First Universalist Young Adults

First Universalist YAs Go FB!

2010-08-17T21:14:00.000-07:00

Check out our new Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Denver-CO/First-Universalist-Church-of-Denver-Young-Adults/145361635485757?ref=ts

Watch Facebook and the blog for updates...we may transition to only Facebook if the group votes with their mice to move away from the blog.

peace-

Jeannie

First Univeralist Goes Out to the Ballgame and MORE

2010-07-28T09:55:00.000-07:00

Don't Forget! Rockies Baseball Game at Coors Field (20th and Blake, Denver) TODAY!!

Wednesday, July 28th at 6:30 pm.

Tickets will be approximately $15.

Please contact Kim Henson at kim@firstuniversalist.org or 303-759-2770 Ext 10 if you are interested.

Habitat for Humanity Build Day:

If you are interested in volunteering for a full day of service with the Bails Townhome Community (9a-430p) on Thursday 8/5 or on Saturday 8/14, go to http://hia.volunteerhub.com/Events/Browse.aspx to sign up.

There are a few slots left and it seems like a great opportunity to get involved and help others!

Don't forget the YA brunch this Sunday after the 10a service. Look for Ali Hoover after the service. YAs an their families/guests are welcome to attend.

Breakfast on Broadway...YUM!

Don't forget Theology on Tap on Monday 8/2 from 7-10p at the Bull and Bush. This event is for adults only, please. Come ready to talk about your own theology and how it relates to being UU at First Universalist.

Anyone interested in forming a YA cohort for planning events and service?

More events to come!

Hello and Happenings

2010-07-22T10:03:00.000-07:00

Greetings FUCD Young Adults!

It is my pleasure to introduce myself to you as your new Assistant Minister. I will be with you for the next two years. I am looking forward to shared community, engaging experiences, meaningful worship, and untold amounts of fun.

In the coming months, I hope to visit with each of you individually and to partner with you to find ways to connect and to make a difference in each other's lives, in the congregation, and in the wider community of the world. I am passionate about social justice and about finding meaning in life. My hope and invitation to you is to see where our minds, hearts, bodies, and spirits can take us together.

As a side note, I love coffee and local eateries. It would be a pleasure to share a cup or a bite of something with you.

Please feel welcome to email me or to find me on Sunday mornings to chat, share a question or concern, or to share your passion for where we might go together.

peace.

Jeannie Hufstedler, Assistant Minister

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Young Adult Brunch!

Date: Sunday, August 1, 2010 after the 10a service
Location: Breakfast on Broadway at 2901 South Broadway, Englewood, CO 80113, (303) 788-9998.
Information: All Young Adults along with their partner/spouse, guest, and children are welcome! Come for good fellowship and food! We will meet in Friendship Hall after the service and carpool or follow to the restaurant. Feel welcome to come even if just for a cup of coffee, juice, or water!
Contact: Jeannie Hufstedler, Assistant Minister, at: jeannie@firstuniversalist.org
NOTE: Ali Hoover will facilitate this event, as I will be late arriving from a preaching assignment in Boulder.

Theology on Tap, 1st Monday of every month from 7-9p

Date: Monday, August 2, 2010 from 7-10p
Location: Bull and Bush at 4700 Cherry Creek Drive South, Denver, CO 80246, (303)759-0333
Information: Due to the the necessity for me to attend the Board of Trustees and the Committee on Ministry meetings each month, I would like to shift Theology on Tap to the first Monday of the month. This is open for discussion, if needed, so that this gathering can be as accessible as possible. All Young Adults along with their partner/spouse and guests are welcome to attend (the young at heart may also be interested). Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are available at Bull and Bush, along with tasty food. Check out their website/menu at: http://bullandbush.com/
Contact: Jeannie Hufstedler, Assistant Minister, at: jeannie@firstuniversalist.org

INVITATIONS:

Looking for a Young Adult At Large Member for the Social Justice Council   
 
The Social Justice Council is one of 4 developing councils of the church.  It is the council that coordinates efforts for social justice, ensuring that Task Forces are operating within the values and principles of this congregation and also providing much needed resources, communication, and encouragement for those engaged in social justice on behalf of FUCD.
 
