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“Beginnings often frighten us because they seem like lonely voyages into the unknown. Yet, in truth, no beginning is empty or isolated. We seem to think that beginning is setting out from a lonely point along some line of direction into the unknown. This is not the case. Shelter and energy come alive when a beginning is embraced… We are never as alone in our beginnings as it might seem at the time. A beginning is ultimately an invitation to open toward the gifts and growth that are stored up for us.” ~John O’Donohue, from A Spell Against Stagnation
Beginning, and beginning again, is an invitation to embrace not only what is possible but to discover the profuse bounty that we hold within and to explore our capacity to share this bounty with our community. Every September, we begin the new program year for the congregation. As Unitarian Universalists, we acknowledge our beginning again by celebrating Water Communion, a Homecoming service and ritual, that uses water as a metaphor to remind us that though we are many streams, we all flow together to a great ocean. The water cycle even reminds us that there is a process, a system that repeats itself for the nourishment of our planet. So, we begin and we begin again, like water. Another thing we often explore at the beginning of the program year, especially in our faith formation programs like Soul Matters, is covenant. Because Unitarian Universalism is not a creedal faith, we instead rely upon covenant, or our promises we make to one another, for how we share, support one another in our growth, and practice together what it means to be imperfect humans in a community of mutuality. Capacity is an interesting concept, one that I wish to explore in some depth this year. What is our capacity to love? What is our capacity to serve others? What is our capacity to frame our mission from a place of abundance rather than scarcity? Do we hold the capacity to dream big and then take action to make those dreams come true? Do we have the capacity to honestly reflect upon who we are, who we are and who we are called to be? Capacity and Covenant are woven together in UU spaces and require honest reflection, effort and grace. As we decide where we are going mission-ally this year, as we work to center love, let us be clear about our desire and capacity to achieve our goals. And let covenant hold us, even when we falter, to remind us of our aspirations and let that covenant of the right relationship be remembered as the well of love that moves us ever forward. You are not alone. We can do great things together. It will take all of us to make it so. In faith, Rev. Sarah
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Minister's Musings August 2026Do you have a song in your soul? Do you wake up in the morning with a hymn upon your lips? Perhaps you have a driving song that pops into your mind when you head out for the day? I have a morning song that shows up when I’m feeling weary, a song when I need some centered to start my day. “Bright morning stars are rising… Day is a-breaking in my soul…” This old Appalachian folk song is a balm to me. You can find many variations of this tune on Spotify and it also appears in the Singing the Living Tradition (grey) hymnal #357. To me, this feels like a song of lamentation and hope, a recognition of joy and sorrow. It offers a link to my ancestors, “Oh where are our dear mothers...They are sowing seeds of gladness.” The hymn helps me remember my connection to the earth and sky, filling me with wonder and awe for the mystery of life. Bright Morning Stars isn’t just a morning hymn for me, it’s a reminder that I contain multitudes and possibilities, even when I struggle to make the next move in my day.
Having simple practices like singing a song each day or writing in a journal or talking to your bestie can be just the thing to help regulate your body and give you some peace in your body and heart. Its important that we care for ourselves in this way so that we can then also keep on caring for our communities. I’d love for you to contact me to tell me about a song or story that moves you. And here’s an invitation as we gear up for the new program year at UUCO, I want to hear what moves you! Let’s discover how we can work together to bring peace and joy and justice to our lives and to the wider community. In our Unitarian Universalist congregation, everyone has a place and is needed to make our community thrive. You are important and you matter. Come make a difference at UUCO. If you want to let service be your prayer, if you want to help envision the future of UUCO and how we get there, please join me on August 8th from 10-4pm for our Leadership Development and Visioning Retreat. Lunch and snacks provided. Please RSVP to let me know you’ll be there. [email protected] It will be a fun, inspirational, and community building time for all. In faith, Rev. Sarah Dear UUCO Community,
