I read somewhere that traditionally the five year anniversary gift is wood…and I think back to our installation ceremony four years ago…and the drums made of wood, that were such an important cultural element. I can hear the drums as the Aztec dancers blessed me with sacred copal incense. I asked Xiomara, who is an Aztec … Continue reading Five Year Anniversary
Minister’s Blog, by Rev. Dr. Maria Cristina Vlassidis Burgoa It might seem too early to celebrate when we are still in the midst of a pandemic, still witnessing acts of violence and injustice all around us, and feeling uncertain about the future. And yet there are so many reasons to celebrate in order to … Continue reading May: A Month for Celebration
As I admire the beauty of new Spring blossoms, I am reminded that last year in March we closed our building and began to navigate the COVID pandemic as best we could. Despite all the fear and uncertainty, we regrouped and with great leadership and a core group of volunteers, we moved forward together. Since … Continue reading Moving Forward Together
Take action now to shape the outcome of the November 3, 2020 election. Shape public discourse with our UU values Support the worth and dignity of the marginalized in our society Work towards justice, equity and compassion in our government Support our vision of a world community with peace, liberty and justice for all Provide … Continue reading UU The Vote 2020
“Hope doesn’t come from calculating whether the good news is winning out over the bad. It is simply a choice to take action.” — Anna Lappe Do you often feel anxiety or despair at the state of our nation, our world? Does it seem that the forces of hate have the upper hand? Perhaps you’ve … Continue reading UU the Vote – Action is the Antidote to Despair
“Incrementalism and progressivism are insufficient in these totalitarian times.” -Reverend Susan Frederick-Gray, UUA President “In this delicate turning…how will you become ready? No one’s comfort is at the center, you just do what needs to be done. Let’s be co-liberators and get free together.” Reverend Marta Valentin In a time of great challenge and heartbreak … Continue reading General Assembly 2019: The Power of We
Beloveds, This is a picture of my office door. It is covered with some of the cards and thank you notes that I have recently received: Sympathy cards after my uncle’s passing, Thank You cards, and “just because” cards and notes. I am so grateful for all your expressions of love and support! As I … Continue reading Minister’s Report: Gratitude
We are happy to announce that the charge of disobeying an officer has been dropped for SKUUC church member Rene Castle. Rene was arrested at the Poor People’s Campaign in May 2018. His crime? Hanging an “Honor the Treaties” banner on the statue of Christopher Columbus that is still in place in our state capitol’s … Continue reading DA Drops Charges Against SKUUC Member
This past Saturday, our Rev. Dr. Maria Cristina Vlassidis Burgoa shared her vision of social justice at a Poor People’s Hearing in Oakland, California. WE are the ones we’ve been waiting for! Poor People’s Campaign, April 2019 Rev. Dr. Maria Cristina Vlassidis Burgoa In my tradition before we say our own names we … Continue reading Poor People’s Campaign, Oakland
Beloveds, This month our theme is Wholeness and we want to offer opportunities for all of us to practice self-care and to engage in healing experiences. Part of healing is creating spaces of radical welcoming and unconditional love. For many of us who identify as Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual/Transgender/Queer/Two-Spirit/Gender-not-conforming, our spiritual journeys have not always contributed to our … Continue reading All of Who You Are is Sacred
