News: June 4, 2026
Dear Members and Friends of First Unitarian Universalist Church of Houston,
One of the many wonderful things my internship has offered is the opportunity to experience the diversity of Unitarian Universalists and UU communities in the Greater Houston Area. Although most of my Sundays are spent with you, I occasionally preach at other local churches, including Bay Area and Emerson. Last Sunday, I was with our siblings at Emerson exploring how and why we make meaning of our lives. I called on one of my favorite writers and thinkers, the Bulgarian essayist Maria Popova, who tells us that, “There are infinitely many kinds of beautiful lives.” These words come from her book Figuring, in which she explores the interconnected lives of historical thinkers – many of them our own religious ancestors – to find meaning, love, and truth.
As my ministerial internship comes to an end, I’m thinking a lot about the many ways the experiences of this year have helped make meaning of my life. What a tremendous blessing it’s been to live and learn alongside this vibrant community as we do the work of love and justice in a weary world. Seeing how each of your beautiful lives weaves the tapestry of this community has deepened my belief in the strength of our faith to weather these strange times. I’ll miss you so much! But we have a couple weeks together yet, and plenty to fill it with.
This Sunday, June 7th is sure to be full of learning, welcome, and joy. Please plan to join us for our annual multi-generational Flower Communion service, which will also include a ceremony to welcome the new members who have joined us this year. Following the second service, we’ll have our Annual Meeting, an important opportunity for members to hear about and participate in the business of the church. Sunday, June 14th is Rev. Scott’s final service before his retirement, and we’ll celebrate him that afternoon. Remember to share your toast for Rev. Scott through this link. On the 21st, Rev. Colin is back in the pulpit with a service titled, “God has No Gender: Celebrating the Theology of Unitarians in the Khasi Hills.” And finally, the 28th will be my last service as your ministerial intern (though I’ll be back twice in July as a pulpit guest!).
Remember to keep an eye on our calendar for all the transformation that happens outside of Sunday mornings. On Thursday, June 11th, Richard Doughty and I are collaborating on an ecstatic dance event full of music and movement to welcome all the new moon energy (those who enjoyed our vespers service should come out for more!). On Tuesday, June 16th we are welcoming Dr. Alok Kalia back to First UU for a workshop on Hinduism and Unitarian Universalism. And on Wednesday, June 17th we’re collaborating with CLASS Bookstore to host Eddie Gaulde Jr. in a book discussion about his book America, U.S.A.: How Race Shadows the Nation’s Anniversaries. Information about all of these events is in this newsletter, so take a look!
Finally, just as our Annual Meeting attends to the business of our church, General Assembly attends to the business of our larger association. It’s an important time for deciding our shared priorities as we continue to be in fellowship together, and it offers transformational worship and learning experiences. Keep an eye out for the flyer in Channing Hall on Sunday and chat with me or Carolyn Cleary if you are interested in being a part of GA. All are welcome!
I look forward to being with you throughout this month and making some more memories together that I can tuck in my heart and bring with me up to Chicago. However you are spending these solar-powered days, I hope it’s nourishing.
Happy Summer! Happy Pride! Happy Gemini season!
Love,
Nina
One of the many wonderful things my internship has offered is the opportunity to experience the diversity of Unitarian Universalists and UU communities in the Greater Houston Area. Although most of my Sundays are spent with you, I occasionally preach at other local churches, including Bay Area and Emerson. Last Sunday, I was with our siblings at Emerson exploring how and why we make meaning of our lives. I called on one of my favorite writers and thinkers, the Bulgarian essayist Maria Popova, who tells us that, “There are infinitely many kinds of beautiful lives.” These words come from her book Figuring, in which she explores the interconnected lives of historical thinkers – many of them our own religious ancestors – to find meaning, love, and truth.
As my ministerial internship comes to an end, I’m thinking a lot about the many ways the experiences of this year have helped make meaning of my life. What a tremendous blessing it’s been to live and learn alongside this vibrant community as we do the work of love and justice in a weary world. Seeing how each of your beautiful lives weaves the tapestry of this community has deepened my belief in the strength of our faith to weather these strange times. I’ll miss you so much! But we have a couple weeks together yet, and plenty to fill it with.
This Sunday, June 7th is sure to be full of learning, welcome, and joy. Please plan to join us for our annual multi-generational Flower Communion service, which will also include a ceremony to welcome the new members who have joined us this year. Following the second service, we’ll have our Annual Meeting, an important opportunity for members to hear about and participate in the business of the church. Sunday, June 14th is Rev. Scott’s final service before his retirement, and we’ll celebrate him that afternoon. Remember to share your toast for Rev. Scott through this link. On the 21st, Rev. Colin is back in the pulpit with a service titled, “God has No Gender: Celebrating the Theology of Unitarians in the Khasi Hills.” And finally, the 28th will be my last service as your ministerial intern (though I’ll be back twice in July as a pulpit guest!).
Remember to keep an eye on our calendar for all the transformation that happens outside of Sunday mornings. On Thursday, June 11th, Richard Doughty and I are collaborating on an ecstatic dance event full of music and movement to welcome all the new moon energy (those who enjoyed our vespers service should come out for more!). On Tuesday, June 16th we are welcoming Dr. Alok Kalia back to First UU for a workshop on Hinduism and Unitarian Universalism. And on Wednesday, June 17th we’re collaborating with CLASS Bookstore to host Eddie Gaulde Jr. in a book discussion about his book America, U.S.A.: How Race Shadows the Nation’s Anniversaries. Information about all of these events is in this newsletter, so take a look!
Finally, just as our Annual Meeting attends to the business of our church, General Assembly attends to the business of our larger association. It’s an important time for deciding our shared priorities as we continue to be in fellowship together, and it offers transformational worship and learning experiences. Keep an eye out for the flyer in Channing Hall on Sunday and chat with me or Carolyn Cleary if you are interested in being a part of GA. All are welcome!
I look forward to being with you throughout this month and making some more memories together that I can tuck in my heart and bring with me up to Chicago. However you are spending these solar-powered days, I hope it’s nourishing.
Happy Summer! Happy Pride! Happy Gemini season!
Love,
Nina