I write this love letter to you all to express my heartfelt appreciation of your grace and kindness during a difficult year. As my colleague Rev. Joanna Crawford says, our congregations are places to “Get Good and Do Good.” I like to think that being in a covenantal community means we practice accountability with one another, we comfort and challenge one another, we explore healthy boundaries, and we consider and wrestle with big ideas (some might call this theology). We are living out Unitarian Universalism when we do all these things and more. The world has presented many challenges to us, the political arena has been troubling, democracy and freedoms are at risk. Yet, we continue to meet the day with hope, with determination and with love. I admire the resilience and flexibly of UUCO. When tragedy comes our way, we know how to grieve together and support one another, especially with the loss of Cheryl Conlee who loved us all tremendously and who was loved by so many in turn. When ice storms wrecked properties and power outages were abundant, folks came together to support the wider community. People opened their wallets and their doors to help. We keep learning, over and over, we are in this one precious life together. We have had amazing successes this year at UUCO. We held two levels of OWL classes-for adults and 4th -6th graders. Our congregation was spotlighted in the publication The Guardian for our work around sexuality education. We welcomed many amazing guest speakers to our congregation. We hosted a youth group from Colorado. We held dynamic Soul Matters Conversations for religious exploration. We increased our pledges this year to shine our lights a little brighter. We marched in parades-Pride and Christmas. We held our ground at Fed Up Fridays and protested brilliantly at several No Kings rallies. We shall be known by all these efforts that demonstrate our commitment to put love at the center. As your part-time minister, it is an honor to serve you and be accountable to our promises to one another. While I have missed being with you on a few Sundays due to storms and bereavement, I am glad to have joyfully represented the congregation in person in the public square on several occasions. What I’m learning through our ministry together is “the work of love is never done.” Thank you for your faith in me and I look forward to serving this congregation for another year. Blessings to you all. With love at the center, Rev. Sarah Osborne Flourish Together with Purpose
In our recent “Question Box” service, one dear heart asked, “Is each person born with a purpose to fulfill?” This is an exciting query to consider. I think we all have potential and/or purpose to shape the life we are given. I believe this concept speaks to our Unitarian Universalist First Principle: All people have inherent dignity and worth. Is dignity and worth the same thing as purpose? I mean, can we have purpose simply because we exist? I think so. Some people have simple lives-it’s a success just to wake every morning. Others have extravagant lives that take them on big adventures. Some have complex careers while others find meaning in discovering what each new day brings. What I find most fascinating is that, though we may have our individual pursuits, we are all woven in a tapestry of interdependence. And this tapestry, the connections and impacts of others on our lives, is what truly enriches our experience on this planet. As Unitarian Universalists, we are big thinkers. We like to tease out nuance and consider the importance of our values as applied to the context and culture of the wider world. This may drive us to find or clarify our purpose. Or we may yet find ourselves conflicted about how our purpose serves ourselves and others. Maybe the pursuit of answering this question of purpose is one of the reasons we come together as a congregation? Life is given meaning by each of us in this community. I believe that if we hold our values close to our hearts, if we remain curious and bold, if we are gentle and courageous, we will find that we will indeed fulfill a great purpose together. Parker Palmer reminds us, “People who know that they are embedded in an eternal community are both freed and empowered to become who they were born to be.” In community at UUCO, we flourish together. We make meaning and find purpose through each encounter. Every experience with others and in the world shapes us and reveals to us who we are. Ultimately, I think the core purpose we are born to fulfill is to love one another and ourselves. “Each of us is shaped as much by the quality of the questions we are asking as by the answers we have it
in us to give.” ~ Krista Tippett Awaken your curiosity, dear hearts! In a time when so many political and religious leaders are encouraging you not to question what you witness or experience, we run the risk of falling into compliance with authoritarianism. As Timothy Snyder reminds us (and I quote often) in his book On Tyranny, “we must not obey in advance!” Therefore, I encourage you to hold a beginner’s mind, play the sacred fool, ask questions, keep wondering about everything. I’m so grateful that Unitarian Universalism is religion that welcomes questions as much as it seeks answers. And that as a pluralistic, ever-evolving faith, we can be certain that we don’t have all the answers. Living in the ambiguity and liminality of life requires a certain level of trust and faith in ourselves and in each other. To build this beloved community, we must engage with one another through conversations and action. We must determine and affirm where the boundaries are of right relationship and help each other maintain these. It helps us grow when we can communicate effectively what our values are and how we express them in the world. One of my favorite services is coming up at the end of the month: The Question Box. Last year, I invited the congregation to ask me questions during the service that I would try to faithfully answer. And this year, we’ll do that AND reverse the process. I want to ask you questions! Sometimes the best way to develop your faith is to talk your way into knowing. So, let us consider the important questions you and I have regarding Unitarian Universalism and let us ponder how much we answer those. Life is a riddle and mystery that I look forward to exploring with you. With faith and love, Rev. Sarah Osborne The two trees bend toward each other just outside the lodge.
