We Are Unitarian Universalists

We are brave, curious, and compassionate thinkers and doers. We are diverse in faith, ethnicity, history and spirituality, but aligned in our desire to make a difference for the good. We have a track record of standing on the side of love, justice, and peace. We have radical roots and a history as self-motivated spiritual people: we think for ourselves and recognize that life experience influences our beliefs more than anything. We need not think alike to love alike. We are people of many beliefs and backgrounds: people with a religious background, people with none, people who believe in a God, people who don’t, and people who let the mystery be. We are Unitarian Universalist and Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Humanist, Jewish, Muslim, Pagan, atheist and agnostic, believers in God, and more. On the forefront of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer inclusion for more than 40 years, we are people of all sexual orientations and gender identities. We seek to welcome you: your whole self, with all your truths and your doubts, your worries and your hopes. Join us on this extraordinary adventure of faith. Get involved!

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Unitarian Universalist congregations affirm and promote seven Principles, which we hold as strong values and moral guides. We live out these Principles within a “living tradition” of wisdom and spirituality, drawn from sources as diverse as science, poetry, scripture, and personal experience. As Rev. Barbara Wells ten Hove explains, “The Principles are not dogma or doctrine, but rather a guide for those of us who choose to join and participate in Unitarian Universalist religious communities.”

1. 1st Principle: The inherent worth and dignity of every person;
2. 2nd Principle: Justice, equity and compassion in human relations;
3. 3rd Principle: Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations;
4. 4th Principle: A free and responsible search for truth and meaning;
5. 5th Principle: The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large;
6. 6th Principle: The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all;
7. 7th Principle: Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.

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Proposed 8th Principle:

“We, the member congregations of the Unitarian Universalist Association, covenant to affirm and promote: journeying toward spiritual wholeness by working to build a diverse multicultural Beloved Community by our actions that accountably dismantle racism and other oppressions in ourselves and our institutions.”

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FIRST FRIDAY HIKE SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

The First Friday Hike this Friday, December 1, will NOT be at White Water Draw due to problems with their water supply. Instead we will do an easy hike to the Presidio Santa Cruz de Terrenate, the ruins of an ill-fated 18th century Spanish fort that overlooks the San Pedro River north of Highway 82. Sorry, dogs are not allowed in the San Pedro Riparian Conservation Area.

Please note: since not everyone on the hiking list gets these notices, we will leave at the previously advertised time of 10am! There will NOT be a potluck, though a group is likely to go to lunch after the hike.

Again:

First Friday Hike |  December 1  |  Presidio Terrenate

10am at church or around 10:45 AM at the trailhead

Contact Molly with any questions: mandfar@gmail.com

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“I Wish You Joy: Gratitude and Giving in This Holiday Season”

Rev. Tina will speak about “I Wish You Joy: Gratitude and Giving in This Holiday Season”. She writes: Mother Teresa used to say ‘Give, but give until it hurts.’ Should giving hurt?  I think yes and no. I like to give with the receiver in mind — finding a present they would want, not the one I want to give — and helping when someone asks, even if I’m tired.  But is painful giving ustainable?  In fact, as long as you have the other person’s needs and desires forefront in your mind, generosity of spirit, of forgiveness, of even material things, can rebound happiness back onto you.  As we enter a marathon time of shopping, ads, requests for donations, I hope we can sort out what is truly meaningful about this season and how to nurture that elusive gift I wish for us all, joy.

Fourth Sunday 2nd Collection:  Our second collection this month will be in support of UUJAZ.

In-Person and on Zoom:

https://zoom.us/j/98918280553

Phone:      1-253-215-8782

Meeting ID: 989 1828 0553

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Mindfulness Meditation

Come for mindfulness meditation each Tuesday from 11am – noon at the church.  We take turns leading it, but don’t feel that you have to.

Patricia Burr was in a bad car accident several weeks ago.  She did not break anything but has had a flare up in her chronic arthritis.

Phone calls would be appreciated but her new cell phone doesn’t get service at her house!  We’ll keep you posted about ways to reach her.

If you have a joy you’d like to share or a sorrow you’d like people to hear, please send an email to skyislandchurch@gmail.com