So many people report feeling out of place in the world, without a sense of deep belonging. As we approach the end of the Jewish High Holy Days, let’s take inspiration from this time of turning and returning to find our way back. How might this holiday help us reconnect to our sense of belonging to ourselves, to each other and to the world?

Introductory Reflection by Rev. Ellen Quaadgras In part 1 of this sermon I preached about some of the challenges that face us. Like, climate change. That’s a big one. Even if we ourselves do not feel it, other people do – people in power who are making decisions that impact us. And people in our … Continue reading Expectations of Our Faith Part II

As we begin our new congregational year, what are our expectations of this faith? Of ourselves? Sometimes, we don’t even notice we’ve gotten stuck in a limited view of what’s possible.  What if we expected our participation in life to actually change things, or change us? What might happen then?

Personal stories offer a vivid window into the everyday realities of life. This fathers day we will hear reflections from a few of Westminster’s dads on finding unexpected beauty on their fatherhood journeys. Join us as we lift up the good as well as the hard on this celebrated day. Two Services at 9am and … Continue reading Unexpected Beauty – Reflections on Father’s Day

Our world is deeply flawed. And it is also incredibly beautiful. In this all-ages services, as we celebrate our Religious Education program and everyone and everything that makes this congregation what it is, let us recognize the importance of the “eye of the beholder” (us!). How might we take in the beauty that is everywhere … Continue reading In the Eye of the Beholder – Appreciation Sunday (9 am only)

UU minister Scott Taylor writes, “Beauty does more than soothe and heal. It demands. It calls. It doesn’t just say “Love and appreciate me.” […] It paints a picture of new ways of living and declares, “Follow me there!” What might it look like to soak in the beauty around us, allow it to grab … Continue reading Called by Beauty

Why do we do what we do? Why do we come to church? What do we hope to learn, or gain, or create? How do you want to stretch, or give, or grow? These are questions Rev. Ellen has been asking herself in anticipation of her sabbatical journey (which begins after this Sunday!). And, as … Continue reading The Journey of Our Faith – 9am Service Only

MLK had a dream. A dream of equality and justice. A dream of interconnectedness and harmony. A dream that, in our day of growing income inequality and racial backlash, appears only to be stalled or moving further out of reach. What can we do, in our day, to help realize the profound possibilities of King’s … Continue reading Living the Dream Today – Westminster will be open 1/20

Possibility implies opportunity. Living a life of possibility implies choices and options and open doors and ready hope. It sounds good, like the kind of life we want. Yet sometimes, it is only when options are narrowed that previously hidden opportunities are revealed. How might our willingness to say “no” open us up to the … Continue reading On Possibility: When saying “no” reveals a deeper “yes.”

In this evening filled with story and song, we touch an ancient mystery: the humble birth of new hope, new love, and new light into the world. Tonight’s services will feature musicians Nonetta Shataksian on piano, Tina Q. Kambil on alto sax, Westminster’s choir singing at 9pm, and conclude with our traditional candle-lighting ceremony. All … Continue reading Christmas Eve Candlelight Service