They form a threshold to their siblings further down the path. This threshold of trees beckons us toward them, to each other. I invited my beloveds to stand with me at this intersection, this convergence of Magic and mundane. Here at the threshold, we smile and close our eyes To listen to the wind dance with the leaves. The trees clapped for us,* Sending us forward with joy and with peace. ~Sarah Osborne *(reference to Isaiah 55:12) written at the Southwest UUMA retreat at Cedarbrake in Belton, TX Feb. 26, 2026 I never thought of myself as a writer or poet; perhaps I could claim sermonizer? But after attending a workshop with renowned poet Naomi Shihab Nye, I began to trust my voice, my creativity, and my story. I think we all have poetry in us, words that tickle our fancy and make us want to write love poems to them. Some poems are observations, a little vignette into the peculiarities of life. A few are prophetic and profound. Others might be silly or absurd. We all have stories within us longing to be told. What poetry is ready to burst forth from you? Pay attention to the whispers of the trees and wind-they are cheering you on, they want to hear your story and so do I. I’m swapping a Sunday in March. I’ll be here on the 5th Sunday instead of the 4th Sunday because I’m going to be presenting a workshop at the SOUUL Summit Conference in Atlanta on March 22. I hope you’ll join me on March 29th for a special service celebrating the wonders of poetry and story. I invite you to bring something you’ve written to share with the congregation. With love at the center, Rev. Sarah Soraya Chemaly writes, “No one is resilient alone, at all times, and in all situations. Resilience is a dynamic process and it is healthier and more accurate to say that we take turns being resilient for one another.” In other words, it takes a village, ya’ll, to make it through life. We each have our up and down moments, times of joy and sorrow. I believe we are meant to share this with others. Community is so essential to our thriving. Those who seek power over others do so through creating chaos, fear, and practices that result in isolation. If we are kept confused, alone and distrusting, it’s easier to manipulate our society for greedy purposes. And so, my friends, the antidote to the ills of the culture of domination is more love, more community, more trust. When we gather, when we put forth the efforts to build the beloved community, we become more resilient.
Have you heard of “third places?” Home is the first place; work is the second place. But third places are community hubs, spaces for relaxation, conversations, and social connections. They are often multigenerational, neutral, accessible and comfortable. Think of hang out spots, like the mall, a coffee shop, a community center, or a park. Our faith home-our congregation is a “third place.” These third places are especially important for our young people. They need places where they can gather, learn from one another and their elders, and practice their decision making and social skills. Third places help us get good at interacting and “peopling.” Research has suggested that third spaces are in decline-due to such things as online communities, suburban sprawl and the lingering effects of the pandemic. Malls are closing, there are no late-night dance halls open for teens or those under 21. Community centers run on skeleton crews or have few offerings. There’s a real opportunity for us all in congregational life. Our spiritual home can be a place of renewal and connection for all ages. I don’t want us to see UUCO as simply a place we come to for an hour or two on Sundays. Imagine the possibilities of what we could do together in our third place of UUCO! UUCO has weathered the pandemic, we are tiny but mighty and poised for growth. We are resilient! And I have so much hope for us. Can we live into the possibilities of a love-centered spiritual hub for our community? My door is always open (my phone is always on) and I’d love to hear what you need to help you thrive, and I’d love to hear what you can offer to help others discover their resilience? As my colleague Rev. Julián Jamaica Soto wisely said, “All of us need all of us to make it.” With love and hope at the center, Rev. Sarah Timothy Snyder, on three rules for effective resistance:
it’s ok to take a little step, so long as… it's something you know something about, do with other people, do regularly, [and] it makes you a little bit uncomfortable. If it meets those criteria, then you're helping democracy. What do you know about the sacred fool? The jester, joker, ditzy detective or playful pastor? In pop culture, movies, stories, TV, you often see the seemingly foolish detective, like Agatha Christie’s Hercule Poirot or the gentle vicar, like Grantchester’s Sidney Chambers, make huge discoveries, often by asking lots of questions and being benign in posture. This character often builds trust with folks even when it seems one could dismiss them for their innocence or ridiculousness. But truthfully, the fool is smart. There is a method to their madness. One of my favorite illustrations of the fool is in the Tarot. I’m sure I’ve written about this archetype before, but as you know, repetition is the key to faith formation. The fool has a journey to make, and they trust the process. They take a step into the unknown and they don’t do it alone-they have their faithful companion by their side. Taking the risk, being vulnerable, resisting the urge to conform or fall back into old patterns, the fool moves bravely forward, never turning back. Timothy Snyder’s rule for resistance reminds me of the fool-but he takes it one step farther, “do it with other people.” That’s what’s possible for us-together, like a herd of horses, like an alley of clowns, we can practice resistance and being human together-little steps, regularly taken, even when it