East Shore Unitarian Sermons (bellevue, Wa)

Images hold power. They shape and inform how we perceive the world. They also influence how we treat people around equity, accessibility and inclusion. Join us as we learn to break down societal barriers in order to break through, break open and break free into a more expansive, liberated world for people of all abilities.

Join us in celebrating Easter, Ostara, and the amazing Trans siblings in our lives! Easter and Ostara celebrate new life, the Resurrection, and Spring. TDOV celebrates the joy and resilience of trans and non-binary people everywhere by elevating voices and experiences from these communities.

Join Rev. Maria Cristina and members of the Covenant of Unitarian Universalist Pagans (CUUPS) as we explore the rituals of making home altars as a healing spiritual practice.

Join us in celebrating International Women's Day by imagining and helping to create a world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. Together we can celebrate women's achievements, raise awareness about discrimination, and take action to drive gender parity. Also during the service, join us for a very special Blessing of the Children ceremony followed by an ice cream social!

Social Justice as a Spiritual Practice. We often make a distinction between social justice actions and spiritual practices. Can social justice activism be sacred? Are we making artificial distinctions that separate us from the spiritual nature of social justice activism? Join us as we explore mindfulness-enriched approaches to antiracism and social justice in an environment that promotes self-reflection, deep listening and community engagement.

This month our theme is Love, and we UUs believe in expressing love through service. Our partner for Share the Plate on February 25th is PorchLight, formerly Congregations for the Homeless (CFH). East Shore has partnered with them for many years through hosting their Rotating Shelter each October.

Unitarian Universalism centers love in the shape of social justice. We nourish community, value relationships, care for the suffering, and practice love by breaking through labels and divisions. What are the challenges and lessons of being a welcoming congregation? How do we find our way back when we miss the mark? How do we widen the circle of care and concern? “He drew a circle that shut me out- Heretic, rebel, a thing to flout. But love and I had the wit to win: We drew a circle and took him In!” ― Edwin Markham

There is so much causing us to stress these days. Sometimes one of the greatest gifts we can give each other is the gift of laughter and fun. Join us in sharing the wonderful gifts of laughter, love, and togetherness. It’s not always appropriate to get silly, but when we can, it’s a wonderful thing!

Universalist Clara Barton is best known for her work in organizing nursing services during the Civil War and, later, founding the American Red Cross. She did not start this work until she was over 40. The Clara Barton Sisterhood was created in her name as a way for local women’s groups, congregations, and individuals to honor women aged 80 and over for their contributions to their congregations and communities.

“We need a new theology of darkness—a new way to relate to the darkness, blackness, and brownness that surrounds us.” Inspired by Minister and Poet Kristen L. Harper, we are invited to explore and transform our perceptions of blackness. Join us as we lift up the strength and beauty of the Darkness Divine. 

"We need, in every community, a group of angelic troublemakers" This Sunday we honor the legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King by lifting up the collective power of community. We recognize that every great leader needs people to support them, often anonymously and behind the scenes. We'll shine the light on the architect of the March on Washington: Bayard Rustin, a key organizer and significant leader whom the majority of people have never heard of. We honor not just the drum-majors of the civil rights movement but the foot-soldiers as well.

The Feast of the Epiphany reminds us to honor all of our life’s journeys, particularly the unexpected detours. We’ll reflect on the meaning of the Epiphany and those unexpected “Aha!” moments that might change the course of our spiritual journeys. With impending change, come both fear and child-like wonder. Let us ponder the magical experience of following your star! Rev. Dr. María Cristina Vlassidis Burgoa will be preaching.

Join us for a lovely candlelight service with carols and readings that convey the spirit of Christmas.

In many Latin American countries we celebrate Las Posadas, a pre-Christmas tradition recreating the arduous journey of Mary and Joseph fleeing from violence and seeking refuge. In the United States, many churches incorporate this tradition as an expression of solidarity with all immigrants and refugees. We are reminded that we are a living sanctuary and a welcoming congregation.

The wheel of the year has turned again. Once more the Thanksgiving season has arrived. Let us sing our song of gratitude together. Let us gather in community to give thanks for all the blessings we have received. Please join us for a Thanksgiving potluck immediately following the service. All are welcome! 

In such a small world it can mean so much to welcome the stranger. Now, and perhaps more than ever, our generous responses may be the key to building the community we yearn to grow. Reverend Eric Kaminetzky grew up in Unitarian Universalism and serves our Congregation in Edmonds, WA. His first career was in the law as a licensed and practicing Attorney.

Join us to honor the memory of our dearly departed. We will begin to build our community altars in the sanctuary on Friday, October 27 and Saturday, October 28 from 12:00-4:00 pm. You can also bring your photographs, flowers, and mementos on Sunday morning. “At the rising sun and at its going down; We remember them. For as long as we live, they too will live, for they are now a part of us as we remember them.”

We celebrate the many ways that our East Shore community nourishes our spiritual journeys and keeps us connected. Join us as we pledge our love and support to our Beloved Community and plant seeds for the future.

Join us as we celebrate Indigenous People's Day and reaffirm our commitment to strengthen our connections with our indigenous neighbors. We recognize the impact of settler colonialism. We lift up indigenous ways of knowing to guide us in building the Beloved Community and practice being in right relationship with Mother Earth and all our relatives.

Join us in person or via Zoom for our annual Blessing of the Animals ceremony. You are invited to bring your pets so they can receive a blessing (please ensure they are on a leash or in a carrier). If your animal companions have crossed over the rainbow bridge, please bring their photo so we can honor their memory.