The human capacity for memory is a miraculous gift, which can create great meaning and purpose in our lives. Of course, memory can also bring recurring visits to pain and trauma. Engaging memory as a spiritual practice can create healing, hope and empowerment.
Author Archives: usguu
10.28.18 Day of the Dead: Connecting with Ancestors, Rev Kent Matthies & Mariachi Maya
Come celebrate with upbeat ballads and music that makes you want to sing or dance (whether you speak Spanish or not)! As is often the case, science is catching up with ancient spiritual wisdom which says people experience increased resiliency and wisdom when they stay cognitively connected to relatives who have died. All are very […]
10.21.18, Rev. Yvette Davis of POWER Interfaith
Pastor Yvette Davis is POWER’s Director of Outreach and Organizational Development. Come learn about this growing Philadelphia interfaith movement for justice!
10.21.18, Rev. Yvette Davis of POWER Interfaith
Pastor Yvette Davis is POWER’s Director of Outreach and Organizational Development. Come learn about this growing Philadelphia interfaith movement for justice!
10.14.18, Sanctuary of Community, Rev. Kent Matthies
An important Sunday at USG was when Rev. André Trocmé preached here. In 1942 Rev. Trocmé bravely led his French town, Le Chambon, to become a safe sanctuary for Jewish refugees seeking housing, food and passage to new countries. Today our neighbor church, The First United Methodist Church of Germantown, serves as Sanctuary for two […]
10.7.18, Sanctuary of Self, Rev. Kent Matthies
In times of challenge and serenity it is possible to experience yourself as a safe, peaceful sanctuary. Thich Nhat Hanh says, “To be beautiful means to be yourself. You don’t need to be accepted by others. You need to accept yourself.” Whether you describe yourself as a theist, agnostic, atheist or other, there is a […]
9.30.18, Opening Eyes, Rev. Kent Matthies
Too often we can live our days with a blurred vision or even closed eyes. Too often we fail to recognize opportunities to become our fullest, truest selves. In a world crammed with “options,” the challenge can be figuring out how and where to put your energies. As you listen to your soul, what is […]
9.23.18, In Praise of Blurred Vision, Rev. Libby Smith
It’s easy to assume that we’re better off when we see things clearly, and can work from an accurate analysis of ourselves and the world around us. But realism has its limits, and there may be a greater role for illusion than we generally acknowledge. The Rev. Libby Smith, M.Div., was ordained in 1992 and […]
9.16.18, Listening for Hashem’s Voice, Rev. Kent Matthies
The Jewish New Year is a time for finding meaning and getting right with God and conscience. Hashem is a name for God, which simply means “the name.” Whatever your theology you can listen for and live out the “voice” of Hashem. Theists, agnostics and atheists can all find great value in this time of […]
9.9.18, Raising our Principles Together, Rev. Kent Matthies
For our Ingathering Water Ceremony we begin the church year anew by celebrating our commitment to our UU Principles. Come help us celebrate new, beautiful sanctuary banners, which help us affirm and promote “the inherent dignity and worth of every person”, and “justice, equity and compassion in human relations”. Bring water from a special place […]