and Charles Du Mond, who have served their six-year term.

As the Chief Governance Officer of the UUA, the Moderator works closely with the UUA Board of Trustees, executive staff, and committees of the UUA. Please share this call for applications widely in your congregation or community.

The deadline to apply is September 15, 2024. Learn more at: https://bit.ly/3Wxb3D6



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Have you ever experienced an event so profound, an agitation so intense, that it divided your life into a clear "before" and "after"? A moment when the very ground beneath you seemed to shift and everything felt off course?

During these times we may feel untethered and uneasily adrift without direction. Yet, as UU Rev. Tania Márquez reminds us, we are never truly lost. Deep within us, we have an inner compass pointing us toward truth, justice, and love. We only need to trust and follow it, knowing that with every stirring of our spirit and every beat of our heart, we are being guided closer to the side of love.

Read Rev. Márquez’s full reflection in our UU WorshipWeb: https://bit.ly/3ZcOyGE





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Want to shape UU values and actions? Congregational Study Action Issues (CSAIs) are proposed by UU congregations and articulate our faith’s stance on important issues. After a 3-year process, a CSAI becomes a Statement of Conscience when adopted by General Assembly.

Have an idea for an issue we should study? Congregations (not individuals) can submit proposals, and collaboration is encouraged! Learn more about topics and how to submit at uua.org/csai. The deadline to share your initial submission is October 1, 2024.



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Congratulations to all!


Announcing the UU Climate Justice Revival Sermon Award Winners!

Imagine that it's 2050 and we've achieved all of our wildest hopes for collective liberation. What is present in that re-imagined reality? What have our values led us to collectively abolish or move away from? How would our world transform if love was at the center of our climate actions and collective liberation were upheld as a uniting goal across all of the movement spaces that matter most?

With these questions in mind, the UU Climate Justice Revival planning team invited sermons that would ground us in this new reality. The number of submissions exceeded our expectations - evidence of the prophetic spirit and liberatory theology alive in our movement - and after much deliberation, we are proud to announce our sermon winners.

Congratulations to:

💐Andrew Batcher
💐Lee Curran
💐Diego Garrido Barreto
💐Meleah Houseknecht
💐Rev. Dr. Molly Housh Gordon
💐Frances Koziar
💐Edward Lynn
💐Rev. Arif Mamdani

Learn more about each awardee and read their award-winning sermon. Recordings of each sermon will be available by September 5th. https://www.uuclimatejustice.org/sermon

Image description: Graphic of all the sermon award winners. White background, with the UU Climate Revival logo of the two heads with globes and flowers facing each other. The text reads UU Climate Justice Revival Sermon Contest Winners. There is a headshot of each winner in a floral frame. Andrew Batcher's photo is in a square frame with pink and blue flowers. Lee Curran's photo is in a round frame with red flowers. Diego Garrido Barreto's photo is in a square frame with purple flowers. Meleah Houseknecht's photo is in a round frame with yellow and orange flowers. Rev. Dr. Molly Housh Gordon's photo is in a round frame with orange flowers. Frances Koziar's photo is in a square frame with green vines. Edward Lynn's photo is in a round frame with yellow flowers. Rev. Arif Mamdani's photo is in a round frame with blue flowers.

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UPLIFT, led by UUA LGBTQ & Multicultural Programs Director the Rev. Michael Crumpler, is a vital space for LGBTQIA+ individuals and allies. It fosters community, provides spiritual care, and addresses urgent issues like transphobia, abortion rights, economic justice, and disability rights. In this #UUWorld Q&A, Rev. Crumpler emphasizes that UPLIFT is committed to "challenging our UU congregations and communities to be specific, contextual, and intentional in our welcome and inclusion."

Get to know more about UPLIFT in the full Q&A here: https://bit.ly/3TcEKIJ

#LGBTQIA #UnitarianUniversalism #Inclusion #CommunityCare #UU #UnitarianUniversalist #LoveAtTheCenter #Friends #Family #Faith #Church #Welcome



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As UUs, we recognize that all work—including the often less visible and unpaid labor that sustains our families, congregations, and communities—carries inherent dignity and worthiness. Yet, the relentless demands of work can leave us feeling overwhelmed and stressed.

This Labor Day offers a meaningful opportunity to reflect on how we can balance self-care with the needs of our busy lives, and to consider ways, individually and collectively, to ensure that all who work receive fair treatment, equitable opportunities, and the respect they deserve in every aspect of their labor.

