Each month we feature a spiritual theme (see below) which we weave into Sunday worship, Religious Exploration and many of our small groups and gatherings. Each month’s theme is also highlighted in the aesthetic elements of the sanctuary. We send out the theme resources found here (eadings, spiritual exercises, and reflection questions) in an monthly worship email so you can explore the theme on your own or with your family members and friends. These theme resources come from the Soul Matters Sharing Circle,  a UU theme-based program with more than 140 UU subscribers.

Social Justice Monthly Plate Partners

Each month we introduce our Plate Partner , an organization whose work and mission are connected with our UU social justice mission and values. Rev. Sara and the Social Justice Council often explore additional opportunities through collaborative programming (ex: book discussion, arts opportunity, issue forum, workshop etc). For more information about the plate partners below, please visit our plate partner webpage.

April 2026 Spiritual Theme:

Welcome to Embracing Possibility  

Of all our themes this year, Embracing Possibility is arguably most central to our faith. It has distinguished Unitarian Universalists from our beginning. Historically, when others saw depravity and sin at the core of human identity, we saw potential. When many were preaching that this world is fallen, we fell in love with the possibility of heaven on earth. Theologically, you might say we were the people who believed that God hadn’t given up on us and so we shouldn’t give up on each other or this world. Psychologically, it’s led to us being a people of “why not?” Why not give people another chance? Why not fight what seems like a losing battle? Why not risk a little failure? Or forgiveness? Why not trust in the possibility of a new dawn?

So that’s our religion. But what about us personally? How open have you been recently to “Why not?” How’s your faith in possibility doing? As we honor our religion’s unwavering faith in what’s possible, we need to allow space for the reality that trusting possibility isn’t so easy for many of us. Here’s how one Soul Matters group member put the challenge:

“When I think of possibility, I think of all the people and opportunities I’ve closed the door on.  I’ve let myself believe that I would never see eye to eye with my sister. I stayed way too long at a ho-hum job because I was scared about starting my own business. And I spent two very lonely years in a new town because I convinced myself that I could never find close friends like I had where I used to live.”

Who of us can’t relate? We all tell ourselves so many small stories about who we and others are. We all – at one time or another – have lived in tiny tales of what the world could be. Part of it has to do with real life defeats. But often a bigger part of it is about imagined fear and protecting ourselves. There’s comfort in convincing yourself that the effort is hopeless; that way you don’t have to try and risk failure, hurt or disappointment, yet again.

All of which is to say that maybe embracing possibility has more to do with being able to embrace vulnerability and courage than we’ve thought. The work isn’t just about believing in possibility.  It’s about being willing to endure a few wounds along the way. It can hurt to be hopeful.

And if that’s true, then it seems that the core question this month isn’t simply “Are you ready to embrace possibility?” but “Who binds up your wounds and tends to your hurt when you risk possibility?” And a whole host of clarifying questions spill out from there, such as: Who have you gathered around you to pick you up and patch you up when the path of possibility gets bumpy and knocks you down? Whose faith can you lean on when yours grows dim? Have you placed yourself in the orbit of someone who consistently tells bigger stories than you? And maybe most important: Have you found a friend or partner that sees more possibility in you than you do yourself? 

The thread woven through all these questions is, of course, the fundamental truth that no one makes it down the road of possibility alone. And perhaps that’s the real secret: remembering that “Why not?” is something we all have to say and sing together. It’s not a solo act. For “Why not?” to sink in – and better yet, take flight – it needs to be at least a duet. Of course a quartet is even better. And just imagine what we might pull off if we can gather a choir, all singing the tune of “Why not?!” at the top of our lungs!

Plate Partner: Idaho Interfaith Power and Light

We are people in Idaho acknowledging our spiritual responsibility to care for creation.

Mission

Our mission is to inspire and mobilize people of faith and conscience to take bold and just action to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions contributing to climate change.

As members … we take seriously our responsibility as stewards of creation. We value the sanctity of human life and all life. We acknowledge that our actions frequently have consequences on others. 

We write this letter to express our deep concern about greenhouse gases (GHG) contributing to climate change. The Presbyterian Church said it well in an official 2018 statement: The Presbytery of New Covenant “express its profound concern about the destructive effects of climate change on all God’s creation, including a disproportionate impact on those living in poverty and in the least developed countries, the elderly and children, and those least responsible for the emissions of greenhouse gases.”

We as Idahoans of faith share this profound concern. We hope that you do as well. We urge you to help lead Idaho in facing the urgent scientific need to reduce GHG emissions. As Idahoans and members of the [Faith Tradition] who are increasingly concerned about wildfire, water supply, agriculture, extreme weather, forced migrations, species extinctions and other health and national security impacts of climate change, we ask our Idaho elected leaders to: 

1. Publicly acknowledge that greenhouse gas emissions are a serious problem that contribute to climate change
2. Publicly acknowledge the need for a clear forecast on reducing greenhouse gas emissions in Idaho, the U.S. and globally

As people of faith, we value the sanctity of all life and our responsibility to steward creation. We look forward to a constructive, public conversation in Idaho regarding GHG emissions-caused climate change.