Westside Unitarian Universalist Church Podcast

As the UUA's Article II commission explores the inclusion of our 8th principle it is simultaneously exploring an expansion of our 1st principle to include the inherent worth and dignity of all beings. In our faith with no dogmatic tests, what new avenues of spiritual growth might emerge were we to adopt such an expansion? What challenges might we face? What new depths of compassion might we be called into? *NOTICE* In most cases, the podcast consists only of the primary presentation. From time to time, our “Story For All Ages” is also included; a question and answer period is sometimes included as well. Due to copyright law regarding music performances, music is never included.

It is the season of lights.  Around the world, in many different cultures and ways, we greet the darkness that settles on the northern hemisphere with celebrations that involve bringing in light.  Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, Divali, and Yule or the Winter Solstice--all of these traditions invite us to bring light where there is darkness, joy where there might be sadness, and hope in times of fear.  Let's honor the light within by honoring all the different celebrations of light that abound this time of year.

It has been nearly 21 months since we last gathered indoors in our sanctuary for worship together.  We welcome one another back to a familiar place, but in unfamiliar times, and we may be anticipating both risks and rewards as we return to our church home.  How is this a metaphor for our larger lives, and the times in which we live?How does the risk of ‘welcome' or hospitality during a pandemic parallel other kinds of welcoming risks we might take, both as individuals and as a community?*NOTICE* In most cases, the podcast consists only of the primary presentation. From time to time, our “Story For All Ages” is also included; a question and answer period is sometimes included as well. Due to copyright law regarding music performances, music is never included.

Join us on YouTube, and prepare your bread and wine or grape juice.  We will give thanks for the miracles of this life and take communion "together" from where-ever we happen to be.

Halloween, as we know it today, is a day of candy and costumes, and a day to indulge our beliefs in the unseen or the unknown. With its roots in the Celtic tradition of Samhain, the haunted holiday has transformed from a day of protection to one of revelry.  Join us as we explore what this day can teach us about the intersections of play and protection, and what little bit of magic we can find for ourselves today. Costumes are encouraged! You're listening to the podcast for Westside Unitarian Universalist Church. in Knoxville, Tennessee.Your kind donations help make this podcast possible, as well as support the community work of Westside.Visit www.westsideuuc.org/donate today.

Robert Frost's poem evokes the transitory nature of the things we love.  As we gather to mark the coming observance of All Souls' Day (which will occur on Tuesday, November 2), we pause to remember those who have passed, and to honor the beauty and magic of their lives.  We will share poems and readings, and speak the names of those who have passed from this life but are still in our hearts. You're listening to the podcast for Westside Unitarian Universalist Church. in Knoxville, Tennessee.Your kind donations help make this podcast possible, as well as support the community work of Westside. Donate here: https://www.westsideuuc.org/donate

Intention and CommitmentPresented by Rev. Carol BodeauThe core of Unitarian Universalism is our 7 Principles, which guide our decision-making and actions.  We say that we “covenant to affirm and promote” these values, but what does it mean to put those values into action?  There are lots of ways to live the 7 Principles.  This week, let's consider the difference between intention and commitment, as we look more closely at the denomination's call for us to “widen the circle of concern” in our congregations and communities.You're listening to the podcast for Westside Unitarian Universalist Church. in Knoxville, Tennessee.Your kind donations help make this podcast possible, as well as support the community work of Westside. Please consider donating by visiting https://www.westsideuuc.org/donate

All Creatures and Critters: Animal BlessingPresented by Rev. Carol BodeauOur service begins at 10 a.m. Outdoors at WestsideLive streamed to ZoomCoffee Hour to follow on Zoom, ≈ 11 a.m.Animals are a part of all of our lives.  Whether we have personal pets or not, we all encounter living creatures from other species every day--the birds outside our windows, the wildlife we revere in our local national park, the annoying neighborhood dog or cat or coyote, the mosquitos and flies and ants at the picnic, and even the creatures living in our soil that bring nutrients into our food.  We are truly part of an interdependent web of life.  This week, we honor the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi by blessing all the animals in our lives.  You're listening to the podcast for Westside Unitarian Universalist Church. in Knoxville, Tennessee.Your kind donations help make this podcast possible, as well as support the community work of Westside. To donate, visit https://www.westsideuuc.org/donate Thank you!

