Presented by the Children’s Religious Exploration class of the First Unitarian Universalist Church of Wichita, this video explores the principles of Unitarian Universalism and what it means to practice them. This film was written and designed entirely by the kids.
On Friday, Iâm going to meet with the most powerful person in the economy. Iâm not going to speak with any of the newly elected Congressmen or Senators, or even President Obama. Instead, a coalition of unemployed workers, underemployed workers and community leaders — including me — will share our stories with Janet Yellen, the … Continue reading The Most Powerful Person In The Economy
(A shorter version of Reverend David Carterâs message will be published on the Opinion Page of the Wichita Eagle, most likely Sunday, March 23rd, according to Phillip Brownlee, Opinion Editor. Watch for it and share it with friends.) An Unsubtle Message The unsubtle message of the March 9th Eagle article, âAbout 1 in 10 Wichita … Continue reading Unitarian Universalists Speak Out
(Del Smith heard Forrest Church speak at her UU Church in Long Beach, CA, in 1998. She now admits that she was excited that he was the speaker, but only because his father was the late Frank Church, liberal senator (ID). Rev. Churchâs message that âacceptance trumps toleranceâ quickly converted her to being a fan … Continue reading Unitarian Universalist Religious Pluralism
(Mary Erickson is one of several First UU members who volunteer at St. Paulâs AME Church in partnership with Sunflower Community Action.) Unitarian Universalist Beliefs in Action There is a surge at twelve oâclock sharp and a steady stream for awhile thereafter. Some are families with children, but many come alone. Not all of them … Continue reading A Circle of Service
(Marguerite Regan is Associate Professor of English at Newman University. She participated in the series of communication and conflict resolution workshops at First UU led by the Rev. Thea Nietfeld.) The Trouble with Triangles: Being the Best Third Party You Can Be in Church Conflicts A few years ago, I served as the president of … Continue reading Church Conflict Resolution
(Louis Goseland, Chair of First UUâs Social Action Task Force, keeps the congregation up to date on social justice issues where we can make a difference. Attend a Task Force meetingâevery Sunday at 12:15 at the church–to know more about the issues we are addressing.) “No longer can we ignore the evidence. There is a … Continue reading Ban The Box Community Meeting
(This weekâs blogger is Del Smith, a Unitarian Universalist since the early 60s. Back in the day she served as âSunday School Superintendent.â Her experience teaching UU kids, plus the congregationâs social activism, influenced her decision to become a public school teacher.) ââŠSome beliefs are like shadows, clouding childrenâs days with fears of unknown calamities. … Continue reading Questions are as Welcome as the Answers: The Legacy of Sophia Lyon Fahs
(Mary Erickson has been coming to church for three to four years, but only joined six months ago. She has committed to working on the St. Paulâs project with the Social Justice activists. She is a talented artist has has done a couple of projects for the church, the CornUUcopia painting and the design for … Continue reading Growing Pains Of A Former Catholic
(Jamey Findling was raised a UU in Louisville, Kentucky and has been a member of First UU since moving to Wichita in 2003 to take a job teaching philosophy at Newman University. A past and present board member, he is currently helping revise the church’s bylaws.) Sometime around 2002 or 2003, I received a letter … Continue reading Why Every Cost-Benefit Analysis Youâve Ever Done Has (Probably) Been Wrong
(Louis Goseland has been a familiar figure around First UU for the past few years. He is usually in a back row during the service. Lately heâs been leaving during the closing hymn so that he can meet with the other social justice activists in the congregation. They meet every Sunday, except when a church-wide … Continue reading Louis Goselandâs Social Action Work
I was 18 when I dropped out of the Southern Baptist Convention. At one time I had been a very gung-ho believer. When I was a freshman in high school, I thought I should attend Sunday school, then church Sunday morning, Sunday evening, and Wednesday night. Smoking and drinking were terrible sins to be avoided … Continue reading Unitarian Universalist: Our Chosen Faith
I am no stranger to tithing. Since 1984 Iâve been tithing. But, an explanation is in order: In â67, I responded to a spiritual âcallâ and began dedicating a half hour each day to a meditation practice which I continue to perform to this day. And, by 1984, that practice grew by gradual increments, finally … Continue reading The Great Paradox of Religious Life
