UU Community Church of Washington County's Podcast

As Unitarian Universalists who covenant together to support one another in our search for meaning, we affirm our identity as spiritual and religious people.  But those are loaded terms, often for good reason! How can we learn to embrace both the spiritual and religious dimensions of our chosen faith?  

How do we remember stories of yore or memorialize those who have passed on?  The practice of ancestral remembrance exists across time and cultures.  Creating altars or reciting names of our dearly departed can be supportive practices, linking us to our love.  In this sense, when we remember those who we've loved, we remember who we are as well.  Join us this Sunday as we build our own "A...

As fall sets in and winter approaches, we are often inspired to look within.  Being in the dark with our thoughts can be uncomfortable.  We may find grief, regret, or fears about the future.  How do we process these unsettling feelings?  Let's explore them together.  

As winter creeps towards us, our sky darkens earlier each evening, giving us more time to enjoy the stars. Perhaps this is why so many cultures honor celebrations of light during what we know as the “darkest” time of the year. This Sunday will celebrate the vibrant holiday of Diwali, the Hindu Festival of Lights, and explore ways to keep our inner flame alive.   

They say that home is where the heart is.  What makes our hearts feel at home?  Come share in an exploration of what home means, on Earth or in our hearts.

Inspired by Mary Oliver's "The Summer Day", we learn from the particular grasshopper that is eating sugar from the poet's hand, and are inspired to marvel at the particular beings around us.  This service is focused on the art of connecting with others, whether forging new relationships or deepening the ones already in our lives.  If we bring added intentionality and wonder to...

Many spiritual paths have used water to help us recognize our connection and our resilience – always changing, always the same.  We begin our new church year with a homecoming celebration where we mingle waters we have carried from wherever we have found meaning this past year (virtual water works, too).  

Join us as we are inspired by stories of the unexpected, from serendipitous experiences to unforeseen answers to extraordinary changes.  You just never know what will happen.  

Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. teaches us that, “Forgiveness does not mean ignoring what has been done or putting a false label on an evil act.”  On National Forgiveness Day, let’s talk about what forgiveness actually is as well as how the definition of forgiveness can sometimes be twisted.  Let’s lean into considering this spiritual muscle that we can develop with discernment and care.

Sometimes we need to take time to reflect on our gratitude for being alive on this planet together.  We will remember to find moments of joy, even as we navigate difficulties and uncertain times.  Please join us in laughing, crying, and singing!  

Sometimes life takes us to a place, a pain and we resort to unhealthy coping mechanisms.  While many may find temporary relief, for some the unexpected happens and what was once helpful turns into an addiction that they can no longer control.  Today there are well over 50 kinds of 12-step programs that have brought serenity to countless people.  What is in12-step spirituality that heals so many an...

We need more than names to make a community, or just keeping a church directory nearby would be enough. What and when we call others is how we build a sustaining community. Come meet our neighbor Ms. Nomer, who will learn about names, imagination, community, and connection from our youth.   

The safest place for a boat is in the harbour, but that's not what boats were made for.  What happens when you find out that life is deeper than you thought?  This is the 2nd sermon in a series on going beyond the reef.  

Join the Welcoming Congregation Team as we celebrate Pride! During the service there will be lots of music, fun and learning about allyship. Remember to wear your Pride colors. After we will continue the Pride celebration on the lawn with snacks, games and more music!  

Freedom is an ongoing struggle that, when achieved for some, must be protected and extended to all oppressed.  Juneteenth recalls our nation’s embrace and expansion of chattel slavery of Africans, the centuries-long struggles for the abolition of slavery, and the pernicious grasp that racism and oppression continue to have on our country, as demonstrated by the years it took for all enslaved black...

As we move from interim ministry into a bright future, we reflect on lessons learned, on what makes this congregation special, on how we live our dreams together. We also say goodbye to Rev. Ben and honour both the highs and the lows of our time together.  

Summer is here and our worship theme this year is “Stories of the Unexpected”. Let’s start off by looking at expectations, because what we expect powerfully affects every part of our lives. Brain research tells us the reality we experience is often altered by our expectations. What are the implications for humans trying to co-exist harmoniously?  

Kevin Bruce and Kay Demlow will hold a friendly debate on the merits of a happy ending. We'll draw from some of our own favorite books and stories to examine whether we are ready for the unexpected.  

When you think in terms of energy, frequency and vibration, you open up your mind to a whole new way of looking at the world. Einstein said: "Everything in life is vibration."  

We agree that being a UU is the right thing and we love our 7 principles.  But we don’t always agree on what being a UU means.  How does living our UU principles and values impact our daily life?  Is it easy being a UU?  Or is it hard?  

We will offer a blessing to each of our animals, and to all the animals of the world. Perhaps your own inner animal will come out to be honoured. 

Life is not a true/false test. Come meet Ms. Tified who will learn from our youth how to embrace life’s nuances in a complex and loving world.  

On Sun Apr 14th, Rev. Ben will do a Question Box sermon. What questions do you have about life, death, or anything else? Ask the kids in your life what their questions are - the Time for All Ages will also be a Question Box.  

The beauty of our seventh principle is the way in which it recognizes that we as humans are deeply embedded in the web of existence.  We are called to protect the earth and its precious resources, which includes each other.  How can we ensure our work towards both environmental protection and human liberation remain connected and intertwined?   Bio:  Danielle Garrett (she/her) is a candidate for U...

A celebration of resurrection considering how it is a process, not an event. It is something that is prepared for and planned, reflected upon and eventually embodied. Resurrection happens over time, and is influenced by many factors. On this Easter Holiday and Transgender Day of Visibility we will reflect on this process and what it means to leave the tomb empty.