 Greetings fellow UUs and supporters! We are meeting IN PERSON and on Zoom until further notice. Our theme for September is Awakening. "Some are born with spiritual immune systems that sooner or later give rejection to the illusory worldview grafted upon them from birth through social conditioning. They begin sensing that something is amiss, and start looking for answers. Inner knowledge and anomalous outer experiences show them a side of reality others are oblivious to, and so begins their journey of awakening. Each step of the journey is made by following the heart instead of following the crowd and by choosing knowledge over the veils of ignorance.” Henri Bergson "What are the signs of spiritual awakening? Feelings of being connected with others and nature. Frequent overwhelming episodes of appreciation. A tendency to think and act spontaneously rather than from fears based on past experience. An unmistakable ability to enjoy each moment." --- Sunday, September 18th Service:  This Awakening-themed service features a video presentation by Radhanath Swami on finding spiritual connection. Some of his thoughts: From a spiritual perspective the perilous condition of the world today is caused at its root when we as human beings are disconnected from our true selves. If we use our free will we can be the change that we want to see in the world. There are 3 principles that make that inner connection: to associate with like-minded people who really inspire us, making time every day to keep that connection through spiritual practice such as mediation, prayer, chanting with mantras, etc., and our character -- There is no use in claiming to be spiritual if we are not transforming arrogance into humility greed into generosity, despair into hope, and hate into love. These are really the great needs in this world. Service slides Radhanath Swami's TEDx presentation video Facebook Event Please visit us either in person at 1119 Johnston St. or on Zoom: tinyurl.com/zoomuulala or via the link at uulala.org. We now have Religious Education for children up to age 10 with an experienced paraprofessional who works with pre-K, Kindergarten and special needs children at Grand Coteau Elementary. Welcome, to Phyllis Richard! We visit with coffee and snacks from 10:30-11 am. The service runs from 11 am until 12 noon. After the service every second and fourth Sunday of the month we have a potluck dinner. On other Sundays we go out to eat at a local restaurant. Everyone is invited! --- Last Sunday's service recap: Our guest speaker, Kenneth 'Ken' Broussard, was a Louisiana native, with a Masters of Divinity from Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans, was ordained into the Catholic priesthood, served as associate pastor in Crowley, pastor in Scott, taught Business education in New Mexico, and now lives in Youngsville. He has been active in local social justice organizations and gardening and planting projects. Ken is a practitioner of Vipassana meditation and introduced us to the basic principles of Buddhist psychology and insight meditation. Information and meditation practices were part of the presentation as well. Due to shortness of time, Ken was not able to demonstrate meditation practices. He will come back at a later date to continue his instruction. ---  Movie Night this Thursday September 15th! We will be watching 'Soul' -- a family-friendly movie that has a moral: "We all can walk out of the door and enjoy life without needing to accomplish or prove anything. And that's really freeing." (npr.org) Bring snacks or drinks to share. Showtime starts at 7 pm in person or over Zoom.
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