As people of faith and conscience, we believe elections are a referendum on the values that will shape our future. How can we renew our fragile democracy? How do we honor the human dignity of every person? Will we protect our Sacred Earth and our children’s future? What policies will prioritize the common good and confront future crises that remind us of our interdependence? Many of the defining moral issues of our time are on the ballot: faltering democratic institutions, too much wealth in the hands of a few, damage to the climate, cruel immigration policies that tear families apart, mass incarceration that devastates communities of color, senseless gun violence, and threats to global public health and security. These challenges are daunting. To move forward in a spirit of hope, and to resist despair and cynicism, join this weekly discussion group where we’ll navigate the urgent moral questions raised by the coming election, allowing you to discern your path forward. Can’t make it every week? Join as you are able, or for those topics most of interest to you. The topic for each week’s discussion is given below. All attendees receive an electronic copy of the Faithful Voter Reflection Guide from Interfaith Power & Light, plus supplemental materials provided by the facilitator. Register on www.eventbrite.com at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/faithful-voter-weekly-discussion-group-tickets-384102800817?aff=ebdssbdestsearch. Contact Lisa Brenskelle at gcs.lrc@gmail.com with any questions.

Sept. 13: Protecting Our Sacred Earth                    Sept. 20: Protecting Democracy & Voting Rights

Sept. 27: Loving Our Immigrant Neighbors           Oct. 4: Building an Economy of Inclusion

Oct. 11: Pursuing Restorative & Racial Justice      Oct. 18: Respecting the Dignity of LGBTQ People

Oct. 25: Protecting Everyone’s Health                   Nov. 1: Creating a More Peaceful World

Experience forest bathing, led by a certified guide, followed by practice of the Christian spiritual discipline of the Earth Examen.  Forest bathing, a practice that originated in Japan, involves taking in, in all of one’s senses, the forest atmosphere. Not simply a walk in the woods, it is the conscious and contemplative practice of being immersed in the sights, sounds and smells of the forest.  Forest bathing has been shown to reduce stress, improve mood and focus, enhance creativity, and lead to an increased sense of calm and altruistic behavior, in addition to other benefits such as boosting the immune system and lowering blood pressure.  As Christians, we understand that God is present in God’s creation, and after our guided forest bath, we’ll spend some time considering the Earth Examen as we reflect both on our time spent forest bathing and on our relationship with all creation.  This activity is for a small group and space is limited.  Please register at www.eventbrite.com. Contact Lisa Brenskelle at gcs.lrc@gmail.com with any questions.

As people of faith and conscience, we believe elections are a referendum on the values that will shape our future. How can we renew our fragile democracy? How do we honor the human dignity of every person? Will we protect our Sacred Earth and our children’s future? What policies will prioritize the common good and confront future crises that remind us of our interdependence? Many of the defining moral issues of our time are on the ballot: faltering democratic institutions, too much wealth in the hands of a few, damage to the climate, cruel immigration policies that tear families apart, mass incarceration that devastates communities of color, senseless gun violence, and threats to global public health and security. These challenges are daunting. To move forward in a spirit of hope, and to resist despair and cynicism, join this weekly discussion group where we’ll navigate the urgent moral questions raised by the coming election, allowing you to discern your path forward. Can’t make it every week? Join as you are able, or for those topics most of interest to you. The topic for each week’s discussion is given below. All attendees receive an electronic copy of the Faithful Voter Reflection Guide from Interfaith Power & Light, plus supplemental materials provided by the facilitator. Register on www.eventbrite.com at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/faithful-voter-weekly-discussion-group-tickets-384102800817?aff=ebdssbdestsearch. Contact Lisa Brenskelle at gcs.lrc@gmail.com with any questions.

Sept. 13: Protecting Our Sacred Earth                    Sept. 20: Protecting Democracy & Voting Rights

Sept. 27: Loving Our Immigrant Neighbors           Oct. 4: Building an Economy of Inclusion

Oct. 11: Pursuing Restorative & Racial Justice      Oct. 18: Respecting the Dignity of LGBTQ People

Oct. 25: Protecting Everyone’s Health                   Nov. 1: Creating a More Peaceful World

Meet count leader Jason Bonilla in the parking lot of Woodland Park. Please note that the park does not have a maintained trail system. As such, there is a lot of poison ivy that is somewhat unavoidable when walking the park and looking for birds. Additionally, there are terrain changes and unstable areas. Participants should wear long pants and closed-toe shoes. They usually meet on the fourth Saturday of the month.

As people of faith and conscience, we believe elections are a referendum on the values that will shape our future. How can we renew our fragile democracy? How do we honor the human dignity of every person? Will we protect our Sacred Earth and our children’s future? What policies will prioritize the common good and confront future crises that remind us of our interdependence? Many of the defining moral issues of our time are on the ballot: faltering democratic institutions, too much wealth in the hands of a few, damage to the climate, cruel immigration policies that tear families apart, mass incarceration that devastates communities of color, senseless gun violence, and threats to global public health and security. These challenges are daunting. To move forward in a spirit of hope, and to resist despair and cynicism, join this weekly discussion group where we’ll navigate the urgent moral questions raised by the coming election, allowing you to discern your path forward. Can’t make it every week? Join as you are able, or for those topics most of interest to you. The topic for each week’s discussion is given below. All attendees receive an electronic copy of the Faithful Voter Reflection Guide from Interfaith Power & Light, plus supplemental materials provided by the facilitator. Register on www.eventbrite.com at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/faithful-voter-weekly-discussion-group-tickets-384102800817?aff=ebdssbdestsearch. Contact Lisa Brenskelle at gcs.lrc@gmail.com with any questions.

