Today we invite you to embrace joy as an act of defiance against the challenges and injustices that seek to diminish our spirit. In the face of adversity, experiencing and sharing joy as a community strengthens our resilience and reminds us of our shared humanity. As we close our pledge drive, we honor the power of collective joy in building a better, more compassionate world. Join us for a celebratory lunch after service.

Today we reflect on what it means to be the light—for ourselves, for each other, and for the world. As a community, we ask: What does it mean to be a beacon? To shine not only in times of ease but in times of challenge? How do we ensure that this light—our Chalice community—burns brightly for all who seek its warmth?

In a world that teaches us to guard our hearts, what happens when we choose trust instead? By practicing Lectio Divina with Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer’s poem Growing Trust, we will explore the courage to release our armor and say yes to life. Together, we’ll reflect on how we trust, inviting us to unfold like a sunflower turning toward the sun.

When the world around us is devolving into chaos, what can we trust? Trusting ourselves can feel impossible when we are overwhelmed by uncertainty, grief, or fear, yet deep within us lies a wisdom that has guided us through every challenge. This service explores how we can cultivate trust, not through control or certainty, but through deep presence, self-compassion, and an openness to life as it unfolds. Grounded in Unitarian Universalist values and the world’s wisdom traditions, we will reflect on how we can trust both ourselves and our community, moving beyond fear into a place of quiet confidence, resilience, and love.

Inclusion begins within. This service invites us to explore what it means to embrace the shadowed parts of ourselves—the fears, flaws, and complexities we often hide. Through love and self-compassion, we’ll discover how honoring our whole selves deepens our capacity to accept and include others, creating a more authentic and connected community.

Unitarian Universalism celebrates diversity as a cornerstone of our shared faith. Today, we will explore how our inclusive principles and values invite us to honor every person’s worth and dignity, build bridges across difference, and create a spiritual home for all. Together, we’ll reflect on the transformative power of truly embracing one another and welcoming all.