Let me know if you are interested.  Please, pass this on to others who may be interested. 

Interested in forming a Young Adult Cohort at First Universalist?

I am looking for 4 or 5 Young Adults who are interested in joining me to form a small group to help plan and guide the direction of the Young Adult Ministry.  I am thinking that we would meet once per month to discuss: events, planning, worship, fellowship, service, and more!  Please let me know if you are interested.

Interested in a Young Adult Small Group?

In October, I will be facilitating a Young Adult Small Group with the intention of both facilitating the curriculum (not sure which one we will use yet) while also training those present to be facilitators of new small groups.  The idea is to allow Young Adults to grow our own small group ministry that will eventually grow into the larger congregation--small groups beyond the first one could be open to people of all generations.  This will give us the opportunity to share our gifts and be connected in a deep and meaningful way to the congregation as a whole.  Let me know if you are interested in this first small group.

Help Nicole Make Great Strides

2010-05-02T15:00:00.000-07:00

One of our members, Nicole Relyea, will be participating in a walk for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation on May 16th. Rather than paraphrasing her letter I'm posting it below.

Dear Friends,

Most of you I have met in the last several months. Some of you may know that I have a younger brother, Jonathan. A few of you probably know that Jon has Cystic Fibrosis, a genetic disease that effects the lungs and digestive system, and for which there is currently no cure. Every year, I participate in the Great Strides walkathon to raise funds for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, which supports research into therapies and treatments for this illness.

When Jon was born, his lungs collapsed. My parents were told he would never leave the hospital. But he did.

When he came home, we had round-the-clock nursing care in our home, and Jon was on oxygen. Doctors said he probably wouldn't make it to 10.

When Jon was 7, they discovered the gene that causes CF. His life expectancy was around 15 at the time.

Three years later, Jon turned 10 and earned a black belt in karate. While strong, we were told 25 was what he could expect.

Last year, Jon turned 25. The life expectancy for CF patients is now somewhere around 40. I expect him to have a full life and never let a predicted number decide anything for him. He hasn't yet.

My parents get a huge part of the credit for this. Throughout his childhood they were diligent about his treatments, ensuring he got every medication he was supposed to and received the lung therapies he needed.

But the other major component of my brother's ever-increasing life expectancy is thanks to the work of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. The CFF does a fantastic job of funding research, and is widely known as one of the best organizations to donate to because they are so good about making sure the money goes to the best research with the most potential.

However, in these past few years of economic downturn, for the first time ever, they have had to cut back on the research they are able to perform.

With all that in mind, I am asking for sponsors and donors for the Great Strides CF walkathon coming up on May 16. Two years ago, I raised $250 for research. Last year, I raised more than double that. This year, my goal is $1500, which I am raising on behalf of Jon, and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation office in Madison, WI, which has had to cut its staff down to one and a half people this year.

I know many of us have had a tough year financially, I of all people understand that. But if you can help out with anything, even just $5 or $10, it will be greatly appreciated.

To see my progress and donate online, go to my Great Strides webpage at:
http://www.cff.org/Great_Strides/dsp_DonationPage.cfm?walkid=6370&idUser=294974

I will also be posting about my fundraising efforts on my blog at www.onlythecurious.com

I thank you for your support and friendship.

Sincerely,

Nicole Relyea

If you're willing and able, I hope you'll join me in supporting Nicole!

E-Candles of Community

2010-05-02T14:55:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday to Jeremiah Mashore, Sara Bridgeforth, and Ian Jaffe!

We join the Hunts in joy and sorrow that their friend's daughter who was abducted safely made it home, we wish your friend's family lots of support as they and their daughter heal.

Congrats to the McCreadys who had a baby girl in April!

