With the changing of the leaves and a chill in the air, we know that we have transitioned from summer to autumn. But what if human history also had its seasons? William Strauss and Neil Howe propose that history is defined by repeating “saeculum,” following similar patterns, shaped by generations sharing characteristics. Their theory suggests … Continue reading “The Fourth Turning is Here”
It is now a common practice for gatherings to begin with a land acknowledgement, naming the Indigenous peoples who once inhabited and stewarded the land upon which the meeting is happening. We rarely do this at the Winchester Unitarian Society and some wonder if this is a practice we should begin as part of our … Continue reading Land Acknowledgement
A memorial service in celebration of the life of Judith Ann Donaldson will be held in the sanctuary Saturday October 7th, 2023 @ 2:00. All are welcome. To attend virtually, click: https://tinyurl.com/WUSlivestream Order of Service
Everyday is a good day to honor our connection with animals! But many communities celebrate animals in October in honor of Francis of Assisi who made honoring the animals part of his ministry. This service will celebrate the animals of the world and the animals in our lives. This is an All Ages service and … Continue reading Blessing of the Animals
There is a movement within Unitarian Universalism to “Disrupt Church.” Considering all the hard work and resources that go into keeping congregations going, what is this about? The world is changing fast and our institutions are having a hard time keeping up. What do we set aside in order to practice the values of Unitarian … Continue reading Disrupt Church
The Seven – and now Eight – Principles have long reflected the spiritual convictions of Unitarian Universalists. But UUs are now revisiting the language to give voice to the most deeply held and shared values. What was once a list of Principles is perhaps now shifting to a circle, like a pinwheel, with love at … Continue reading Principles to Pinwheels: Article II
Maintaining optimism is critical in the fight for inclusivity. In this service, we will draw from personal experiences; explore some thoughts from Mark Twain, George Bernard Shaw and Desmond Tutu about racial justice; and look at how religious views can justify us being where we are, or move us forward. We can be discouraged about … Continue reading Maintaining Optimism While Fighting for Inclusivity
As Unitarian-Universalists, we affirm and promote the free and responsible search for truth. Consequently, we ought to be concerned about lies: they rather obviously interfere with the search for truth. In this service, I want to look at the phenomenon of lying: its origins, its pervasiveness, its types, and, in particular, the most common and … Continue reading This is Your Brain on Lies
Happiness manifests through that which we value. Gratitude is a key to lifelong happiness, but only if we believe in the worth of the gifts and blessings bestowed upon us. Dan Hermes will explore the worth of our existence in the context of the lifespan of our universe, the life within it, the billions of … Continue reading Our Precious Lives: Gratitude, Happiness, Meaning, and Love
The concept of reparations is growing and changing all around us, with new and old approaches popping up in all sorts of places, kind of like dandelions in the spring. Some people resist them, others sense the powerful healing power that they bring, and most do a little of each. In this service we will … Continue reading A Broader View of Reparations
