Merriam Webster

UU Lent 2020 – Day 43 – Transcend

CZ

According to Merriam Webster, transcend means 1) to rise above or extend notably beyond ordinary limits, 2) to outstrip or outdo in some attribute, quality, or power, 3) to be prior to, beyond, and above (the universe or material existence), 4) to triumph over the negative or restrictive aspects of

Prayer: Revel in the Mystery by Antonia Bell-Delgado

May we find the courage to revel in the experience of the mystery. 
May we approach the unknown with excitement (even if we can only muster a tiny bit).
May we celebrate the curiosity that leads to searching.
May we meet ourselves along the way and love us, unapologetically.

Amen.

Prayer for When Words Fail by Leslie Takahashi

Calling by Nancy Shaffer

UU Lent 2019 – Day 38 – Sanctuary

CZ

According to Merriam Webster, Sanctuary is

1) a consecrated place: such as
a: the ancient Hebrew temple at Jerusalem or its holy of holies
b(1): the most sacred part of a religious building (such as the part of a Christian church in which the altar is placed)
(2): the room in which general worship services are held
2) a place of refuge and protection

a): a refuge for wildlife where predators are controlled and hunting is illegal
b): the immunity from law attached to a sanctuary

 

Lent 2018 – Day 8 – Comfort

CZ
Warmth in Winter
By Ben Soule

Now has come hard winter,
With whip of wind and slash of snow
and the diamond-bright stars in the black ice of the heavens.
Just as we resist the season with shovel and scraper, wool and windbreaker,
we embrace it with sled and snowboard, cocoa and comforter.
Winter is here: let us find warmth in this time of being together.

 

As REM said, “Everybody hurts”

But what do we do about it? What do we need? Comfort would be the answer.

Merriam Webster defines Comfort:

1: to give strength and hope to: cheer

2: to ease the grief or trouble of: console
We come to church to find comfort in the fellowship and spirit. We need to bathe in warmth and love. Comfort is necessary to help us keep moving towards all of our goals. We are making ourselves strong for another day when we allow ourselves to be comforted. We are making others strong when we comfort them. 
In the reading, “Comfort Ye My People” Barbara Rohde reflects on comfort in all its forms.
Namaste,
Cricket

 

Meditation on Sacred

CZ

According to Merriam Webster the definition of sacred is

  1. a :  dedicated or set apart for the service or worship of a deity b :  devoted exclusively to one service or use (as of a person or purpose)

  2. 2a :  worthy of religious veneration : b :  entitled to reverence and respect

 

 

Universal Rhythm Benediction By Israel Buffardi
My friends, when you go from here know that our hearts are always in a holy place, for we are always connected to one another.
Know that deep down, our hearts beat in one universal rhythm.
May we each find the sacred space to hear it.

May focusing on what is sacred remind us all that we are sacred.

Namaste,
Cricket

#UULent