Gordon Light's well-known song encourages us to 'draw the circle wide, draw it wider still' so that 'no one stands alone.'  How wide are our circles of community, care and action?  Today we kick off a year of answering the call from our denomination to draw the circle wider, and we begin by exploring our own personal circles of connection and covenant. You're listening to the podcast for Westside Unitarian Universalist Church. in Knoxville, Tennessee.Your kind donations help make this podcast possible, as well as support the community work of Westside. www. westsideuuc.org/donate*NOTICE* In most cases, the podcast consists only of the primary presentation. From time to time, our “Story For All Ages” is also included; a question and answer period is sometimes included as well. Due to copyright law regarding music performances, music is never included.

In December of 1776, Revolutionary activist Thomas Paine published the first of a series of pamphlets which, all together, were called "The American Crisis" (or sometimes just "The Crisis").  They were designed to rally the American people and the Continental army during the hard beginning of the American Revolutionary War.  Paine's opening remarks may be familiar: "These are the times that try men's souls..."  Paine's urging that the people not give up hope, that justice takes a long time coming, and that proper dedication of energy and resources is needed to counter tyranny of all sorts, might still ring true for us today.  As we mark the 20th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, let us look back through history at a few other trying times for encouragement and inspiration.*NOTICE* In most cases, the podcast consists only of the primary presentation. From time to time, our “Story For All Ages” is also included; a question and answer period is sometimes included as well. Due to copyright law regarding music performances, music is never included.Please support our podcast by donating to Westside. Visit www.westsideuuc.org/donate

Most Americans mistakenly think that slavery is a thing of the past--something that was done away with here in the United States, and generally in most of the western world, in the middle of the 19th century.  Of course, many of us are aware that slavery still exists in other countries, but are we paying attention to how we ourselves are supporting slave labor when we go online or to the mall?  It's time we started thinking about the supply chains for our globally produced goods (which is most of what we use) and hold ourselves accountable to know where and how our toys, furniture, technology, clothing and other material goods are made, and whether or not slave labor was part of their production.  Come learn some tools for waking up and taking action. Please consider donating to Westside: https://www.westsideuuc.org/donate*NOTICE* In most cases, the podcast consists only of the primary presentation. From time to time, our “Story For All Ages” is also included; a question and answer period is sometimes included as well. Due to copyright law regarding music performances, music is never included.

Summer is a season for adventure, travel and exploration...and this summer, many of us have been thrilled to get back out there and see and do things that were off-limits over the last year.  Travel--whether we go in body or just in our thoughts-- opens the heart and frees the mind from the limitations of too much sameness and confinement.  Let's embrace the joy and expansion of new vistas, new perspectives, and contemplate where we might like to journey in the future. *NOTICE* In most cases, the podcast consists only of the primary presentation. From time to time, our “Story For All Ages” is also included; a question and answer period is sometimes included as well. Due to copyright law regarding music performances, music is never included.Please consider donating to Westside and our Share the Plate Partner. Visit www.westsideuuc.org/donate today!

CASA stands for Court Appointed Special Advocates, who are trained to represent the best interests of children in juvenile abuse and neglect court cases. CASA is a local, nonprofit organization in communities all across the nation. Since its inception, CASA volunteers have helped more than two million children find safe, permanent homes. Find out more about the important work that CASA is doing here in East Tennessee, and how we can help.To donate to CASA through our Share the Plate Program, visit www.westsideuuc.org/donate*NOTICE* In most cases, the podcast consists only of the primary presentation. From time to time, our “Story For All Ages” is also included; a question and answer period is sometimes included as well. Due to copyright law regarding music performances, music is never included.

