Category Archives: Promotions for Friends and Colleagues

Unitarian Universalism – who can claim it and who is claimed by it?

Rev. Kate Braestrup is an ordained UU Minister residing in Maine. She has helped countless people cope with acute trauma and navigate unimaginable grief. Her viral video on The Moth Radio Hour introduced millions to our Unitarian Universalist faith tradition. She has received many accolades and awards for her work in the mental health field. She has been given an award by the UUA recognizing her contribution to religious liberalism. Recently she has shared this blog post.

Two questions that are paramount: Who can claim Unitarian Universalism as their own…and who is claimed (or rejected) by Unitarian Universalism? What are the standards for UUs in general in regards to how we are to treat each other?

Why is this important? Because for years I (Twinkle) have been serving Unitarian congregations and groups. Lately I am beginning to wonder if the current leaders and most vocal in their ranks are aligned with my credo of Living Life as a Prayer, of treating others with compassion, and of leading with Love. If they (UUs) are amassing to expel or disassociate with such amazing ministers as Kate Braestrup, it is not an organization I can support. Time will tell the answers of these questions.

9/11 Again – 2019

Every year on 9/11 my services always include this song – played, sung or spoken. “If I Give Your Name” by Pat Humphries and Sandy O of Emma’s Revolution. As well as some version of Judy Chicago’s Merger Poem as prayer, as meditation, as wish and as dream. May the day come when we can all live in gentle compassion and peaceableness.

YOU are invited to our Water Communion Service


Join Us!
Sermon: Gentle Ripples, a Water Communion Service to Gather The Beloved Community
Sunday, September 8th, 2019 (10:00 am)
The Universalist Unitarian Church of Waterville
69 Silver Street, Waterville, Maine

Worship Leader: Rev. “Twinkle” Marie Porter-Manning

Thought for Contemplation:
“The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members.” 
~ Coretta Scott King
#PulpitOfPeace #BuildingTheBelovedCommunity #UUSermon

UUA GA 2019

This year’s UUA General Assembly in Spokane, Washington was beautiful and dramatic and sweet and socratic – as is the case with many GA’s. The moments I will share now are from The Red Tent Gretchen and I hosted at the UU Women and Religion and Women’s Federation area, reunions with longtime friends and colleagues, and budding friendships. Of note as well, the Church of the Larger Fellowship celebrated its 75th during GA – lots of fun and heart-warming program! There were UUSCM meet-ups. And, I hosted a UU Talks Poster Session for congregations and groups to learn about this innovative fundraising, outreach and publicity program. There is more to say about GA – there often is. When I process it, I will write again. In love and gratitude, ~ Twinkle.