Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Grand Traverse
@uutraversecity.bsky.social
We are brave, curious, and compassionate thinkers and doers. We have a track record of standing on the side of love, justice, and peace.
"In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends." Martin Luther King Jr.
January 12, 2026 at 5:01 PM
"In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends." Martin Luther King Jr.
One of my favorite traditions is the "Question Jar," where people in my community get to ask me any question and I answer it in real time... Here's a transcript of the "sermon" from Sunday. Some heavy hitters in the mix! open.substack.com/pub/revalexj...
December 29, 2025 at 9:02 PM
Merry Christmas! Wishing you and yours good health, joy, peace, and abundant love. Below is a link to my words from our Christmas Eve service last night. This one had some teeth... yet it's true to what I know as the true spirit of the season.
open.substack.com/pub/revalexj...
open.substack.com/pub/revalexj...
December 25, 2025 at 12:41 PM
At Midwinter, after the longest night, I offer a Solstice message reflecting on surviving the darkest seasons without losing ourselves to despair.
If you’re feeling worn, saturated by news, or in need of a little light, may these words meet you where you are.
open.substack.com/pub/revalexj...
If you’re feeling worn, saturated by news, or in need of a little light, may these words meet you where you are.
open.substack.com/pub/revalexj...
December 21, 2025 at 6:40 PM
Some words for you as we head into the Winter Solstice and the longest night of the year. 🔥
open.substack.com/pub/revalexj...
open.substack.com/pub/revalexj...
December 20, 2025 at 9:56 PM
Howard Zinn reminds us that “You can’t be neutral on a moving train.” Our mission is to embody this through Beloved Community, which calls us to build a world based on peace, justice, & collective liberation. Our faith and values compel us to act and shape a more just world.
#BelovedCommunity
#BelovedCommunity
December 11, 2025 at 3:20 PM
Howard Zinn reminds us that “You can’t be neutral on a moving train.” Our mission is to embody this through Beloved Community, which calls us to build a world based on peace, justice, & collective liberation. Our faith and values compel us to act and shape a more just world.
#BelovedCommunity
#BelovedCommunity
We can't always choose to be happy, but we can choose to be kind to ourselves when we are sad.
-Lori Deschene
-Lori Deschene
December 10, 2025 at 7:33 PM
We can't always choose to be happy, but we can choose to be kind to ourselves when we are sad.
-Lori Deschene
-Lori Deschene
Reposted by Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Grand Traverse
Stories like “Star Wars” show how imagining new worlds can be an act of resistance. Rev. Sam Teitel reflects on the courage of ordinary people who choose to resist oppression. What kinds of courage do our current “empires” require from us today? Read more: https://bit.ly/48tpMWY
#UUWorld #StarWars
#UUWorld #StarWars
December 10, 2025 at 6:21 PM
Stories like “Star Wars” show how imagining new worlds can be an act of resistance. Rev. Sam Teitel reflects on the courage of ordinary people who choose to resist oppression. What kinds of courage do our current “empires” require from us today? Read more: https://bit.ly/48tpMWY
#UUWorld #StarWars
#UUWorld #StarWars
Mental illness can be invisible, and it's never easy to know what someone is dealing with. This weekend, UUCGT's focus is on Navigating the Troubled Waters of Mental Illness.
December 9, 2025 at 1:53 PM
Mental illness can be invisible, and it's never easy to know what someone is dealing with. This weekend, UUCGT's focus is on Navigating the Troubled Waters of Mental Illness.
Reposted by Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Grand Traverse
This time of year is hard for a lot of people. If you’ve been feeling adrift, look for community. 🩵
#uucwf #unitarianuniversalistcongregation #unitarianuniversalist #uuchurch #sidewithlove❤️ #oregoncity
#uucwf #unitarianuniversalistcongregation #unitarianuniversalist #uuchurch #sidewithlove❤️ #oregoncity
November 29, 2025 at 3:46 PM
This time of year is hard for a lot of people. If you’ve been feeling adrift, look for community. 🩵
#uucwf #unitarianuniversalistcongregation #unitarianuniversalist #uuchurch #sidewithlove❤️ #oregoncity
#uucwf #unitarianuniversalistcongregation #unitarianuniversalist #uuchurch #sidewithlove❤️ #oregoncity
I am here to tell you - people are good. And they will overwhelm you with their willingness to make things better for others.
