Happy July! I have returned from the General Assembly in Spokane and am filled with new ideas and enthusiasm for our faith! I look forward to sharing some of that with you this Sunday, as I preach on “The Power of We”, which was the theme for GA this year, an inspiring and challenging topic. How can Unitarian Universalists work together to serve our world? And what do we mean by “we”? There were many answers to this
As we enter the month of July we enter the slowest time of the year for congregational life. The warm weather and long days become the norm (mostly!) and hopefully, we all get a chance to spend some time outdoors enjoying the sunshine. It is such a thrill to watch the earth burst forth with its abundance this month, to walk through the farmers market marveling at the stalls of fresh produce and sample the tastes of summer.
I am taking two trips this month, one for a week-long family vacation to Southern California and one to teach at a multi-faith family camp in Idaho. I will be gone July 9-15 as well as July 28-Aug 3. If you email me during those times, please know it might take me some time to reply. In case of emergency, Tanesha and the board presidents all have my cell number and can reach me at a moment’s notice.
This month I am also leading our Children’s Chalice Camp, which is meeting July 16th and July 18th from 9-12. Everyone is welcome to attend! The morning will be fun and games and learning, and then we will be gathering at noon for a potluck. The best part of the potluck is that our congregational elders will be in attendance! As we endeavor to make stronger connections across the generations. And of course, if you and your child would like to attend, you can RSVP to me at minister@kuuf.org.
Many blessings on a joyous July. May the sun shine on your shoulders! And may you experience the abundance of summer.
Rev. Jessica
Blossoms and Blessings
Each year as the school year ends and summer begins, UU congregations across the country celebrate with an annual Flower Ceremony. This is when we gather to honor the uniqueness of each person and their contribution to our community. We have so much to be grateful for this year. Join us in witnessing to the beauty of our bouquet! Each family should bring an offering of flowers and come to share in this multi-generational celebration of communal joy.
A Statement of Love
We have seen nationally, and in our local community, a rise in expressions of hate. Our own Black Lives Matter sign was recently vandalized. As Unitarian Universalists, we are called to respond to hate with love. And we are covenanted together in a quest to build the beloved community. In this service, we will consider the history of the Black Lives Matter movement and how deeply it aligns with our UU values. Why is it important for us to say “Black Lives Matter”? And how can this simple statement of love help create the beloved community we all seek?