“Which do you want? Freedom is the ability to set your schedule, to decide on the work you do, to make decisions. Responsibility is being held accountable for your actions. It might involve figuring out how to get paid for your work, owning your mistakes or having others count on you. Freedom without responsibility is … Continue reading July 2019: Freedom & Responsibility
Transcendence is a fundamental part of the human experience. Since the dawn of our species, people have been losing themselves in ritualistic prayer, song, and dance. …Most people have had some sort of transcendent experience…and about a third of the population has had “intense experiences of unity.” …You can lose yourself in love, or feel … Continue reading June 2019: Transcendence
Children’s Sunday is celebrated by multitudinous Unitarian Universalist congregations throughout the country on the second Sunday in June. This year Decorah UU will be among them. We will have an intentionally multigenerational service that day with easily learned songs, a variety of readings, and even games. (I’ll also have some activity books on hand for the easily … Continue reading Children’s Sunday – Bring the kids and request for help
In addition to knowledge, there is another force that operates in friendship and intimate relation-ships and that is …mystery. No matter how much we …know those whom we love, we can never fully plumb the depths of their innermost being…. Not only are we mysteries to one another, but we are largely mysteries to ourselves, … Continue reading May 2019: Mystery
Thursday, May 2, noon to 1 p.m., Water Street Park (next to the Oneota Community Co-op). The event is being hosted by Decorah United Church of Christ (UCC) and is co-sponsored by Decorah UU. “Join us for a time of prayer and meditation where all religions are welcomed to pray and meditate together,” an organizer … Continue reading Multi-faith Day of Prayer & Meditation Event – May 2
We find our salvation here on earth: showing up for each other with mercy, respect, and compassion. As a people of faith, we are called to a love that is bold, to love beyond our skill and through our fear with courage and compassion. …As faithful individuals, we are called to relationships of care and … Continue reading April 2019: Salvation/Wholeness
Our fourth principle affirms: “A free and responsible search for truth and meaning.” Truth is the philosopher’s passion, the scientist’s North Star, and the poet’s muse. Rev. Kenneth Patton wrote of a UU meeting house as, “…a house of truth-seeking, where scientists can encourage devotion to their quest, where mystics can abide in a community … Continue reading March 2019: Truth
“Letting go” means letting go of not only distressing and unpleasant things, but also every kind of fixed idea. We carry around so many fixed ideas such as “you” and “I,” “good” and “bad.” You made all of these fixed ideas, and as long as you cling to them, it’s impossible for you to become … Continue reading February 2019: Surrender/Letting Go
Grace is a gift that comes to us unexpected and unbidden. It is the gift of life itself as well as the surprising gifts that bless our lives. Perhaps Mary Oliver’s approach is best. She writes, “You can have theother words—chance, luck, coincidence, serendipity. I’ll take grace. I don’t know what it is exactly, butI’ll … Continue reading January 2019: Grace
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