More YA Events

2010-04-20T12:55:00.000-07:00

Comdy Works - This Wednesday, April 21st
Tim Redetzke asked me to invite everyone to Comedy Works in Greenwood Village this Wednesday, April 21st at 7:10p. He has free tickets for up to 18 people (there's a 2 drink min. but you can always just get soda). If you're interested in a fun night and free tickets email Tim at t_redetzke (at) hotmail (dot) com

Comedians: Eugene Kenney & Bryan Kellen

Comedy Works-The Landmark
5345 Landmark Pl.
Greenwood Village, CO 80111
(720) 274-6800

Housewarming/ Birthday Party - This Saturday, April 24th
Karl Onsager has invited everyone to his housewarming/birthday party this Saturday, April 24th beginning at 2:30p. Karl will be grilling all afternoon. For more information email me at amanda (at) firstuniversalist (dot) org.

E-Candles of Community

2010-04-11T21:24:00.001-07:00

Congrats to Sarah and Dan who are going to have their first baby in about 5 months!

Congrats to Karl for closing on his first home.

Brooke, so sorry to hear about your grandfather who passed away just before St. Patrick's Day. But we share your joy for your foster cats who will be adopted.

Nicole, we're glad you're back in Denver and that you'll planning to stay for a while! Good luck on the job hunt!

Happy Birthday to Jeremiah and Leonard, hope you both have years that were even more wonderful than the last.

Join our Kickball team!

2010-04-10T18:09:00.000-07:00

Want to play some friendly kickball?

I'm trying to put together a team to play on a summer league. We'd be playing on Wednesday nights and the league starts the first week of June.

It's a little pricey ($70) but registration includes 8 weeks of play, a donation to charity as well as beer at every game. For more information check out the website: http://www.kifac.org/kickball.html Some friends did this last year and said it's super fun without being crazy competative.

If you're interesting in playing on the team email me at amanda (at)firstuniversalist (dot)com before April 23rd.

ps - you should totally ask me for the story about the guy in the above picture...it's a good time.

April Calendar of Events

2010-04-10T18:04:00.000-07:00

First Sunday Brunch - Sunday, April 10th 10:30a
Last week was the first Sunday...but it was also Easter so we didn't do brunch. BUT...we're back this week! Join us this Sunday, April 11th after the 9:30 service. We'll be going to Breakfast on Broadway. Check out the menu here: http://www.breakfastonbroadway.com/. Looking forward to seeing you this Sunday!

First U Annual Chili Cook off - Saturday, April 17th
Adult tickets are $10 and childrens tickets are $5. For more information contact Patra at patra51@comcast.net.

Theology on Tap - Monday, April 19th at 7p
Last month was a busy month for people so we're going to try Rack House again. We'll be discussing this month's worship theme at Rackhouse Pub on Monday, April 19th at 7:00pm. Rackhouse is located at 208 S Kalamath St.

Rocky Horror Picture Show - Friday or Saturday, April 30th or May 1st
The young adult group over at First Unitarian will be going to the Rocky Horror Picture show at the Esquire Theater. It's going to play at midnight at the Esquire (6th & Downing), on both Friday, April 30, and Saturday, May 1. Tickets are $7.25. The group is still deciding if they want to go on Friday or Saturday. Email Kyle at kyleadalton@yahoo.com to let him know if you'd like to go and put in your vote for Friday the 30th, or Saturday the 1st.

If you weren't at service today...

2010-03-15T01:11:00.001-07:00

...you missed the choir doing an amazing version of this song...

...the only thing that would have made it better is if it had been complimented by weird interpretive dance.

Unrelated: Don't forget - Theology on Tap is tonight at Rack House Pub at 7pm!

Join us at the improv!

2010-03-06T15:36:00.000-08:00

Let's go out for a few laughs to see Fusion Improv Comedy @ the Bovine Metropolis (1527 Champa Street in LoDo). The first act will explore extreme characters in normal situations or normal characters in outrageous situations. The second act will take you into a whole new world where the actors could become and create anything. Let's meet up for a slice of pizza at Two Fisted Marios beforehand (at 6:30). Improv starts at 7:30. For full details check out the website here.

