Scapegoats, trans panic, and Omelas
Presenter: Joe Vinson, President of UUCP. In a system of parochial altruism, some will always look for an out-group to sacrifice. Here’s why we cannot throw marginalized groups under the trolley of utilitarianism.
Topic: UUCP Member
Facing Freedom – or Fascism?
Dr. Lauren Anzaldo considers the continuing appeal of authoritarianism and how democratically minded people might respond, drawing on the tradition of prophetic voices of antifascists such as Simone Weil and Erich Fromm. This talk on February 23 is the first Sunday Service in a two-part series.
Unitarian/Universalist History
Mark Swaney, UUCP Member, will present the history of the Unitarian Universalist churches: their origin and development through the Reformation, and the history up through their founding in the USA. This presentation will be a “sketch history” discussing the main points of our heritage.
The Spiritual Wisdom of Narrative Theory: Beyond Villains and Heroes
In narrative theory, good antagonists aren’t just villains—they’re complex, relatable, and essential for growth. When we reframe the ‘bad guys’ in our experiences as real people in difficult situations, we open ourselves to empathy and transformation. This talk explores how the wisdom of narrative theory can help us live deeper, more compassionate, and more meaningful … Continue reading The Spiritual Wisdom of Narrative Theory: Beyond Villains and Heroes
The Spiritual Wisdom of Narrative Theory: How Life’s Gaps Transform Us
What if the gaps in our lives—the tension between what we want and what actually happens—are where transformation begins? Drawing on narrative theory and the craft of storytelling, this talk explores how the struggles, surprises, and unanswered questions in our lives might be inviting us into wholeness. When we embrace the ‘story tension,’ we may … Continue reading The Spiritual Wisdom of Narrative Theory: How Life’s Gaps Transform Us
History of voluntary immigration
Presenter: Pat Gleich, Doctorate in Social Science and Sociology. Immigration is such a volatile subject at this time in our history. Join us as Dr. Gleich shares the history of voluntary immigration, looking at the last 200 years. She will present the trends and patterns, places of origin, and notable contributions. Included will be the … Continue reading History of voluntary immigration
Fierce Compassion: Creating Safety in the Midst of Horror
Presenter: Catherine Quiring, MA, LMHC, Guest Speaker. The Christmas story is one of fierce compassion and love. It is set against a backdrop of empire, violence, and genocide, which may feel all too familiar to us today. The legacy of Rabbi Jesus and his birth story is one of fierce compassion, and creating safety in the … Continue reading Fierce Compassion: Creating Safety in the Midst of Horror
Antisemitism and Antizionism: Are They the Same?
Presenter: Thom Botsford, friend of UUCP. This hot topic is much discussed in the coverage of the Gaza war, but poorly understood by the public. Our presentation will not take a “side” as much as point out the key elements of the current situation, both in the Middle East and at home. Watch this video … Continue reading Antisemitism and Antizionism: Are They the Same?
The Joys of School and Education
Come join us for a Service for All Ages led by a panel of our children and youth on the joys and concerns about going back to school. We will also be honoring our recent grads with major transitions of all ages. Presented by UUCP Youth and Honor Bell, Children’s Religious Education Coordinator. Watch this … Continue reading The Joys of School and Education
Hiroshima in Popular Memory
Presenter: Joe Vinson, Member and Board President. After 79 years, how do we remember the atomic bombings of Japan? What do many people even know or understand? Watch this service on our YouTube channel.