What does it mean to live courageously when shame, fear, or the voices of others have shaped the stories we tell about ourselves? Through personal reflection and the wisdom of Brené Brown, this sermon explores the courage required to embrace vulnerability, reclaim our truth, and write an ending grounded in authenticity, healing, and hope. The … Continue reading Writing Our Own Endings
Explore how the constant noise of news, social media, and modern life can shape our hearts and draw us away from what matters most. The sermon invites us to practice courage by reclaiming our attention, remaining present to one another, and directing our lives toward love, compassion, and faithful action. The Zoom link and Order … Continue reading Courage in the Age of Distraction
Rev. Johnnie explores the roles, expectations, and identities we carry—and the courage it takes to remain connected to our authentic selves. Through personal stories, spiritual reflection, and a message of solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community, this sermon invites us to create a world where Love gives each person the freedom to live fully and truthfully. … Continue reading Costumes and Masks
Almost 20 years ago our Minister Emeritus, Dr. Chris Schriner, shared memories of an “ordinarily extraordinary” human being, Dale Dudley Schriner. In the 110th anniversary of his father’s birth year, Chris will look back on his relationship with Dale, from estrangement to reconciliation to saying farewell, updating his reflections with the perspective of old age. … Continue reading “Just Stop, and Listen to this Music”Late in Life, a Son Recalls His Father
Join us with guest preacher, Rev. Ruth Rinehart, Interim Minister at Starr King UU Church in Hayward. What does astonishing 12th century German nun, Hildegard of Bingen, have to say to Unitarian Universalists today? The Zoom link and Order of Service will be provided at mpuuc.org/zoom.
The right to bear arms has a history even longer – and clearer – than our country’s history. It has been cited by proponents as a non-negotiable right belonging to early colonists who had to protect themselves in the wilderness. It was a central issue in the war of independence to remain sovereign from foreign … Continue reading The First Thing to Know about the 2nd
Our relationship with our mothers is one of both tenderness and tension. Rare indeed is the individual who had every need of mothering met by the mother they were given. It is part of our rite of passage to be born into absolute dependence, struggle with differentiation to achieve independence and then, if we’re lucky, … Continue reading I’ll Love You Forever
As a theological thread in the fabric of religion, Unitarian Universalism comes from two separate strands that didn’t give much credence to the notion of Hell. Early Unitarians are said to have believed themselves created too good by God to be sent to such a place. Universalists, on the other hand, believed that God was … Continue reading A Religion that Sends You to Hell
Get out your tie-dies for a Sunday morning flashback! Though this remarkable decade ended long ago, the 1960s helped shaped the lives of many UUs, including some who had not yet been born. As we approach the 50th anniversary of Woodstock, what can we learn from the Sixties – both from what worked and what didn’t?
If you’re in the mood to dress up, come to church in tie-dyes, beads, boots or sandals, headbands, dashikis, wearing political buttons, etc. Right on!
Throughout American history, Unitarians and Universalists have helped lead many of the social movements of their time: the abolition of slavery, universal suffrage, aid to war refugees, and the improvement of life conditions for struggling Americans, among others. Join us on June 23 to celebrate four Unitarian Universalists who devoted their lives to those causes and bravely lived out the values of our denomination.
