UUABQ Voice

October 19, 2025: “Cultivating Compassion” The Rev. Beth Elliot

Radical Generosity at First Unitarian centers in a continual call for us all to cultivate compassion. How does our faith’s call for extravagant amounts of love impact how we think about generosity? Join us for a joyful, playful take on abundance and the power of community.

Music: Susan Peck and Beth Elliot

September 28, 2025: “Our Interconnections with the Animal World” The Rev. Stacey Mitchell

Author Robin Wall Kimmerer states “Even a wounded world is feeding us. Even a wounded world holds us, giving us moments of wonder and joy. I choose joy over despair. Not because I have my head in the sand, but because joy is what the earth gives me daily and I must return the gift.” In this Sunday message, Rev. Stacey will explore the joys and gifts of our animal world.

We will also have our Backpack Blessing this Sunday for children and adults alike. Every child and youth should bring their backpack, and everyone, regardless of age, is invited to bring something that symbolizes their work for a blessing. 

Music:Chalice Choir

September 21, 2025: “Wanna Know A Secret?” The Rev. Beth Elliot

What are the differences between confidentiality and secrecy? Why is one virtuous and the other a very big problem?

Music: Lydia Clark and Susan Peck

September 14, 2025: “Lilith” The Rev. Beth Elliot

Join us as we explore the mythology of Lilith and how she became a symbol of the rejection of patriarchal domination and limited gender roles. What are the implications when feminine symbols like Lilith and Eve are demonized and blamed for the sins of humankind? We will examine how these ancient stories still have influence in our culture and politics.

Music: Cantabilis (women’s chamber choir)

August 31, 2025: "Dirty Words" The Rev. Beth Elliot

What is taboo and why? There is value in examining our resistance, our disgust, and our rebellion. I swear. 

Music: Spare Parts, our contemporary worship band

August 24, 2025: “The Interim Period” The Rev. Stacey Mitchell

Interim periods can be a dynamic and reflective time. With Rev. Stacey being here for the next years, formally known as “Interim Ministry,” what can be expected in this time period? 

Music:Lydia Clark

August 17, 2025: "The Wondrous, Wiggly History of UU Religious Education, and Family Ministry"

Alana Rodriguez, Director of Family Ministry

What could family ministry look like? With the many changes and shifts, how do we center joy and taking care of each other?

Music: First U Youth Kokiak Hopkins, Puck Magnusson, and Shane Magnusson with guest youth musicians Owen Mease, Josh Trujillo, and Silas Wilber.

August 10, 2025: “Beginnings” The Rev. Stacey Mitchell, Interim Senior Minister

In Rev. Stacey’s first sermon at First U Albuquerque, she talks about how with new beginnings, there are new opportunities.

Music: Chamber trio: Robin Korevaar (clarinet), David Schepps (‘cello), Susan Peck (piano)

August 3, 2025: “St. Julian of Norwich” Rev. Erica Lea-Simka, Guest Preacher

St. Julian of Norwich is the author of Revelations of Divine Love, the oldest surviving book in English written by a woman. She was a deeply spiritual person and knew firsthand the power of the Divine Feminine during tumultuous times. As an anchorite, Julian was a spiritual director to her community, though her guidance lives on mystically. What wisdom does 14th century Julian have for us today in the 21st century?

Music: Lydia Clark

July 27, 2025: “What Feeds Our Souls?” The Rev. Beth Elliot

Even amid the most horrific of times, people have understood the value of joy. How do we stay grounded and spiritually nourished when the world is falling apart? We find whimsy, we value playfulness, and we recognize rest as resistance.  We also say goodbye to our Intern Minister and Resident, Ron Ahnen.

Music: Cantabilis (women’s chamber choir) offers uplifting, whimsical songs for feeling good.