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People’s Church Unitarian Universalist in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, celebrated its 150th anniversary this month. The congregation’s minister, the Rev. Rebecca Hinds, said, “Unitarian Universalism is a faith a lot of people come into rather than grow up in, but we’re a historic faith with a long history. . . . It’s important to hold that history.” (The Gazette, September 9)
The Unitarian Universalist Church in Livermore, California, also celebrated an anniversary—its 60th. The congregation celebrated by burying a time capsule. (The Independent, September 5)
People of faith offering sanctuary
Temple Beth Hatfiloh in Olympia, Washington, like several UU congregations, has offered sanctuary to an immigrant family from Guatemala. The Rev. Caro McKinley, affiliated minister at Olympia UU Congregation, said, “We are living in troubled times in this country, times that continue to see racist, xenophobic, and violent rhetoric used to vilify both documented and undocumented immigrants. . . . It is imperative that people of goodwill, people of faith, come together to challenge unjust, inhumane acts perpetrated in our name at the border—to offer sanctuary to those living in fear.” (Crosscut, September 6)
Living by heart in troubled times
Members of First Parish UU Church in Northborough, Massachusetts, participate in a “Living by Heart” group that uses poetry to help them cope with the trauma of the daily news cycle. According to Doris Tivnan, “The goal of the curriculum is to develop one’s meditation practices, which will lead to a living by heart mindset. . . . The curriculum emphasizes the power of poetry to inspire and to become ingrained in one’s thought process. (Community Advocate, September 3)