March Calendar of Events

2010-03-02T15:19:00.000-08:00

Frozen Dead Guy Days - Saturday, March 6, 2010
Ok, so I didn't get my act together time for us to enter the coffin race (and we would have won, I'm small!). AND it's terribly late notice...BUT it does look fun. If a group of people want to get together on Saturday (this week 3/6/10) and head up to Nederland to check out the festivities I, for one , would be happy to go. Check out the details here and email me if you're interested:
http://www.nederlandchamber.org/events_fdgd-events.html. No set plan but if you're interested in going email amanda@firstuniversalist.org

First Sunday Brunch - Sunday, March 7 at 10:30a
This month we'll be checking out Le Central. Why? Because I've never had their brunch...and we're fancy like that (ok, it's not that fancy, I'm just a broke law student so I like to pretend). Le Central is located 112 E. 8th Ave., Denver, CO. Parking isn't ideal so we'll be carpooling after the first service (meet at the welcome desk around 10:30). Last month we had a great turn out...if you plan on coming this month let me know and I'll try and put our name on the list so we don't have to wait too long. RSVP to amanda@firstuniversalist.org. Le Central's brunch menu can be found here: http://www.lecentral.com/ourmenu/menu.html

Theology on Tap - Monday, March 15th at 7p
We'll be discussing this month's worship theme of Creation back at Rackhouse Pub on Monday, March 15th at 7:00pm. Rackhouse is located at 208 S Kalamath St. If you have questions or carpooling needs contact me at amanda@firstuniversalist.org

Taize Style Service - Monday, March 22, 2010 7p
A prayful music-centered worship service. For more info email John at john@firstuniversalist.org

E-Candles of Community

2010-03-02T15:09:00.001-08:00

- Happy Birthday Chris! Can't believe it's been a year since Rio margarita night.
- Condolences to Aaron Brown and his family, his great aunt passed away on Saturday.
- Congrats to Nicole Relyea who will be embarking on a three week bicycle tour across Texas as a fundraiser for a school for children with disabilities. She had to give up her apartment and job to be able to do the tour...we wont let you be homeless when you get back.
- Congrats to Karl Onsager for going under contract on a home. We hope this one has better luck with the inspection!
- Congrats to John Hubert and everyone else who made the canvass a huge success.
- And finally, I never light candles at church it makes me feel weird, but thank you thank you thank you to everyone who was so supportive as I freaked out this weekend. I feel so blessed to have made such wonderful friends in the short time I've lived in Colorado. Thank you for being such loving people.

E-Candles of Community

2010-02-22T13:26:00.001-08:00

Congrats to Sara and Allen B! - Allen for celebrating his 35th birthday and Sara for finding a new job. Woot!

Sympathy to Aaron B. whose grandmothers and great aunt are ill.

Sympathy to Jonathan D. whose grandmother passed away on Sunday.

Theology on Tap - Tonight! Venue change!

2010-02-15T12:59:00.000-08:00

Theology on Tap is tonight! (and the bar we were going to go to is closed!)

So, in unfortunate turn of events, it seems that The Handle Bar (where we were going to have ToT) is closed. Theology on Tap is still on at 7pm but we're going to a different location...

Gov's Park
672 Logan St.
Denver, CO
http://govnrspark.com/home.php

We'll be discussing UUA President Peter Morales' recent message about Standing on the Side of Love.

See you tonight!

Giving Back - Food Donations Needed

2010-02-02T11:06:00.000-08:00

Did you know that First Universalist has an ongoing food drive? We do! So bring non-perishables goods with you to Sunday services. It's a fun and easy way to give back to your community.

First U continues to collect nonperishable items for Inter-Faith Community Services Food Bank, a local provider of food for those going through difficult times. They are in desperate need of donations; particularly cold weather foods such as soups, pasta and chili. Higher food prices coupled with job losses have brought more families seeking help. Donations may be places in the barrel in the foyer by the front entry. Donations of eyeglasses and hearing aids are also accepted and appreciated.