makes us uncomfortable. We can strengthen democracy, build beloved community, and experience all the beauty life has to offer us. As we enter 2026, let us not be afraid. Let’s shine our lights brightly for all the world to see. May we forge the fires of our commitments to justice and transformation. Let us commit to being sacred fools as we explore our Unitarian Universalist faith and make meaning together. This January, we are kicking off our stewardship campaign, “Letting Our Light Shine.” More information will be coming to you soon. As the eminent sacred fool of UUCO, I’m going to be taking risks, sharing with you vulnerably and playfully by inviting you to join me in conversation about our mission and the money needed to sustain our congregation. Let us move boldly and faithfully in the direction of our dreams for UUCO and the wider Oxford community. In mirth and reverence, Rev. Sarah “We are not saints, we are not heroes. Our lives are lived in the quiet corners of the ordinary. We build tiny hearth fires, sometimes barely strong enough to give off warmth. But to the person lost in the darkness, our tiny flame may be the road to safety, the path to salvation.” ~Kent Nerburn
It is no wonder that so many holidays centered on light are celebrated in the darkest part of the year. It’s easy to get lost in the longest nights as the world spins on its axis. Those who manage to find holiday cheer or hold onto hope in a season fraught with loneliness, despair, or suffering are the true marvels. And perhaps all of us, even those experiencing the night a little too tenderly, hold a sputtering sparkle inside us. It is possible to be keepers of both sorrow and joy. The miracle of life is that we contain multitudes. We are social creatures in nature, and though we may be made of stardust and magic, we need each other to make it through our days-especially during the winter. It’s ok to need a little help, even better to ask for it when you need it. Sometimes simply showing up to receive joy and hope are enough. And for those who are overflowing with love and mirth, maybe you can shine your light a little brighter for others to see. This is what is asked of us when we strive to be beloved community. You know the Grinch Who Stole Christmas was so grinchy because he was lonely. His light and his heart were too small because he felt different, unseen. And like many folks, if he wasn’t happy, he didn’t want anyone else to be. But a little one, Cindy Lou Who, shined her light toward the Grinch and the beloved community of Whoville joined their lights together, aimed their compassionate hearts at the Grinch and a miracle occurred! His heart and his light grew! Love begets love, ya’ll. So if you have a little light to spare, if joy is stirring in your heart, shine it bright for all to see. And if you’re struggling, don’t despair, look for the tiny flames showing you the way. In this season of hope, remember that we all need each other. Happy Holidays and blessed be! Blessings to you all, Rev. Sarah "one hand opens in grief, the other in gratitude
pressing them together to pray” ~ Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer Unitarian Universalism is pluralistic faith and a living tradition. At UUCO, this means we offer a spiritual community that holds sacred and secular space for believers and non-believers of all sorts. Prayer seems like a fraught endeavor for many and often we might disagree on the “how” and “why” of it. To whom or what do we pray as Unitarian Universalists? The answer, of course is, “It’s complicated.” Personally, I’m a big fan of prayer- whether it’s an utterance or shout of words, a dance of the spirit, a stroll through nature, a song chanted on repeat, or the focused meditative practice of voicing mantra. I pray in color-doodling on paper words or symbols to put my thoughts out into the universe. My friend Stephen says that spell work is prayer with props. I think ritual is a kind of prayer. My definition of prayer as a UU is wide open and I like that. While I love to pray and think it’s generally a good practice, I’ve also seen prayer weaponized or used as an excuse to avoid personal responsibility. “Thoughts and prayers” have been mumbled to bypass or minimize tragedy by those with power who choose to offer empty words but no action. Effective prayer is a focusing practice to help one make sense of a situation or give hope when no sense can be made. Some prayers should activate us and help us work towards our highest good. Other prayers can be offered in grief when you don’t know what else to do and sometimes that’s all you can do- just pray. And holy smokes! Sometimes prayer is simply a moment to express gratitude. In just thirteen words, poet Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer expresses the complexity of life and how prayer is a practice that reminds us that we contain multitudes. Grief and gratitude, being open to receiving all that life offers, then bringing it all close to our hearts. This November, this is much to grieve: The loss of democracy, the erosion of kindness, the despair felt when lacking resources for people to be able to feed and shelter their families because a livable wage is not a right in this country. This November, there is also much to be grateful for: friendship, chosen family, and practices of mutual aid-folks who extend acts of compassion because to ignore suffering is unfathomable. I’m also so grateful for this beloved community that gathers in hope. And I’m grateful for Love that will not let us go. Bringing my hands together in prayer, I am mindful of Rev. Dr. Rebecca Parker’s words: There is a love holding me. There is a love holding you. There is a love holding all. I rest in this love. Blessings to you all, Rev. Sarah |
Reverend Sarah OsbornePart-time minister at UUCO Archives
August 2026
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