What does it mean to “belong” to a tribe, a community, a family, a congregation? One of the most rewarding aspects of belonging is the sense of having found a home for ourselves and, in turn, being found, supported, and accepted there as we are. In this sermon to celebrate our Eastrose tribe in the … Continue reading You Will Be Found – The Need to Belong and the Power of Tribes
In 1849, famed Transcendentalist Henry David Thoreau wrote his renowned essay on Civil Disobedience. In it he argued, “All men (sic) recognize the right of revolution; that is, the right to refuse allegiance to and to resist the government, when its tyranny or its inefficiency are great and unendurable.” This essay has inspired Gandhi, Martin … Continue reading Marching Towards Walden: Thoreau and Civil Disobedience in 2025
In honor of Black History Month, we’ll explore the complicated, triumphant and tragic story of Phillis Wheatley, an African American, formerly enslaved young woman, who published a groundbreaking book of poetry in 1773. For decades, a white woman’s memoir shaped our understanding of America’s first Black woman poet. Recently, her legacy and her work have been … Continue reading Hang A Thousand Ribbons – The Legacy and Poetry of Phillis Wheatley
Watch the service HERE. In the Article II revision that was passed by our General Assembly in June, Unitarian Universalists name justice as one of our faith’s central values. And certainly all of us want to believe in a universe in which everyone has an equal chance at health and happiness. But we also know … Continue reading “It’s Just Not Fair!
Watch the service HERE. In the hit Netflix series, “Squid Game,” a group of desperate South Koreans risk their lives to pay off their crippling debts. The series reflects a real social problem in their country – too much money too easily borrowed. This week, the taxman cometh to our doors, and Americans find themselves … Continue reading “Squid Game” and the Death Knell of Debt
Watch the service HERE. All world religions focus on what it means to live with integrity and in tune with spiritual truths. We try to ward off harm with everything from crystals, amulets, spells and astrology; we try to win God’s favor with prayers, mantras, offerings and rule-following. The Hebrew prophet Micah, as his land … Continue reading Mercy, Justice, and Walking Humbly
Rev. Dr. Randy Woodley is an activist, scholar, author, teacher, wisdom-keeper, and Cherokee descendant, recognized by the Keetoowah Band, who speaks on justice, faith, the Earth, and Indigenous realities. He is the author of numerous books, including Shalom and the Community of Creation and Living in Color. Note: This is a pulpit share with Mid-Columbia … Continue reading Creation Justice
How do we respond to the cry for justice and compassion in our local community? Rev. John Hasenjaeger will suggest we think first about the Renaissance in 15th century Italy, then back to the roots of our question in the ancient philosopher Plato, and finally bring it back to choices facing us now. Can we … Continue reading From East County Rising to the Renaissance to Plato to You: Connecting the Dots
