Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Grand Traverse
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Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Grand Traverse
@uutraversecity.bsky.social
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We are brave, curious, and compassionate thinkers and doers. We have a track record of standing on the side of love, justice, and peace.
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uutraversecity.bsky.social
Howard Zinn reminds us that “You can’t be neutral on a moving train.” Our mission is to embody this through Beloved Community, which calls us to build a world based on peace, justice, & collective liberation. Our faith and values compel us to act and shape a more just world.
#BelovedCommunity
people protest on the street
December 11, 2025 at 3:20 PM
uutraversecity.bsky.social
We can't always choose to be happy, but we can choose to be kind to ourselves when we are sad.
-Lori Deschene
woman under an unbrella-sun shines down from the umbrella while it storms all around her.
December 10, 2025 at 7:33 PM
Reposted by Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Grand Traverse
uua.org
Stories like “Star Wars” show how imagining new worlds can be an act of resistance. Rev. Sam Teitel reflects on the courage of ordinary people who choose to resist oppression. What kinds of courage do our current “empires” require from us today? Read more: https://bit.ly/48tpMWY

#UUWorld #StarWars
A rectangular graphic featuring a cosmic landscape. The background shows a star-filled night sky fading into shades of deep purple, magenta, and orange. Below the sky is an illustrated horizon of distant mountains with a glowing band of light curving across the center, resembling a planet's atmosphere seen from space. In the foreground, stylized dunes or rocky terrain appear in warm tones of gold and rose. Centered in the upper portion of the image is a white text quote: “It is an act of faith to imagine a world where oppression is either gone, or where—as is the case of Star Wars—oppression is challenged and ultimately defeated.” Beneath the quote, in smaller white text, it reads: “– UU Rev. Sam Teitel.” At the bottom of the graphic is the UU World logo in white. Below the logo is the text “http://UUWorld.org .”
December 10, 2025 at 6:21 PM
uutraversecity.bsky.social
Mental illness can be invisible, and it's never easy to know what someone is dealing with. This weekend, UUCGT's focus is on Navigating the Troubled Waters of Mental Illness.
a profile of a face with swirls in the head
December 9, 2025 at 1:53 PM
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uucwf.bsky.social
This time of year is hard for a lot of people. If you’ve been feeling adrift, look for community. 🩵
#uucwf #unitarianuniversalistcongregation #unitarianuniversalist #uuchurch #sidewithlove❤️ #oregoncity
November 29, 2025 at 3:46 PM
uutraversecity.bsky.social
I am here to tell you - people are good. And they will overwhelm you with their willingness to make things better for others.
Rev. Joanna Fontaine Crawford, UU Live Oak
#UUValues #BelovedCommunity #unitarianuniversalist
An adult walks with a child on a black-and-white horizon.
December 8, 2025 at 5:07 PM
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revalex.bsky.social
Hope lifts us up… and sometimes weighs us down. This Soul Matters month of "Choosing Hope, we explore the Buddhist insight of the “twin thieves” of hope and fear and how we live meaningfully when hope feels distant.

Link:
open.substack.com/pub/revalexj...
December 8, 2025 at 12:06 AM
uutraversecity.bsky.social
This Sunday, our service will explore hope. Hope lifts us up… and sometimes weighs us down. This Soul Matters month of "Choosing Hope, we’ll explore the Buddhist insight of the “twin thieves” of hope and fear, and how we live meaningfully when hope feels distant.
Hope doesn’t just whisper “It will be different,” it also shouts, “It should be different,” and “It can be different.” Yes, it speaks soothing words about trusting and waiting, but it also takes the form of a holy impatience that declares, “Enough is enough. The time is now!”
December 3, 2025 at 3:11 PM
uutraversecity.bsky.social
Sneak Peek! Something Special Is Coming Tomorrow
Check tomorrow’s email and social media for a special Giving Tuesday announcement! We’re offering a *one-day opportunity* to support UUCGT and receive a unique thank-you gift—limited supplies! Stay tuned… you’ll want to be ready. 💛 #GivingTuesday
December 1, 2025 at 2:44 PM
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revalex.bsky.social
How does Unitarian Universalism, drag, and communion go together? It's a pretty good story... You'll have to check it out!

