In a semi-biographical novel Go Tell It on the Mountain, James Baldwin writes about his complicated and ambivalent relationship with church. In a time when faith is often the ground for moral action, which truths are we inspired to go forth and tell, and which are we prepared to leave behind?
During the impeachment trial in the Senate, the defense for the president stated that the electorate would be the final arbiter of justice in this case. Not long ago, there was a movement to Occupy Wall Street, based on the assumption that 99% of this country were enduring economic hardship due to greed, corruption, and … Continue reading 99%
Liberation and Liberty: The two greatest concerns in American history. John Brown, an abolitionist led an armed slave revolt in 1859 against a federal armory in Harper’s Ferry, Virginia. Some called Brown a domestic terrorist. Ralph Waldo Emerson, comparing him to Jesus, said of his execution: “John Brown will make the gallows glorious like the … Continue reading John Brown’s Body
Many have discovered a found family, and some are trying to understand how to develop healing relationships with their birth family. Some are actively engaged with raising the youth of tomorrow and wondering which values to impart to them. Youth leaders from across the globe are currently expanding our notions of family in important and … Continue reading The Meaning of Family
In a sermon entitled “Beyond Vietnam,” Martin Luther King Jr broke silence about increasing militarism in our world. As we reflect on the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr and the Civil Rights Movement this weekend, let us consider our current political situation and the role we might play. What does an ethos of nonviolence … Continue reading Beyond Iran
This month’s theme of “Integrity,” is embodied in our diverse local community of Youngstown. We welcome guest speaker Randa Shabayek from the Islamic Society to share her perspective of living as a Muslim in this place and time. What does it mean to live with integrity? Come Sunday, to recognize the beauty and challenge of … Continue reading Faith In America
Are Unitarian Universalists Christian? Rev. Joseph has engaged this topic through presentations at The Dorothy Day House and The Islamic Society in the context of understanding the church’s theological roots for social justice. Come Sunday, to learn about our faith’s heritage, and look in awe at its present incarnation.
Holidays are sometimes “blue”: filled with difficult events, memories, and grief. While carolers may be singing of dayspring, we may be stuck in nighttime visions. How do we acknowledge the truth of our experience without blame, and reconcile ourselves with a new day? Come for a service of acknowledgment and healing.
Fear limits our capacity to experience. Awe allows us to open ourselves to that which is beyond our current understanding. Fear can lead to awe if we let it. Will we allow this transformation as a soul, as a nation?
Thanksgiving is a need, but not for the reasons we commonly think. When Indigenous tribes gathered with people across the globe to protest an oil pipeline being built in North Dakota, they did so for a reason: the land was considered sacred. Up until that moment, I had never thought of land as much more … Continue reading The Need for Thanksgiving
