We are in a time of risk and fear and grief for ourselves and those we love. We gather together to be present to one another and to create sanctuary for one another. We can feel all these feelings. As “Black Liturgies” author Cole Arthur Riley has written: “INHALE This is too much to hold. … Continue reading We Hold It, Together
Voting Ancestors Rev. Joe Cleveland November 3, 2024 Today is the last day of early voting. The early voting sites that are open right now in Saratoga County will close today at 5:00. Just out of curiosity, how many of you have voted already? Wow! That’s a lot! I’ve put in a bunch … Continue reading Honoring Our Ancestors, Voting as Ancestors
Member Effy Redman will be the featured speaker for this service exploring the experience of spiritual healing. In March of this year, Effy published a memoire called Saving Face. Her publisher describes the book this way: What’s in a smile? Or the absent smile? Saving Face is Effy Redman’s thought-provoking answer. Born with … Continue reading Spiritual Healing
In this unique service, we learn from Ayudha Puja, the ancient tradition in which Hindus honor their tools and machines. We reflect on the ways technology serves our daily lives and explore our responsibility to use these tools for the greater good. If we listened deeply to the machines in our lives, what might we … Continue reading Whir, Buzz, Click, Beep
Today we explore listening as a spiritual practice and as a liberal religious practice. What is it to listen? What does listening do for someone? What does listening do to us? Sermon audio Sermon What Listening Does Rev. Joe Cleveland October 13, 2024 On one of his walks, the poet William Wordsworth happens … Continue reading What Listening Does
Our theme for the month of October is the practice of listening deeply. Today’s service honors the wisdom of the Jewish High Holy Days and introduces us to Tashlich and the ritual of casting past missteps symbolically into flowing water to let them go and commit to a renewed path. We consider listening deeply to … Continue reading To the End that All Souls Shall Grow into Harmony
Through worship, laughter, learning, reflection, lamentation, and joy, we can feed our spirits and move forward nourished and connected with love at the center of our climate actions. Together, we can move from a deadly era of extraction to a flourishing era of connection. This fall, UU Saratoga joins with hundreds of UU congregations hosting … Continue reading Reimagine Together: From An Extractive Age to a New Era
Change is a constant in our lives, bringing both challenges and opportunities for growth. Perhaps this is especially so because no change is perfect. This service will delve into the spiritual practices that help us navigate transitions with grace and resilience and an openness that welcomes imperfection. Inviting Change and Imperfection, Looking for … Continue reading Inviting Change and Imperfection
The theme for September is “The Practice of Invitation.” Generosity is a long-standing UU value. Exploring how to invite generosity as a practice in our lives, we consider how practicing generosity involves cultivating a spirit of gratitude and hope. We explore how a covenant to freely and compassionately share our faith, presence, and resources can … Continue reading Inviting Generosity
This UU ritual symbolizes the diverse streams of our lives flowing together. All ages are invited to bring a small vial of water and/or a small stone to contribute to the ritual. As we gather, we reflect on our connections and renew our commitment to shared values and mutual support. This service marks the beginning … Continue reading Annual Water Communion Celebration: Inviting New Beginnings