“Transgenerational Colonialism as a Foundation for Collective Empathy” is based on the concept that as the descendants of immigrants we are all part of the colonialist system through our ancestors. Their stories live in us through family recountings, cultural institutions and in our DNA. This talk examine transgenerational transmission of conflict in the light of recent findings in the field of epigenetics and inquires how awareness of this process might encourage us to acknowledge our common colonial experiences and use that as a means of establishing empathy with others going forward.For information on our outdoor and Zoom services, please visit our website at westsideuuc.orgKarel James Bouse is an Author, Educator and Integrative Spirituality and Self-Discovery Consultant. She holds Doctorates in History and Psychology and is the author of Neo-shamanism and Mental Health (2019. Palgrave Macmillan) and Transgenerational Colonialism: Wounding, Overcoming and the Reconstruction of Collective and Personal Identity (2021. Lexington Books/Rowman & Littlefield). She is the Director of the Institute of Esoteric Psychology (https://institute-ep.com) and the first book in her self-discovery program entitled Finding the Phoenix: Tools for Self-Discovery will be published late this Autumn.

Human beings love to understand our world in terms of time.  We mark out the turning of the seasons by days, weeks, and months, all of which have their own particular 'tasks' or activities.  We mark out individual days by hourly markers which determine what sorts of food we eat, who we are with, and how relaxed we can expect to be. And we understand the arc of our lives in a linear, beginning-middle-end kind of way.  Timelines, to-do lists, and graphics that show 'progress' or change over time help us feel secure and clear about our place in our world.  But doesn't life just have a way of messing with all that tidy, organized perspective?  How can we understand 'time' in a new way that gives us more freedom and flexibility?Donate to our Share the Plate Partner or to Westside at https://www.westsideuuc.org/donate*NOTICE* In most cases, the podcast consists only of the primary presentation. From time to time, our “Story For All Ages” is also included; a question and answer period is sometimes included as well. Due to copyright law regarding music performances, music is never included.

Scottish mountaineer William Hutchisson Murray wrote the famous (and often misattributed) words: Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it.  Boldness has genius, power and magic in it!   Most of us have heard this sentiment, but don't really understand its context, or what Murray really meant when he said it.  This week, let us consider what it means to truly 'commit' ourselves to a goal, action, community, or even a particular value or ethic.  Visit www.westsideuuc.org/donate to contribute to Westside. We appreciate you!*NOTICE* In most cases, the podcast consists only of the primary presentation. From time to time, our “Story For All Ages” is also included; a question and answer period is sometimes included as well. Due to copyright law regarding music performances, music is never included.

During this past year, our lives were turned upside down--and we faced anxiety, loss and isolation.  Many activities and relationships that we believed central to our lives had to be set aside.   But now things are beginning to look more hopeful and people are beginning to think about the future.  At this Voices of the Congregation service, members will share their thoughts about what they are most looking forward to as their lives become less restricted. Help keep the podcasts going by making a donation to Westside! Visit https://www.westsideuuc.org/donate today!

Before March of 2020, we may have casually considered using technology to widen the circle of our Westside message, but, since then, like many others, we have been forced willy-nilly into the world of virtual church services. What have we learned that will allow us to better fulfill our mission as Unitarian Universalists, and what positive lessons can we carry forward to improve our in-person and on-line church experiences?If you like our podcasts, please consider donating to Westside! Visit www.westsideuuc.org/donate today!*NOTICE* In most cases, the podcast consists only of the primary presentation. From time to time, our “Story For All Ages” is also included; a question and answer period is sometimes included as well. Due to copyright law regarding music performances, music is never included.

What does it mean to be a part of a beloved community? For Westsider Helen Rivers Cassara (they/them) it means having an unconditionally loving and safe space to grow into the holy wholeness their gender identity and sexual orientation. Join us this Sunday to hear Helen’s coming out story as it relates to Westside and explore how being a part of this beloved community can help us all grow into our best selves.If you enjoy our podcast, help support our church! Donate at www.westsideuuc.org/donate*NOTICE* In most cases, the podcast consists only of the primary presentation. From time to time, our “Story For All Ages” is also included; a question and answer period is sometimes included as well. Due to copyright law regarding music performances, music is never included.

presented by Kayla Ringelspaughand Westside's Welcoming Congregation TeamIn a time full of never-ending change and possibility, we look toward chances for visibility within the LGBTQ+ community, and how we can help support those who need it.Like our podcast? Consider donating to our general fund. Visit westsideuuc.org/donate today.*NOTICE* In most cases, the podcast consists only of the primary presentation. From time to time, our “Story For All Ages” is also included; a question and answer period is sometimes included as well. Due to copyright law regarding music performances, music is never included.