revalexjensen.substack.com/p/from-2023-...
November 23, 2025 at 12:08 PM
uutraversecity.bsky.social
revalex.bsky.social Rev. Alex Jensen @revalex.bsky.social · Nov 16
My reflections on what it's like to come of age in our world today, with the many challenges facing our country and world. What is the promise of our world for younger generations? How do we pick up the pieces? (Link below.)
open.substack.com/pub/revalexj...
November 16, 2025 at 7:13 PM
uutraversecity.bsky.social
When life gives you Monday, dip it in glitter and sparkle all day. - Ella Woodward
(image of a note with the message and glitter dripping from it)
November 10, 2025 at 4:49 PM
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revalex.bsky.social
Sharing another sermon from a few years ago, this time on prayer. What is prayer to you? open.substack.com/pub/revalexj...
November 9, 2025 at 9:32 PM
uutraversecity.bsky.social
UUCGT sends you light and love. If you’re seeking an open, accepting, and caring community where you can grow spiritually and be your authentic self, we invite you to join us. Whoever you are, wherever you are on your journey, you are welcome here. Learn more at uucgt.org
November 6, 2025 at 1:38 PM
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revalex.bsky.social
We have fun over here on Sundays... I made our service on Unitarian Universalist "Saints" into a game show! See the link in the comments to view the results... And yes, I dressed up for this one... revalexjensen.substack.com/p/unitarian-...
November 2, 2025 at 6:35 PM
uutraversecity.bsky.social
Who are the saints of our tradition? On this All Souls Day, we remember those who shaped our faith and call us to deeper love in a Fun new LIVE game show, Name That Saint, this Sunday!

Host William Ellery Channing with co-host Renée Russell
youtu.be/iHEF0ik332A
Name That Saint! UU Saints Sunday Service
YouTube video by UU Congregation of Grand Traverse (UUCGT)
youtu.be
October 30, 2025 at 2:32 PM
uutraversecity.bsky.social
October 26, 2025 at 6:55 PM
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revalex.bsky.social
substack.com/@revalexjens...
October 19, 2025 at 6:22 PM
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revalex.bsky.social
open.substack.com/pub/revalexj...
Raíces: Roots that Ground Us - Claiming Our Whole Selves
Reflection from UUCGT's Service on Sun., Oct. 5, 2025. Preached by the Rev. Alex Jensen, Senior Minister at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Grand Traverse (UUCGT), Traverse City, Michigan.
open.substack.com
October 5, 2025 at 6:25 PM
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revalex.bsky.social
"Saying What We Mean (And What We Don't)"

What happens when our words miss the mark? Together we explore how vulnerability, curiosity, and courage can help us stay connected when communication goes sideways. (Link in comments.)
September 28, 2025 at 9:00 PM
Reposted by Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Grand Traverse
uua.org
❤️🖤💚 On Juneteenth, we honor the resilience of Black communities and the ongoing struggle for true liberation. As UUs, we recommit to dismantling white supremacy and ensuring that freedom is not symbolic but lived—every day, by all. #Juneteenth #UU #Liberation #BelovedCommunity
A graphic honoring Juneteenth on a gray textured background. At the top, bold black text reads: “Honoring JUNETEENTH Freedom Day.” Below that, in italic script: “A day of truth, resilience, and liberation.” Surrounding the text are outlined illustrations of raised fists in the top corners. At the bottom center, a red, black, and green Pan-African flag waves on a flagpole, with silhouettes of protesters and raised signs in the background. The Unitarian Universalist Association chalice symbol is in the lower left corner, and “UUA.ORG ” is printed in black along the bottom.
June 19, 2025 at 1:51 PM
uutraversecity.bsky.social
Join us Sunday, June 15, for our special service, Question Jar: Drag Edition, led by Rev. Alex Jensen and Miss Deija Vaton.
Drag Queen Deija Vaton standing with Reverend Alex
June 12, 2025 at 6:12 PM
uutraversecity.bsky.social
t UUCGT, our mission is rooted in radical love—a love that welcomes every story, every identity, every soul. We show up with compassion, extend grace in all directions, and strive to be a community where care overflows. In a world that often divides, we choose connection.
watercolor background with the words "We are people of all sexualities, genders, cultures, backgrounds, and beliefs. We believe in gentle compassion and abundant grace. We are ambassadors of love to one another and to our wider world.
June 10, 2025 at 7:32 PM
uutraversecity.bsky.social
We are here to cross the lines that divide us—building bridges instead of walls. At UUCGT, we believe love isn’t passive; it’s active, bold, and boundary-breaking. Together, we grow into a community where no one stands alone. #RadicalLove #BelovedCommunity #UnitarianUniveralist #LoveInAction
Flowers border with hands holding hearts from below. Multi-colored faces painted in various colors are in the background. The words read "We embody radical love. We challenge ourselves to break down barriers that separate us. As a congregation, we push urselves to widen our welcome to those at the margins.
June 9, 2025 at 6:36 PM
uutraversecity.bsky.social
At UUCGT, we foster a Beloved Community where no one, especially our Queer kin, faces challenges alone. Supported by love, resilience, & care, we celebrate diverse paths, faiths, & LGBTQ+ identities. Our strength is in diversity & love that embraces all. Together, we honor life's interconnectedness
Rainbow icons and images on a background with the words "You are not alone in the storm. You are held by a web of love, resilience, and fierce care. We will stand with you and for you.
June 6, 2025 at 12:32 PM