Sept. 13: Protecting Our Sacred Earth                    Sept. 20: Protecting Democracy & Voting Rights

Sept. 27: Loving Our Immigrant Neighbors           Oct. 4: Building an Economy of Inclusion

Oct. 11: Pursuing Restorative & Racial Justice      Oct. 18: Respecting the Dignity of LGBTQ People

Oct. 25: Protecting Everyone’s Health                   Nov. 1: Creating a More Peaceful World

As people of faith and conscience, we believe elections are a referendum on the values that will shape our future. How can we renew our fragile democracy? How do we honor the human dignity of every person? Will we protect our Sacred Earth and our children’s future? What policies will prioritize the common good and confront future crises that remind us of our interdependence? Many of the defining moral issues of our time are on the ballot: faltering democratic institutions, too much wealth in the hands of a few, damage to the climate, cruel immigration policies that tear families apart, mass incarceration that devastates communities of color, senseless gun violence, and threats to global public health and security. These challenges are daunting. To move forward in a spirit of hope, and to resist despair and cynicism, join this weekly discussion group where we’ll navigate the urgent moral questions raised by the coming election, allowing you to discern your path forward. Can’t make it every week? Join as you are able, or for those topics most of interest to you. The topic for each week’s discussion is given below. All attendees receive an electronic copy of the Faithful Voter Reflection Guide from Interfaith Power & Light, plus supplemental materials provided by the facilitator. Register on www.eventbrite.com at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/faithful-voter-weekly-discussion-group-tickets-384102800817?aff=ebdssbdestsearch. Contact Lisa Brenskelle at gcs.lrc@gmail.com with any questions.

Sept. 13: Protecting Our Sacred Earth                    Sept. 20: Protecting Democracy & Voting Rights

Sept. 27: Loving Our Immigrant Neighbors           Oct. 4: Building an Economy of Inclusion

Oct. 11: Pursuing Restorative & Racial Justice      Oct. 18: Respecting the Dignity of LGBTQ People

Oct. 25: Protecting Everyone’s Health                   Nov. 1: Creating a More Peaceful World

This Plant-Based Burger Bar/Potluck kicks off a week long awareness campaign for animal rights and veganism. We are featuring Animal activist/author Ed Winters, Musical guest Strands of Compassion, and a sermon by D. Scott Cooper.

We hope to find likeminded community members whose beliefs resonate with that of First UU of Houston as well as informing our own community to the Environmental, Health, and Ethical importance of transitioning to a plant-based, vegan lifestyle.

Please join us for some free food, and conversation.

Experience a private guided tour of the Houston Botanic Garden, followed by practice of the nature-based Christian spiritual discipline of prayer with eyes wide open. Prayer with eyes wide open is a very meaningful way to deepen spirituality through nature, and nurture a loving relationship with the earth. Through prayer that engages with the world around us, instead of shutting out that world, we begin to see ourselves as loving participants within a rich web of life, and gain the wisdom needed to heal ourselves and renew our broken relationship with the Earth. In this time of extraordinary ecological challenge, spiritual tools to strengthen ties with our planet are precious. Add prayer with eyes wide open to your spiritual toolbox! This activity is for a small group and space is limited. Note that a ticket to this event does not cover the garden admission fee, which must be paid separately by each participant. Register on www.eventbrite.com at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/garden-tour-prayer-with-eyes-wide-open-tickets-405628354327. Contact Lisa Brenskelle at gcs.lrc@gmail.com with any questions.

Hermann Park Bird Survey

Leaders: Skip Almoney and Peter Tsan

They meet at  8:00 AM (7:30 in the summer months). Take the Parking Lot D entry from

Masks are optional for vaccinated participants and social distancing is recommended. Please wear a mask if unvaccinated. Please contact Julie Francis at hermannparkbirdsurvey@gmail.com if you’d like to participate. The Hermann Park Survey is conducted on the second Monday of the month. Everyone is welcome — beginners, experts, or even if you’re just curious. Please bring binoculars. If you don’t have any, let them know in advance and they’ll provide them.

For more information, please visit houstonaudubon.org/birding/bird-surveys.

As people of faith and conscience, we believe elections are a referendum on the values that will shape our future. How can we renew our fragile democracy? How do we honor the human dignity of every person? Will we protect our Sacred Earth and our children’s future? What policies will prioritize the common good and confront future crises that remind us of our interdependence? Many of the defining moral issues of our time are on the ballot: faltering democratic institutions, too much wealth in the hands of a few, damage to the climate, cruel immigration policies that tear families apart, mass incarceration that devastates communities of color, senseless gun violence, and threats to global public health and security. These challenges are daunting. To move forward in a spirit of hope, and to resist despair and cynicism, join this weekly discussion group where we’ll navigate the urgent moral questions raised by the coming election, allowing you to discern your path forward. Can’t make it every week? Join as you are able, or for those topics most of interest to you. The topic for each week’s discussion is given below. All attendees receive an electronic copy of the Faithful Voter Reflection Guide from Interfaith Power & Light, plus supplemental materials provided by the facilitator. Register on www.eventbrite.com at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/faithful-voter-weekly-discussion-group-tickets-384102800817?aff=ebdssbdestsearch. Contact Lisa Brenskelle at gcs.lrc@gmail.com with any questions.

Sept. 13: Protecting Our Sacred Earth                    Sept. 20: Protecting Democracy & Voting Rights

Sept. 27: Loving Our Immigrant Neighbors           Oct. 4: Building an Economy of Inclusion

Oct. 11: Pursuing Restorative & Racial Justice      Oct. 18: Respecting the Dignity of LGBTQ People

Oct. 25: Protecting Everyone’s Health                   Nov. 1: Creating a More Peaceful World