Rev. Joanna Fontaine Crawford, UU Live Oak
#UUValues #BelovedCommunity #unitarianuniversalist
Rev. Joanna Fontaine Crawford, UU Live Oak
#UUValues #BelovedCommunity #unitarianuniversalist
December 8, 2025 at 5:07 PM
I am here to tell you - people are good. And they will overwhelm you with their willingness to make things better for others.
Rev. Joanna Fontaine Crawford, UU Live Oak
#UUValues #BelovedCommunity #unitarianuniversalist
Rev. Joanna Fontaine Crawford, UU Live Oak
#UUValues #BelovedCommunity #unitarianuniversalist
Reposted by Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Grand Traverse
Hope lifts us up… and sometimes weighs us down. This Soul Matters month of "Choosing Hope, we explore the Buddhist insight of the “twin thieves” of hope and fear and how we live meaningfully when hope feels distant.
Link:
open.substack.com/pub/revalexj...
Link:
open.substack.com/pub/revalexj...
December 8, 2025 at 12:06 AM
Hope lifts us up… and sometimes weighs us down. This Soul Matters month of "Choosing Hope, we explore the Buddhist insight of the “twin thieves” of hope and fear and how we live meaningfully when hope feels distant.
Link:
open.substack.com/pub/revalexj...
Link:
open.substack.com/pub/revalexj...
This Sunday, our service will explore hope. Hope lifts us up… and sometimes weighs us down. This Soul Matters month of "Choosing Hope, we’ll explore the Buddhist insight of the “twin thieves” of hope and fear, and how we live meaningfully when hope feels distant.
December 3, 2025 at 3:11 PM
This Sunday, our service will explore hope. Hope lifts us up… and sometimes weighs us down. This Soul Matters month of "Choosing Hope, we’ll explore the Buddhist insight of the “twin thieves” of hope and fear, and how we live meaningfully when hope feels distant.
Sneak Peek! Something Special Is Coming Tomorrow
Check tomorrow’s email and social media for a special Giving Tuesday announcement! We’re offering a *one-day opportunity* to support UUCGT and receive a unique thank-you gift—limited supplies! Stay tuned… you’ll want to be ready. 💛 #GivingTuesday
Check tomorrow’s email and social media for a special Giving Tuesday announcement! We’re offering a *one-day opportunity* to support UUCGT and receive a unique thank-you gift—limited supplies! Stay tuned… you’ll want to be ready. 💛 #GivingTuesday
December 1, 2025 at 2:44 PM
Sneak Peek! Something Special Is Coming Tomorrow
Check tomorrow’s email and social media for a special Giving Tuesday announcement! We’re offering a *one-day opportunity* to support UUCGT and receive a unique thank-you gift—limited supplies! Stay tuned… you’ll want to be ready. 💛 #GivingTuesday
Check tomorrow’s email and social media for a special Giving Tuesday announcement! We’re offering a *one-day opportunity* to support UUCGT and receive a unique thank-you gift—limited supplies! Stay tuned… you’ll want to be ready. 💛 #GivingTuesday
Reposted by Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Grand Traverse
How does Unitarian Universalism, drag, and communion go together? It's a pretty good story... You'll have to check it out!
revalexjensen.substack.com/p/from-2023-...
revalexjensen.substack.com/p/from-2023-...
November 23, 2025 at 12:08 PM
How does Unitarian Universalism, drag, and communion go together? It's a pretty good story... You'll have to check it out!
revalexjensen.substack.com/p/from-2023-...
revalexjensen.substack.com/p/from-2023-...
