Yesterday, October 11th, was a significant day for us for three reasons. First, it was Indigenous Peoples Day. We devoted some time to learn more about the horrible and heartbreaking practice in both the United States and Canada of creating Indian Boarding Schools, which separated children from their families, and systematically aimed at destroying indigenous cultures. The American Unitarian Association was responsible for founding the Montana Industrial School, run by Rev. Henry F. Bond and his wife Pamela from 1886-96.

Today, Unitarian Universalists are striving to honour the teachings and traditions of Native people within our congregations, as well as create and/or repair relationships with local Native communities and nations, and follow their lead in justice work.

As part of that commitment, Side With Love and partners will be hosting a virtual, national “UUs 4 Climate Justice” action on October 18th at 7pm ET / 4pm PT, as a part of this global mobilization, calling for President Biden to issue pardons for the five #NoDAPL political prisoners and to Build Back Fossil Fuel Free. Please consider attending.

October 11th is also National Coming Out Day… and so we send a shout out to those who are LGBTQ+, and especially those who may have come out for the first time or come out to someone new yesterday. We know that it is a risk. We know that UUSS still has a ways to go to fully be inclusive and welcoming. And, together, we can keep learning and expanding our practices of welcome.

Lastly, October 11th is our wedding anniversary. Yesterday, we celebrated 13 years, and we are so grateful to have had an opportunity to enjoy a beautiful weekend.

When we practice this faith, we invite ourselves and one another to be fully who we are… to learn from our history and do better, to be nourished by the Earth’s beauty,, and to co-create a just, peaceful, and compassionate world.

Glad to be on this journey with you~ Rev. Lynn & Rev. Wendy