October 4 - Rev. Judy Tomlinson, “The Blessings of Courage”

In her poem, Jan Richardson reminds us that the blessing of courage does not arrive with loud fanfare; instead, it comes quietly to the open heart. It takes daily practice, but choosing courage reveals our true strength in the face of fear, anchoring us in a confidence that leads to genuine authenticity. Another profound blessing of choosing courage is the opportunity to inspire others. As we head into this election season, will the blessings of courage help us center ourselves and act on our deepest values? Are we courageous enough to hold onto hope for a better world?  

October 11 - Rev. Erica Baron (video), “Tending Our Tradition”

Throughout Unitarian Universalist history, there have been times when UUs courageously lived our values, and times when UUs betrayed our values. How can we learn from both the high points and the low points of our history as we seek to make our values real in the world today? Rev. Erica Baron is a Congregational Life Consultant for the New England Region of the UUA.

October 18 - Rev. Judy Tomlinson, “Death, the Undiscovered Country”

William Shakespeare famously wrote in Hamlet that death is "the undiscovered country from whose bourn no traveler returns." In our Unitarian Universalist tradition, we are called to approach this great, inevitable mystery not with paralyzing dread, but with deep respect, open curiosity, and a courageous heart. Though death remains the ultimate unknown, how we face it transforms how we live today.

October 25 - Rev. Rayna Hamre, “She Rises”

The Divine Feminine has been experienced as a Goddess, Goddesses, Saints, and local Spirits since ancient times. The 20th century brought a revival of Goddess, polytheistic, and Earth-centered texts, artwork, and practices to the western world. These perspectives and rituals are now a part of Unitarian Universalism. How does this revival speak to us in the 21st century as UUs? Explore the intellectual, historical, and connective experience of the Divine Feminine with Rev. Rayna, who has devoted her life to this work.

November 1 - Rev. Judy Tomlinson, “Beyond the Ballot: Anchoring in Community, Win or Lose”

As the election approaches, our hearts carry a heavy mix of anxiety, hope, and exhaustion. No matter what the returns show or who wins and loses, our commitment to justice, love, and one another remains unchanged. Join us for an exploration of how small congregations can serve as communities of care, and grounding. Together, we will tend to our collective spirit, remember that our worth is not determined by an election, and find the strength to face tomorrow side by side. 

November 8 - Cassandra Montenegro (video), “Birdwatching as a Spiritual Practice”

What is it about picking up a pair of binoculars, lifting your eyes up to a far-off fluttering, or attuning your ears to a familiar chirp, that transports so many of us to spaces of peace? Whether you’re in the woods with friends, on the seashore with family, or looking out the window of your apartment, join Cassandra Montenegro, Central East Regional Staff of the UUA, for a joyful journey into how birding and birdwatching can restore connection and confidence in our communities and ourselves.

November 15 - Rev. Judy Tomlinson, “The Cost of Conviction: When Theology Becomes a Matter of Life and Death”

On November 15, 1579, guilty of innovation, Unitarian Bishop Francis David died in a cold Transylvanian dungeon, condemned for the crime of thinking differently. Today, we often treat our theology as a comfortable abstraction—something we take for granted, argue over politely, or ignore entirely. But when political tides turn and religious conservatism tightens its grip, what we believe becomes a battleground. Join us as we look at the life, trial, and legacy of Francis David, and explore how our principle of freedom of conscience calls us to take our theology seriously.  

November 22 - Chaplain Michael Eselun, “Wheels on My Suitcase”

We all carry around our own unique burdens—“our baggage,” if you will.   UCLA Oncology Chaplain and popular guest speaker, Michael Eselun, will look at what might be “the wheels” on that suitcase that we drag around.  What are the ways we can make it all a little easier to maneuver and manage—particularly in these uncertain and challenging times. Michael Eselun, serves as the chaplain for the Simms/Mann‐UCLA Center for Integrative Oncology.  

November 29 - Music+ Sunday: Winter