My reflections on what it's like to come of age in our world today, with the many challenges facing our country and world. What is the promise of our world for younger generations? How do we pick up the pieces? (Link below.)
open.substack.com/pub/revalexj...
open.substack.com/pub/revalexj...
November 16, 2025 at 7:13 PM
When life gives you Monday, dip it in glitter and sparkle all day. - Ella Woodward
November 10, 2025 at 4:49 PM
When life gives you Monday, dip it in glitter and sparkle all day. - Ella Woodward
Reposted by Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Grand Traverse
Sharing another sermon from a few years ago, this time on prayer. What is prayer to you? open.substack.com/pub/revalexj...
November 9, 2025 at 9:32 PM
Sharing another sermon from a few years ago, this time on prayer. What is prayer to you? open.substack.com/pub/revalexj...
UUCGT sends you light and love. If you’re seeking an open, accepting, and caring community where you can grow spiritually and be your authentic self, we invite you to join us. Whoever you are, wherever you are on your journey, you are welcome here. Learn more at uucgt.org
November 6, 2025 at 1:38 PM
UUCGT sends you light and love. If you’re seeking an open, accepting, and caring community where you can grow spiritually and be your authentic self, we invite you to join us. Whoever you are, wherever you are on your journey, you are welcome here. Learn more at uucgt.org
Reposted by Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Grand Traverse
We have fun over here on Sundays... I made our service on Unitarian Universalist "Saints" into a game show! See the link in the comments to view the results... And yes, I dressed up for this one... revalexjensen.substack.com/p/unitarian-...
November 2, 2025 at 6:35 PM
We have fun over here on Sundays... I made our service on Unitarian Universalist "Saints" into a game show! See the link in the comments to view the results... And yes, I dressed up for this one... revalexjensen.substack.com/p/unitarian-...
Who are the saints of our tradition? On this All Souls Day, we remember those who shaped our faith and call us to deeper love in a Fun new LIVE game show, Name That Saint, this Sunday!
Host William Ellery Channing with co-host Renée Russell
youtu.be/iHEF0ik332A
Host William Ellery Channing with co-host Renée Russell
youtu.be/iHEF0ik332A
Name That Saint! UU Saints Sunday Service
YouTube video by UU Congregation of Grand Traverse (UUCGT)
youtu.be
October 30, 2025 at 2:32 PM
Who are the saints of our tradition? On this All Souls Day, we remember those who shaped our faith and call us to deeper love in a Fun new LIVE game show, Name That Saint, this Sunday!
Host William Ellery Channing with co-host Renée Russell
youtu.be/iHEF0ik332A
Host William Ellery Channing with co-host Renée Russell
youtu.be/iHEF0ik332A
As the Veil between worlds grows thin, we honor our ancestors and those we have lost in the past year. Through ritual and remembrance, we carry their light forward.
Wheel of the Year: Samhain – Honoring the Beloved Dead
Sermon from UUCGT's Service on Sun., Oct. 26, 2025. Preached by the Rev. Alex Jensen, Senior Minister at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Grand Traverse (UUCGT), Traverse City, Michigan.
open.substack.com
October 26, 2025 at 6:55 PM
Reposted by Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Grand Traverse
October 19, 2025 at 6:22 PM
Reposted by Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Grand Traverse
Reposted by Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Grand Traverse
"Saying What We Mean (And What We Don't)"
What happens when our words miss the mark? Together we explore how vulnerability, curiosity, and courage can help us stay connected when communication goes sideways. (Link in comments.)
What happens when our words miss the mark? Together we explore how vulnerability, curiosity, and courage can help us stay connected when communication goes sideways. (Link in comments.)
September 28, 2025 at 9:00 PM
"Saying What We Mean (And What We Don't)"
What happens when our words miss the mark? Together we explore how vulnerability, curiosity, and courage can help us stay connected when communication goes sideways. (Link in comments.)
What happens when our words miss the mark? Together we explore how vulnerability, curiosity, and courage can help us stay connected when communication goes sideways. (Link in comments.)