The traditional story of "Stone Soup" is all about how individual contributions, when pulled together, make something wonderful for all to share.  As we move through the weeks of our annual canvass campaign, we have the chance to contribute to the 'soup' that is our shared community.  But perhaps we can go beyond just soup, and add some sandwiches, and even dessert!  This week, let's think about what tasty experiences and adventures we would like to have in the coming year as a community. *NOTICE* In most cases, the podcast consists only of the primary presentation. From time to time, our “Story For All Ages” is also included; a question and answer period is sometimes included as well. Due to copyright law regarding music performances, music is never included.

In many world religions, there is a concept of the material world as ‘illusion.’ The Hindus call it “maya.” In Christianity, the Book of Ecclesiates reminds us that “all is vanity.” Unitarian minister and transcendentalist Ralph Waldo Emerson was fascinated with the concept of the world as illusion. This week, we consider just what seeing through ‘illusion’ to ‘truth’ might look or feel like, and we take as our guide Toltec teacher Don Miguel Ruiz, who gives us Four Agreements which he believes will help us move through perceptual ‘unreality’ to ‘reality.’ As we try to sort through shifting messages of ‘truth’ from so many sources, we might ask ourselves how can I truly center myself, for discernment?*NOTICE* In most cases, the podcast consists only of the primary presentation. From time to time, our “Story For All Ages” is also included; a question and answer period is sometimes included as well. Due to copyright law regarding music performances, music is never included.

This week, our topic for consideration is just what UUs past and present believe. We can tell, just from the complexity of our name—Unitarian Universalism—that this is a story with lots of twists and turns. This week, we will take a quick romp through the wide range of theological stances that Unitarians and Universalists have held throughout the past 2000 years, and see how those views match up with some of the current theologies of modern UUs. And we can ask the question, “Just how is this helpful to me, in today’s world?” *NOTICE* In most cases, the podcast consists only of the primary presentation. From time to time, our “Story For All Ages” is also included; a question and answer period is sometimes included as well. Due to copyright law regarding music performances, music is never included.

In the traditional Christian story of Easter, Jesus of Nazareth is persecuted, dies and is buried in a tomb, and then is resurrected to a new life. The themes of this holiday: going from darkness to light, from loss and grief to rebirth and new hope, are common to many religious holidays of this season, most notably the spring equinox, which occurred a few weeks ago. And they are also themes highly relevant to our times, as we all wait in the stillness and quiet of stay-at-home days for the return of more active, more out-in-the-world times. And we are all feeling a bit of fear, uncertainty, maybe grief or despair, and the strong need for hope that something better is coming. So this week, as we celebrate Easter, let us take time to consider what it means for us, individually and collectively, to emerge from the metaphoric ‘tomb’ back into the sunlight.

“It is best to love wisely, no doubt; but to love foolishly is better than not to be able to love at all.” William Makepeace ThackeryIn these times when physical contact can feel dangerous, and when “social distancing” is not just the norm, but the requirement, what does it mean to demonstrate love to one another? We all know how important showing connection can be in times of isolation, and we’re being pretty creative as a community right now—new Zoom skills, extensive FaceBooking, and intense virtual connectivity are the tools of the day. But these can be exhausting, and costly in terms of time and energy. What does it mean to “love wisely” in this unprecedented and challenging time?

This week, we reflect on how the current global crisis offers us an opportunity to focus on the light that shines when things are most dark. As we move through the Spring Equinox, a time of both light and darkness, we can reflect on how our responses can be a source of healing, caring, and love no matter how hard things get. We can ask ourselves, 'what is the light I have to offer right now?' and 'where is my light most needed?' **NOTICE** The audio of this podcast was taken from a Facebook Live video. There were some issues with lag during the broadcast, which is evident here.