Blog
Discover stories, reflections, and updates from our TRUU community as we share our journey of growth and connection.
“A Way Worth Walking: Taoism and Wisdom’s Soulful Undulations” by Charis Caldwell, M.Phil. M.Div.
In our final gathering of the series, Charis Caldwell shares wisdom insights from Taoism – an ancient tradition that has long emphasised “the Way” as a means of spiritual insight and liberation. What might it look like to walk the Way today, during a time of year so far removed from stillness and soul? Drawing from the Tao Te Ching, Charis invites us to glimpse a universal path transcending belief systems: the possibility of wisdom as practice, presence, and path. This talk weaves together the themes of the entire series, imprinting a compass for those who seek to live in deeper alignment—with self, community, and planet. Whether you’ve attended all four previous sessions or are joining for the first time, this culminating reflection will offer grounding and inspiration for the road ahead. read more…
“Psilocybin and the Last Box of Kleenex” by Paul Dankers
On Sunday, November 16, TRUU Community Steward Paul Dankers will reflect on how moments of loss, from the everyday to the profound, can become invitations to gratitude. Drawing from a deeply personal story of his first psilocybin experience and the surprising lessons found in both ordinary objects and popular culture, Paul explores how practicing gratitude in life’s small endings helps prepare us for larger farewells. Together, we’ll consider how grief and gratitude are woven inseparably, and how opening ourselves to both can transform the way we live — and the way we face life’s final chapters. Please note: this reflection includes discussion of psychedelics and may not be suitable for young children. As always, we offer engaging, age-appropriate programming for children in a separate space. read more…
“Hidden Wisdom: The Feminine Face of the Divine in Judeo-Christian Traditions” by Charis Caldwell, M.Phil. M.Div.
The Hebrew Bible and Christian scriptures contain unexpected wisdom—often hidden in plain sight. In this month’s reflection, Charis Caldwell uncovers the often-overlooked role of “Sophia” (Wisdom) as a divine feminine presence woven throughout Judeo-Christian texts. From the poetic voice of Proverbs to the mystical undertones of early Christian writings, Charis reveals how wisdom emerges not just as knowledge, but as relationship—intimate, embodied, and sometimes subversive. When faith becomes rigid, wisdom disrupts. When systems lose compassion, wisdom protests. With curiosity and care, we’ll explore how recovering the wisdom tradition within Judeo-Christianity might bring new depth to both spiritual seekers and skeptical exiles. This is not your childhood Sunday School. This is an invitation to meet the Divine in her more elusive, intuitive, and fiercely loving form. read more…
“Philosophy as Pilgrimage: Greek Wisdom Traditions” by Charis Caldwell, M.Phil. M.Div.
What does it mean to live a good life? That timeless question guided the great minds of ancient Greece—Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, the Stoics, and the Cynics. In our October gathering, Charis Caldwell helps us recover these classical philosophical paths not as abstract theories, but as grounded practices in the art of living. We’ll examine how Socratic questioning, Platonic ideals, Aristotelian ethics, and Stoic resilience offer tools for navigating chaos, cultivating character, and clarifying purpose. These thinkers didn’t just speculate—they walked their talk. In a world overrun with opinions, information, and performative outrage, what can the ancients teach us about humility, courage, and inner freedom? Whether you’ve studied philosophy or simply wrestled with life’s big questions, this message offers a bridge from ancient thought to modern need—a pilgrimage for the mind and heart alike. read more…
“The Doctrine of Discovery (Domination)” by Steven T. Newcomb
Join us for a powerful service featuring Native scholar and author Steven T. Newcomb, co-founder of the Indigenous Law Institute and author of Pagans in the Promised Land. Newcomb will speak on what he calls the “Doctrine of Domination”—a system of oppression rooted in 15th-century church decrees that continues to shape legal and political realities for Indigenous Peoples today. To learn more about this destructive doctrine, please check out the documentary featuring Steven Newcomb.
The service will be enriched with music by Woo Du-An, joined by Micha Schoepe and Paul Dankers, with Rita Marsh serving as Worship Associate. Together, we will reflect on the legacy of these teachings, honor Indigenous Peoples Day, and explore pathways of justice and healing.
All are welcome to this meaningful morning of truth-telling, music, and community. read more…
“The Great Gift of Compassion” by Rev. Zenshin Florence Caplow
All the world’s religions honor compassion. Compassion is the capacity to bring your whole being to the suffering of another – human or non-human, friend or enemy. Or as one hospice director once said, “The greatest gift we can give another is the quality of our heart and mind.” Rev. Florence Caplow will bring teachings from Buddhism, Christianity, Unitarian Universalism, and the new science focused on positive mind states like compassion and altruism, to inspire us for the deepening, and widening, practice of compassion. read more…
“Days Of Awe” by Niki Delson
Jews across the world consider “The Days of Awe” — the ten days between Rosh Hashanah (the Jewish New Year) and Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement) — a sacred opportunity for spiritual transformation. This High Holiday season is a time for teshuva — literally “returning” — a practice for finding our way back to our truest selves. The time invites soul searching and honest self-examination, demanding that we see ourselves not as we wish to be, but as we truly are. It is a time for reflection, repentance, and renewal, guided by ancient wisdom and grounded in hope of change. UU member and co-founder of Down Valley Jewish Families and Friends Niki Delson, raised as a secular Jew, will draw on personal experience, rabbinic teachings, and contemporary stories to describe her journey of seeking meaning and spiritual growth through some of the timeless practices of the Days of Awe. read more…
“Vedic and Celtic Spiritual Wisdom” by Charis Caldwell, M.Phil. M.Div.