For more information about Inter-Faith Community Services visit their website:
http://www.ifcs.org/

Feb. Calendar of Events

2010-02-02T10:54:00.000-08:00

Worship - Every Sunday at 9:30a and 11:30a

Facing History and Ourselves Film Series - Wednesday, Feb. 3rd 7-8:30p
The Starz Film Series is featuring a film about the work of Martha Sharp and her husband, the Rev. Waitsill Sharp, in saving Jews during WW II. A couple of years ago the State of Israel recognized their work by naming them as First Among Nations. The UUA and UUSC have recognized their work and celebrated these courageous and faithful Unitarians.

Seating is limited - RSVP is required at www.facinghistory.org/denverevents

This film is part of an educational series, Facing History and Ourselves, on world events that highlights women and men of courage and resilience who have made a difference in the world. You're fearless leader wont be able to make it to this film but it's FREE and if people are interested I'm happy to put you in touch with one another so email me at amanda@firstuniversalist.org

First Sunday Brunch - Sunday, Feb. 7th at 10:30a
Please join us this Sunday (Yes, it's super bowl Sunday but you'll still have time to make it by the store for Doritos before the game). We'll be checking out Racines Restaurant (http://www.racinesrestaurant.com/brunch.htm) at 650 Sherman Street after the first service.

Super Bowl Party - Sunday, Feb. 7th
The Clymers have generously extended the an invitation to her super bowl party to the Young Adult group. If you'd like to enjoy their 58" plasma TV in Highlands Ranch this Sunday, Feb. 6th after our brunch outing email Sarah at sarah@clymer.net

Theology on Tap - Monday, Feb. 15th 7:00pm
Theology on Tap continues to be a huge success! We'll be discussing this month's worship theme of love at The Handle Bar and Grill on Monday, Feb. 15th at 7:00pm. The Handle Bar is located at 305 S Downing St. If you have questions or carpooling needs contact me at amanda@firstuniversalist.org

Snow Shoeing - Sunday, Feb. 21st at 10:30a
Join us Sunday, Feb. 21st after the first service for our first ever snow shoeing trip! For all the details check out the google document here. We'll meet at the welcome desk and then head up to the mountains. Snow shoeing will go for a couple hours and then we'll grab an early dinner together. To RSVP or if you have questions email Jeremiah at jeremiahmashore@gmail.com Don't have snow shoes? Don't worry, you can rent them at REI! Veterans and first-timers welcome!

Other Calendars
The Unigram (covering Feb. 4th -21st) can be found here
The general chruch calendar can be found here

(e) Candles of Community

2010-01-21T13:13:00.000-08:00

Congrats to Karl Onsager who just purchased his first home...we'll all stay tuned for the housewarming party details!

Congrats to Eric Espinoza who will be moving to Peru to volunteer/work. We'll miss him but it's sure to be a meaningful trip. (If you're looking for a place to live, Eric knows of a great condo you can rent from him while he's gone)

January Calendar of Events

2010-01-21T12:50:00.000-08:00

Jumping - Jan. 7th, 2010
Some of us Jumped into the new year in early January. There are sure to be more trips to Jump Street later this year.

Denver MLK Marade - Jan. 19th, 2010
A contingent of young adults attended the "marade" and had a wonderful time. Thank you Hunt family for the photos!
Theology on Tap - Monday, Jan. 25th, 2010 at 7pm
Rackhouse Pub located at 208 Kalamath St., Denver, CO, 80223(www.rackhousepub.com).
Join us this month as we discuss the idea of courage across different faiths. Email amanda@fistuniversalist.org if you have carpooling needs.

Mark your calendars! Snow Shoeing!
Our group will be going snow shoeing after the first service on Sunday, Feb 21st. Everyone is welcome and REI has affordable snow shoe rentals. More information to come.

