Scott writes: "At this most worrisome and dangerous time on our planet -- when so much of humanity, national leaders and ordinary persons seem to be making so many terrible, unwise and cruel choices -- I want to reflect on one of the oldest question in religions: what is “human nature,” and how does that reality shape, inform, and limit our shared future?"

Sunday service timeline:

9:50 – Join for informal conversation (optional)
10:00 – Service begins
11:00 – Coffee hour

Today, we will look beyond defining February as a month of romantic love to a Celebration of Connection.

We are currently experiencing a societal epidemic without a vaccine: loneliness. Society defines normalcy and success as being in a romantic relationship. This metric excludes many people. Consciously reframing the goal of February as one of connection allows for inclusion rather than exclusion.

Connection doesn’t have to include fireworks and giddiness. It’s a feeling of being part of something greater: awe from seeing the extraordinary in the ordinary, gaining new insight into our true selves, and acknowledging the humanity of others through impromptu conversation, a smile, and eye contact.

Moving beyond discomfort in being with our true selves is key to experiencing and enjoying connection. Once we gain confidence in being with ourselves, we gain more confidence in engaging with others. 

By the end of today’s conversation, you will awaken to seeing connection as being within your control and experiencing more contentment in life.

Catherine Thomas is a speaker, host of The Catherine Thomas Podcast and The Compassionate Conversation Series with Catherine Thomas, and author of Awakening the Vulnerable Heart and Inspiration From What Is. She is passionate about high-octane coffee, urban walkabouts, and holding space for the stories of those encountered along the way. A lifelong Wisconsinite, Catherine resides in Cedarburg, the community of her heart.  Learn more at awakeningtoinspiration.com.

Sunday service timeline:

9:50 – Join for informal conversation (optional)
10:00 – Service begins
11:00 – Coffee hour

Scott writes: By way of some ancient wisdom from the Bible -- and the poetry of Walt Whitman -- I want to explore the spirituality of the human body.  I believe that Unitarian Universalists, like many other religionists, do not pay enough attention to the needs – and sacredness – of their bodies.

9:50 – Join for informal conversation (optional)
10:00 – Service begins
11:00 – Coffee hour

Scott writes:
Unitarian Universalists have long believed that the twin human spheres of science and religion should never be in conflict. I am delighted to report that recent discoveries in human genetics prove our faith tradition is right on the money when it comes to one key dimension of theology and morality.

9:50 – Join for informal conversation (optional)
10:00 – Service begins
11:00 – Coffee hour

Scott writes:
“The lives we live on this earth are filled with copious (and unpredictable) amounts of both good and bad luck…but seldom do we think about luck as having a spiritual dimension. I am persuaded that how we respond to the various shades of luck that enter our lives has everything to say about how successfully we will navigate our days on the earth.”

9:50 – Join for informal conversation (optional)
10:00 – Service begins
11:00 – Coffee hour

The meaning of worship is

to be shaped by
what is of worth.

We gather together in spiritual community because we need constant reminders of what matters most in life. In a world of heartbreak and dehumanization, our congregations and communities call us to our better selves. We learn to live with more wisdom, more connection, and more compassion.

Our Worship Services are weekly reflections that weave together our own thoughts and experiences with music, beauty, poetry, and words that both comfort and challenge. Our programs for all ages inspire and awaken us to our capacities to make a difference in our own lives and in the world.

UU CHALICE

When Unitarian Universalists light the chalice in worship, we illuminate a world that we feel called upon to serve with love and a sense of justice. To us, the flaming chalice represents the light of reason, the warmth of community, and the flame of hope.
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We are inspired not just by religious sources but by the people with whom we journey: the diverse and spirited Unitarian Universalists.

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