This month, Charis Caldwell continues our search for wisdom by weaving together two distinct but kindred traditions: ancient Vedism from the Indian subcontinent and Celtic spirituality from northern and central Europe. While separated by geography and culture, both traditions root their spiritual understanding in nature’s rhythms, poetic insight, and cosmic order. In Vedism, the earliest form of Hinduism, we encounter sacred sound, ritual fire, and hymns of origin. In the Celtic path, we find reverence for sacred groves, seasonal turning points, and the fierce tenderness of community. Charis explores how each of these spiritual evolutions offers a lantern for our path—especially in a world that often feels spiritually foggy and disoriented. Come with your curiosity and a willingness to see how seemingly far-flung paths may share common threads—and awaken something ancient within. read more…
“The Power of Covenant” by Rev. Zenshin Florence Caplow
The heart of all Unitarian Universalist congregations is our covenant with each other. Unlike many other American denominations that share a creed, often recited each Sunday, Unitarian Universalists share a commitment to living out our faith, however imperfectly, with each other and with the world. UU minister Rev. Florence Caplow will explore what it means to be covenantal, and how we can repair the covenant when it is – inevitably – strained or broken.
“The People Who Brought You Weekends” by Steve Brooks
This Labor Day Weekend, join TRUU for a rousing celebration of the songs and stories that shaped the American labor movement. UU folk singer and storyteller, Steve Brooks, returns with a spirited, singalong-filled service honoring the hard-won victories behind the eight-hour day, the weekend, and the rights many of us now take for granted.
With humor, history, and heart, Steve explores how the fight for fair work reflects Unitarian Universalist values like equity, justice, and democracy—and invites us to see our own lives as part of that unfolding legacy.
Our children’s program continues this week with creative, age-appropriate activities led by our beloved art teacher, Thelma Zabel. While the grown-ups sing of justice and solidarity, the kids will be building their own tools for compassion, community, and curiosity.
Come sing, reflect, and lift your voice in the spirit of Labor Day! read more…
“Just us, or Justice?” by Kate Friesen
What is justice, really—and who gets to decide? Join TRUU for a thoughtful and engaging Social Justice Sunday as we explore deep questions about morality, power, and responsibility. Can we honor differing views of justice, or is there a moral compass we’re called to follow? Does justice shift depending on who’s in charge—and what do we do when we witness injustice? Kate Friesen offers her reflections accompanied by co speakers, Udelle Stuckey & Paul Dankers.
This multigenerational service continues our newly launched children’s program, led by renowned art teacher, Thelma Zabel. On Social Justice Sundays like this one, children engage with big questions through story, discussion, and creative activities designed to cultivate empathy and action.
Come for the conversation. Stay for the community. All are welcome as we seek not just justice—but each other.
“The Creation Spirituality of John Denver” by The Rev. Dr. Todd F. Eklof
Celebrate the launch of our children’s programs with a joy-filled, music-rich service that brings together families, friends, and fresh beginnings! Featuring the beloved songs of John Denver, performed live by Paul Dankers and Micha Schoepe, this special Sunday also marks the relaunch of our children’s programs by celebrated art teacher, Thelma Zabel, who will help us welcome children into a new year of spiritual exploration.
Guest speaker Rev. Todd Eklof offers an inspiring reflection on the four paths of Creation Spirituality—drawing connections between the teachings of theologian Matthew Fox and the life and music of Mother Nature’s son, John Denver. Come ready to sing, smile, and feel the soul of the mountains move through you.
All are welcome. Especially you.
read more…
“Wisdom from the Primal Traditions” by Charis Caldwell, M.Phil. M.Div.
Before doctrine and dogma, there were drumbeats, dreams, and deep connection to the land. In this opening message, guest speaker Charis Caldwell invites us to explore the world’s earliest spiritual expressions—what scholar Huston Smith called “primal religion.” These nature-based, indigenous traditions—pre-dating formal religions—served as humanity’s first guides to living wisely within the natural world. Charis draws from these roots to ask: What does it mean to live in right relationship with the Earth, each other, and the unseen? What wisdom have we forgotten—or silenced—that might still whisper guidance today? Join us as we begin a five-month journey through global wisdom traditions in search of timeless insight for unwise times. Expect stories, soul-searching, and a renewed appreciation for the spiritual compost that nourishes all later traditions.
“A Short Walk With Our Unitarian Universalist Heroes” by Rev. Zenshin Florence Caplow
In this service, Rev. Florence Caplow will share stories from inspiring Unitarian Universalists through the centuries, men and women who were free thinkers, abolitionists, peaceful warriors, and social justice activists who never gave up.
read more…
“Letting Go” by Aaron Brown
In a world that prizes striving, managing, and achieving, what does it mean to simply let go? As art, business, politics, and academia urge us to take on more, spirituality calls us in the opposite direction—to release, to rest, and to return to what is essential. This Sunday, we’ll explore the paradoxical work of letting go: how it challenges us, heals us, and draws us into deeper connection. As this will be Aaron Brown’s final sermon in this period of ministry, it will also offer a personal reflection on the beauty and difficulty of release, and the quiet power of being companions to one another in this sacred, counter-cultural journey. read more…