#LaborDay #workersrights #humanrights #UU



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Big things are happening in Pennsylvania this September as #UUtheVote launches its fall mobilization. UU the Vote is uniting with UU congregations and local partners to protect our elections and push back against voter suppression.

September 6-7 marks the start in Philadelphia, where the focus will be on the vital role of faith in this political moment and meaningful voter engagement on key issues. With the election less than 100 days away, building local power and taking action has never been more urgent.

Find out more and learn how you can get involved: http://bit.ly/Sept6Philly



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“If gender isn’t binary anymore, are women’s organizations still relevant?”

The Unitarian Universalist Women's Federation is grappling with important questions like this and more. As the organization expands its understanding of gender, they are committed to addressing the persistent reality of misogyny while embracing inclusivity. UUWF’s mission remains clear: justice, equity, and creating spaces that uplift and protect all who are impacted by gender-based oppression.

Curious about how they’re navigating these challenges? Read the full article to learn more: https://bit.ly/471sksU.



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🎶✨ Exciting news! A more accessible Virtual Hymnal for Unitarian Universalists is on the horizon! 🎶✨

The UUA's UU WorshipWeb, in collaboration with the Association for Unitarian Universalist Music Ministries, has launched the development of a digital hymnal, thanks to the appointment of a Virtual Hymnal Task Force.

"Our mission," shares Camille Hatton, consulting manager of the Task Force, "is to create a living collection of song resources on an accessible, equitable, online platform grounded in UU values. This virtual hymnal will empower Unitarian Universalism to fully embrace our prophetic calling as a joyful, liberatory, and anti-oppressive faith."

Read more from #UUWorld: https://bit.ly/4dUXe8A



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As summer winds down here in the Northern Hemisphere, we gather in from the many paths we've traveled, carrying the richness of our journeys. As we reconnect, we embrace the new congregational year and all of its potential, ready to refresh our spirits and reaffirm the values that unite us as a UU community. As your congregation or community prepares for the start of the new congregational year, may you come together in kindness and care for one another.



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The Moderator Search Committee is now seeking applications for UUA Moderator – a vital leadership role in this crucial time for our faith. We are grateful for the faithful and dedicated work of our current UUA Co-Moderators, the Rev. Meg Riley and Charles Du Mond, who have served their six-year term.

As the Chief Governance Officer of the UUA, the Moderator works closely with the UUA Board of Trustees, executive staff, and committees of the UUA. Please share this call for applications widely in your congregation or community.

The deadline to apply is September 15, 2024. Learn more at: https://bit.ly/3Wxb3D6



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🌍✨ **Join UU’s from across the country for Mosaic’s Fostering Belonging and Liberation Fall Conference, online or in person in Bethesda, MD, from Friday, October 18 to Sunday, October 20, 2024!**

Mosaic is a hub of connection, resources, and support for Unitarian Universalists dismantling racism and oppression. The dynamic, multi-platform fall conference is designed for congregational teams and individuals committed to building multicultural communities with love at their centers. Over two and a half days, you’ll participate in collaborative conversations, innovative workshops, and gain invaluable insights from leaders within Unitarian Universalism and beyond.

It’s an honor to have UUA President Rev. Sofía Betancourt, PhD and Nicole Pressley, UUA Director of Organizing Strategy, as keynote speakers, guiding us in the work of fostering belonging and liberation.

By the end of the conference, you'll leave with renewed hearts and spirits, and practical tools to inspire and support others in this transformative work. 💖
Don’t miss this incredible opportunity—learn more and register here:


A multi-platform conference for people who are engaged in anti-racist, multicultural transformation in UU congregations....

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Sharing UUA President the Rev. Sofía Betancourt, PhD's ingathering message for the new congregational year. As we do, we appreciate and echo her reflection that "how we are with one another, how we support each other, will have everything to do with how we meet the moment" in the weeks and months to come.

Watch the full video on Rev. Dr. Betancourt's Facebook page or find it on the UUA's YouTube channel at https://youtu.be/DcVF1pDMPlQ .



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In her meditation “Hallowed Ground and Hard Stone,” the Rev. Lisa Doege asks us to imagine that we are on hallowed ground, before a tall rock carved with ancient petroglyphs. Our guide asks us to contemplate, where is our holy ground? What stories do we tell ourselves through the different seasons of our lives? Can that which irritates us eventually help us shine?

As we uplift these questions today, we encourage you to read the full meditation online in our UU WorshipWeb library: https://bit.ly/46YHdwk



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