March 31, 2019
The unifying themes of this program are justice, love, learning and hope. The messages come from sermons and readings from Unitarian-Universalist sources. The program title comes from a beloved Unitarian-Universalist hymn, “Spirit of Life,” which includes the words, “Sing in my heart all the stirrings of compassion” and “Move in the hand, giving life the shape of justice.”
Decluttering guru Marie Kondo has become a sensation for “making space” in our homes. We’ll consider her words for “making space” in our lives.
Commentary
By Orlando Montoya
Three weeks ago, Ash Wednesday, I met a friend who had the familiar Lenten smudge on his forehead. Attempting small talk, I asked him, “So what are you giving up for Lent?” He told me and asked the question back at me. I didn’t have the Lenten smudge. I have no Lenten tradition. I wasn’t expecting the question, so I told him, “I don’t know.” “I already deny myself a lot,” I said. After we parted, I decided that wasn’t entirely true and I could give up some things, after all. First, I decided to give up working past 10pm, since I sometimes treat sleep like a big cookie jar out of which I just take all of the demands of the day. Just push everything back. Do what you have to do now, now. And if it can wait, do it before sleep. Well, this leads to imperfect rest. And so, I honestly don’t know if that Lenten promise denies luxury or creates one. But after three weeks, I broke the promise tonight, to write this commentary “on time,” the subject of my last commentary. So, I guess I should start the other Lenten promise that I made that day. If I’m going to break one promise, I might as well start the other. There, there. I just moved the Buddha statue from its rarely seen location in the office to my bedroom, where, I promise, I’ll meditate again. Years ago, I meditated nightly at the Buddha statue, chanting “Om Mane Padme Hum, Om Mane Padme Hum,” bringing peace and lightness. You know, something tells me if it involves praying to Buddha statues, it might not be Lenten. But, there it sits, the Easter promise: renewal and peace, with Christ, Buddha, a 10pm bedtime or just embracing some change.
Sermon
“Making Space” (3/3/19)
Marlin Lavanhar
All Souls Unitarian Church of Tulsa, Oklahoma
Sermon
“Historic Jesus” (1/27/19)
Bridget Spain
Dublin Unitarian Church, Ireland
Sermon
“Let’s Change the World” (1/9/17)
Tom Andrews
President and CEO, Unitarian-Universalist Service Committee
Sermon
“Factions We Love” (11/4/18)
Rev. Gretchen Haley
Foothills Unitarian Universalist Church of Fort Collins, Colorado
Braver Wiser
Used by permission of Braver Wiser, a publication of the Unitarian-Universalist Association
Quest Monthly
Used by permission of Quest Monthly, a publication of the Church of the Larger Fellowship
UUA Statements
Messages from the Unitarian Universalist Association
Natural Silence
Used by permission of ListeningEarth.com
UUA Principles and Sources
Our liberal faith as defined by the Unitarian Universalist Association
World Religions
Written by Orlando Montoya
Interfaith Calendar
Written by Orlando Montoya
UU FAQ
Written by and used by permission of John Sias from interviews with Rev. Steve Edington
Published by the Unitarian-Universalist Church of Nashua, NH