Other Calendars

The Unigram can be found here

The First U master calendar can be found here

Giving Back

2009-12-02T16:19:00.000-08:00

This holiday season the young adult group will be sponsoring the Mitten and Hat Tree at First Universalist.

On the next three Sundays (12/6, 12/13, and 12/20) bring mittens, gloves, and hats to decorate our giving tree. The warm items will be donated to Urban Peak, a resource center for homeless teens in the Denver area. Questions? email amanda@firstuniversalist.org.

December Calendar of Events

2009-12-02T16:05:00.000-08:00

Parade of Lights - 12/5/09 - Meet at the DU light rail station at 5pm -
Join us for Denver's Annual parade of lights this weekend! The event features marching bands, dazzling floats, giant balloons,and special appearances by local Denver celebrities. The parade is free so bring the whole family!

The parade starts in downtown at 6p this Saturday Dec. 5th and is usually quite crowded. Meet at the DU light rail station (where there's lots of parking at the park and ride) at 5pm. RSVP to amanda@firistuniversalist.org so that we don't leave you behind!

Fist Sunday Brunch - 12/6/09 - Meet at the welcome desk after the 9:30a service -
First Sunday brunch is this week! Join us for yummy vegetarian food at WaterCourse. Yes, that's right, we're going to try WaterCourse again...last time, my car died and I didn't make. Wish me better "car"ma this time. WaterCourse is located at 837 E 17th Ave, Denver. We will meet after the first service (around 10:30) at the welcome desk.

"Oh My God?" Film Screening - 12/8/09, 7:15 at the Starz Film Center (900 Auraria Parkway, Denver, CO 80204) -
The Denver Starz Film Center is offering 2 for 1 tickets for the showing of "Oh My God?" on Tuesday, Dec. 8th. This brings the per ticket price down to $4.75. The film is a documentary about perceptions of God in 23 different countries. If you'd like to attend please email Amanda at amanda@firstuniversalist.org.

Annual First U Holiday Party - 12/13/09
Join your fellow church members for some fun holiday spirit

Theology on Tap - 12/21/09 at 7pm at Bull & Bush
Join some of your favorite conversationalist for a discussion of this month's worship theme "Grace." Bull & Bush is located at 4700 Cherry Creek South Drive
Denver, CO 80246. If you have carpool needs please contact Amanda at amanda@firstuniversalist.org.

(e)Candles of Community

2009-11-16T09:22:00.001-08:00

I, personally, am quite happy that Fernando O. and his snow boarding pal walked away from a nasty car accident on Friday. Fernando, I'm sad your truck didn't make it out but I couldn't be happier that you and your friend are both safe.

Theology on Tap

2009-11-12T15:40:00.000-08:00

Theology on Tap is next Monday!

Please join us at Hacienda (4100 E. Mexico Ave.).

This months topic is "What is your ideal society?" Over the past couple months we've talked a lot about responsibility and what we, as individuals, feel we should be doing. But we haven't really talked about the end goal. In other words, 10 years from now, what kind of world would you like to live in.

The jumping off point will be this article. I look forward to seeing you Monday.

Volunteering

2009-11-12T15:31:00.000-08:00

Our group has long talked about how it would like to do more volunteer work. I, personally, think that giving back to and working with the community is a key part of maintaining my own spiritual health. Eventually, I'd like our group to have 1 or 2 ongoing hands-on projects but I thought maybe we'd start small.

Urban Peak is in need to hats and gloves for homeless teens. The YA group will be heading up the drive at First U during November and December. If you don't have a lot of time during the holiday season you can contribute by simply dropping off a hat or pair of gloves. If you have a little more time and would help to organize or expand the drive email Amanda at amanda@firstuniversalist.org.

Interfaith Community Services is offering opportunities to sponsor a senior citizen or family for the holidays. I think it's be great if we adopted a family (they have opportunities as small or as large as we'd like). I know that budgets are tight over the holidays but this might be an easy way to come together and make a big difference for an individual or family. Again, contact amanda@firstuniversalist.org for more info.

