It’s been a long time since we’ve heard the Vivaldi Gloria at USG, but it’s time to revisit this wonderful piece of music so frequently heard during the holidays. An exciting piece, it is filled with the vigor and drive of Vivaldi’s instrumental music – The Four Seasons, anyone? Yet is also has passages of great warmth and tenderness. […]
Author Archives: usguu
11.23.14, Thanksgiving Bread Communion, Revs. Kent Matthies
“If the only prayer you ever say is ‘thank you’ that is enough.” In our modern lives those words from thirteenth century German mystic Meister Eckhart resonate strongly. However, at USG we offer an addition: “If the only prayer you ever say is ‘thank you’ and you give back through service that is enough.” Together we […]
11.16.14, A Vision for You, Rev. Kent Matthies
“Everybody can be great…because anybody can serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.” This famous Dr. King quotation has become a mantra for many in our community. The challenge at times, however, is figuring out how and where to put our energies. Most of us have more opportunities […]
11.9.14,Do Unto Yourself As You Do Unto Others, Rachael Pontillo
We cannot give from an empty cup. While it’s important to find ways to give back and be of service in our communities, to our families, and through our work; we must first remember to be of service to ourselves with self-care, nourishment, sleep, leisure, etc. It’s impossible to fulfill our divine purpose if our […]
11.2.14, Together to the Pinnacle, Rev. Kent Matthies
Studies indicate that giving back to community is a key element in achieving higher levels of well being. At USG, we are committed to be of valuable service to and with our fellow brothers and sisters – as well as our sacred Mother Earth. We serve in beloved community because of the long-term limitations of […]
10.26.14, Day of the Dead, Rev. Kent Matthies
Communities and religious institutions throughout the Americas are spiritually nourished through the activities of Day of the Dead. Bring a photo of a deceased loved one to place on our altar. Oranges, sweet bread, sugar skulls, marigolds, singing and dancing: these are the images of remembering those who have gone before and remain in our […]
10.19.14, Climate Change-Our Moral Imperative-United Nations Sunday
We have a moral, ethical, and survival imperative to learn about climate change/global warming, and to act appropriately and decisively. This imperative derives from people living today and all those who will follow us. We must not have future generations say, of us: “They refused to learn” or “they knew but did not act.” Dr. Jan Dash is currently […]
10.12.14, Hungry for Compassion, McKinley Sims
Food provides us with physical nourishment, and will keep us alive, but we need something more to truly Live. A popular young adult novel reflects deeply religious messages that can help us explore this fact. What do we hunger for, beyond food? What can we learn about the Spirit of God when we feed ourselves […]
10.5.14, To Thine Own Self Be True, Rev Kent Matthies
Am I doing well enough? Am I doing my job well enough? Am I taking good enough care of myself? Am I a good enough grandparent, parent, neighbor or friend? Many times we feel pressure and disappointment in our self-assessment. Compassion is in the mission of our congregation. Don’t leave yourself out. Self-compassion is an […]
9.28.14, Days of Awe, Rev. Kent Matthies
Come celebrate the Jewish High Holy Days of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. As we acknowledge our personal and communal failures, we lift up our responsibility to make amends and come back towards wholeness. Often called the “Days of Awe”, it is awesome to connect with heart and spirit by renewing our resolve to live […]