We live in times of upheaval, unrest, and uncertainty. And with all of this comes suffering on a collective scale. As Unitarian Universalists, what do we believe is needed? Together we’ll explore the theology of Meg’s Barnhouse’s song “All Will Be Well,” the original text by Julian of Norwich it’s based on, and our early Universalist … Continue reading What’s Needed in These Times

Our future is deeply informed by our past. We come together to remember those who have gone before us, how our ancestors continue to live through us, and who they call us to be now. During this service of remembrance, you are invited to bring a picture, symbol or memento of your beloved dead for … Continue reading Honoring Our Past, Envisioning Our Future

This message is displayed on a billboard in Puyallup that I regularly drive by.  I got me to pondering about how we religious liberals might address the following questions;   How do we best set aside or isolate contagious fear. How do we help each other fear less and hope more. How can we best … Continue reading Fear is Contagious: So is Hope

It’s football season. The Seahawks play this afternoon and the Cougar and Huskies and my beloved Oregon Ducks will have just played their games. It is of great importance, to many, this coming together to cheer our champions.  Let’s explore the game of football and fan’s fervor as a metaphor that may say a lot … Continue reading Touchdown Jesus

We shape our world and it shapes us. In these times when the skies are increasingly dark and difficult, how might we address the reality of the difficult times we are in and each come to a decision of what we might choose to do to make a difference.    —Rev. Dennis Reynolds

“The manifestation of the wind of thought is not knowledge, but the ability to tell right from wrong, beautiful from ugly and I hope that thinking gives people the strength to prevent catastrophes in those rare moments when the chips are down.” From the film, Hannah Arendt (2012). —Rev. Barbara Cornell, Guest Minister

We are seekers. We Unitarian Universalists are non-creedal at least in part because we question everything. Some of us see rational thought as the best path towards knowing what is true. Others are more patient and are fine with sitting with a question to see what might emerge. Do we need to have an either/or … Continue reading Mind and Mindfulness; Exploring Intellect and Spirit

Susan Fredrick Gray, President of our UUA, has called this no time for “a casual faith.” What might being “a serious UU” mean for each of us as we determine how we might participate more fully right here, within this congregation, and advocate and work and, perhaps, agitate to help make a better world out … Continue reading Being UU in These Times

This week our Jewish neighbors and friend will celebrate Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. On this day, which the Holiest day in the year and called the Sabbath of Sabbath people acknowledge the wrongs they may have done during the year and ask for forgiveness.  Might we, as Unitarians Universalist gain some peace and … Continue reading Atonement

Please join us for the annual homecoming service. Here at Saltwater and in many Unitarian Universalist congregations across the continent we celebrate the fall season and a new church year with the mingling of waters that individuals have brought to a common bowl.  Each member is invited to bring a small container of water collected … Continue reading Gathering of the Waters