Arline LaMear   A soapbox is a raised platform on which one stands to make an impromptu speech, often about a political subject. The term originates from the days when speakers would elevate themselves by standing on a wooden crate originally used for shipment of soap, or other dry goods, from a manufacturer to a retail … Continued

Reverend Mira Kepler   These long warm days call us to relish the sun and sand, rivers and forests. Yearnings for both adventure and rest, learning and play, community and independence. What does summer offer to our spiritual lives and the life of our PUUF community?   ~Open hearts, open minds, room for all theologies, … Continued

Reverend Sharon K. Dittmar   In his poem, “A Ritual to Read to One Another,” William E. Stafford clarifies why humans must communicate with one another, and to do so well and clearly. Many of us are still struggling with grief and anxiety after both the election of 2016 and COVID 19. In a time … Continued

Laura Janes A lively discussion by members of the Fellowship describing how they came to Unitarian Universalism, how they interact with our Fellowship and what those connections, beliefs and experiences bring to their lives.   ~Open hearts, open minds, room for all theologies, including yours~   We are meeting in person at the First Presbyterian … Continued

Reverend Mira Kepler   Our bodies carry us through this life and are the means to experiencing the world. How can we bring more depth and love to our embodiment as a spiritual practice in this community?   ~Open hearts, open minds, room for all theologies, including yours~   We are meeting in person at … Continued

Do not come to the Presbyterian Church sanctuary. There is no Zoom service this week.    Do come to Ft Stevens Shelter A Bring a dish for a potluck picnic at Coffenbury Lake in Fort Stevens State Park, Shelter A (same location as last year). Bring any other picnic fun - games, music, etc.  Come … Continued

Rev. Mira Kepler Water Ceremony, End of Summer, Equinox,   ~Open hearts, open minds, room for all theologies, including yours~   We are meeting in person at the First Presbyterian Church of Astoria. The service will also be live-streamed via Zoom for those who are not comfortable attending in person.  Masks are now optional but strongly … Continued

Rev. Carol McKinley We cannot deny the world’s suffering or the painful parts of our own lives, but affirming our sources of joy can help sustain us as we move through anxious times, reminding us to recognize the presence of good in the world. The Reverend Carol McKinley, the affiliated community minister with the Olympia … Continued

Mabon is a festival that marks the autumn equinox and is often celebrated on or around September 21st. It is a time of balance, where day and night are equal, and we give thanks for the abundance of the harvest season. Mabon rituals are primarily centered around balance, so this is a great time to rebalance yourself … Continued

Ian Kepler This week we welcome Mr. Ian Kepler who will share his experience of his Buddhist practice. Ian Kepler is a social worker and therapist with ten years of meditation experience in the Zen Buddhist tradition. He was a resident at Great Vow Zen Monastery for two years and also has experience leading meditation … Continued

Reverend Mira Kepler   With the election looming, many of us get pulled into anxiety, overactivity, or rigid thinking. How can we maintain both openness and integrity in the face of stakes so high?   ~Open hearts, open minds, room for all theologies, including yours~   We are meeting in person at the First Presbyterian … Continued