November Calendar

2009-11-04T22:32:00.000-08:00

11/6-11/7 Obstacles to Peace Film Festival
Free film series hosted by the University of Denver

11/7 - Big Universe at JUC
Joe Stone's band performing in a family friendly environment
6:30-9p JUC 14350 W 32nd Ave, Golden, CO
$5 donation suggested, carpooling available

11/8 - "First" Sunday Brunch
WaterCourse Foods - 837 E 17th Ave, Denver, CO
We'll carpool over after the first service (meet at the welcome desk at 10:30a)

11/16 - Theology on Tap
Our monthly UU equivalent of a bible study. Come enjoy great company and thought provoking conversation. Conversation begins at 7pm.
Hacienda - 4100 E. Mexico Ave., Denver, CO

11/22 - Free Day at the Museum of Nature and Science
We'll meet at the welcome desk after the second service (roughly 12:30) and head over. If the weather is nice we'll also do a brown bag picnic. Please RSVP to this event so we can keep you updated on the lunch plans. All ages welcome - feel free to bring the little ones in your family.

For more information or to RSVP to any of the events please email amanda@firstuniversalist.org

For more information about upcoming general church events check out the Unigram.

Pumpkin Carving

2009-10-27T16:12:00.000-07:00

Thank you everyone who came to pumpkin carving last night! It was wondeful to spend time with such great company. Here are the pictoral highlights. Check out First U's facebook group to see all the pictures.

(e)Candles of Community

2009-10-11T16:43:00.001-07:00

Congrats Sara B. for passing the Colorado Bar... now we have someone to represent us in court!

Happy Birthday Jonathan D. (Tuesday, 10/13) - We're glad you're in Denver!

Theology on Tap - Morality and MLK

2009-09-21T20:53:00.000-07:00

Tonight we began our discussion of morality with a few MLK quotes:

"On some positions, Cowardice asks the question, 'Is it safe?' Expediency asks the question, 'Is it politic?' But Conscience asks the question, 'Is it right?' And there comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular, but he must do it because Conscience tells him it is right. I believe today that there is a need for all people of good will to come together with a massive act of conscience and say in the words of the old Negro spiritual, 'We ain't goin' study war no more.' This is the challenge facing modern man.
- Remaining Awak Through a Great Revolution (March 31st, 1968)

"Power properly understood is nothing but the ability to achieve purpose. It is the strength required to bring about social, political, and economic change. ... Now a lot of us are preachers, and all of us have our moral convictions and concerns, and so often have problems with power. There is nothing wrong with power if power is used correctly. You see, what happened is that some of our philosophers got off base. And one of the great problems of history is that the concepts of love and power have usually been contrasted as opposites - polar opposites - so that love is identified with a resignation of power, and power with the denial of love. It was this misintepretation that caused Nietzsche, who was a philosopher of the will to power, to reject the Christian concept of love. It was this same miinterpretation which induced Christian theologians to reject the Nietzchean philosophy of the will to power in the name of the Christian idea of love. Now, we've got to get this thing right. What is needed is a realization that power without love is reckless and abusive, and love without power is sentimental and anemic. Power at its best is love implementing the demands of justice, and justice at its best is power correcting everything that stands against love. And this is what we must see as we move on. What has happened is that we have had it wrong and confused in out own country, and this has led Negro Americans in the past to seek their goals through power devoid of love and conscience. This is leading a few extermists today to advocate for Negroes the same destructive and conscienceless power that they have justly abhorred in whites. It is precisely this collision of immoral power with powerless morality which constitutes the major crisis of our times."
- Where do we go from here? 1967

Welcome!

2009-09-20T14:49:00.000-07:00

We've tried Yahoo! groups, Google groups, monthly emails... now we're trying a blog.

This site will hopefully serve as a listing up upcoming events, a recap of our past events, and a space for online conversation. For now, I'll post the administrative stuff; but, I also welcome guest thoughts and blogs. If you have something you'd like to post please contact me at amanda@firstuniversalist.org.

Love and Peace!