5/3/26:  The Wisdom of Imara Jones  Rev. Carol Bodeau 
This week, we will be watching and discussing a portion of the keynote lecture from last summer's UUA General Assembly.  The talk,  "Love at the Center: Defending Trans Lives and Democracy," was given by activist and educator Imara Jones, and helps us understand the intersections of prejudice and politics in a new light.  If you are interested in watching the whole talk in advance, you can find it at: 2025 Ware Lecture: Imara Jones | UUA.org
Following the service, we will have our monthly potluck.  We will also be starting our new monthly discussion group, "Mystical Moments," an opportunity to discuss mystical experiences (whether you have them or not!).  All are welcome.

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5/10/26: The Joys of Parenting…No Matter Who You Are   Rev. Carol Bodeau 
In the late spring and early summer, it is traditional to celebrate parents and grandparents in separate holidays.  But no good parenting happens in a vacuum; it's a project we do together, in community with all those who touch the lives of our children.  That includes biological parents and chosen family; neighbors and educators; church friends and people on our tv's and social media.  What are the joys of helping to raise—as all of us are currently doing, whether we know it or not—the next generation? 
This week, we begin our Compassionate Communication class and practice group, which will be meeting on 2nd and 4th Sundays at 12:30pm.  All are welcome to join us. 

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5/17/26: The Importance of Souls for UUs   David Howell

There are many more concerns about souls than saving them a hell of eternal torment. Some thoughts about what they may be.

David Howell is a retired philosophy and religion professor and a longtime member of Westside.

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5/24/26: Appreciation or Appropriation: On Cultural Sharing  Rev. Carol Bodeau  
As UU's, we honor the wisdom of a wide range of traditions, cultures, and peoples.  This is a rich and fruitful way to understand our larger context, but it can be tricky to do so in a way that is consistently respectful.  This week, we review the difference between cultural appreciation and cultural appropriation, and learn some basic guidelines for ensuring that we are engaging the teachings and traditions of cultures that are not are own in ways that truly honor and respect all peoples. 
Compassionate Communication meets at 12:30 today. 
Earth Church meets at 2pm. 

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5/31/26:  Love Can Build a Bridge   Rev. Carol Bodeau 
There's nothing like a bridge to span the chasms that can separate us physically and metaphorically.  As we celebrate the 'bridging' from youth to adulthood of our graduating seniors, we reflect on how we can ourselves be bridges in a world too torn by division and difference. 
Congregational meeting follows today's service.  

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6/7/26:  Proud to Be Who We Are  
Join us for our annual Pride service at Westside, where we reaffirm our commitment to our LGBTQ+ family, both within the congregation and in our larger community.  Our potluck this week is Pride-focused, so see if you can come up with rainbow foods to share! 
Mystical Moments discussion group meets following the potluck and Pride party. 

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6/14/26:    Celebrating Juneteenth Rev. Carol Bodeau
Juneteenth National Independence Day is a federal holiday in the United States. It is celebrated in remembrance of June 19, 1865, when Major General Gordon Granger ordered the final enforcement of the Emancipation Proclamation in Texas at the end of the American Civil War.  Let's learn more about this important moment in American history and what it means to our neighbors here in TN and in other states. 
Compassionate Communication meets at 12:30 today. 

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6/21/26: Lessons from Litha    Rev. Carol Bodeau 
Each year, people around the world celebrate the Summer Solstice, the moment when the day is longest, and the night shortest.  In the northern hemisphere, this occurs on June 21st and, though it seems like just the beginning of summer, it is actually the moment when the summer is already beginning to fade, turning towards shorter, colder times.  What lessons can we learn from this traditional earth-based holiday?  How does the turning of the wheel of the year mirror our own internal and collective movement forward? 
Our Earth Church Summer Solstice celebration will be held on Saturday, June 20th. 

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6/28/26: Creating Caring Connections  Caring Connections Committee  
Have you ever told yourself "this year I'll send those cards" or "remember all those birthdays"?  It can be easy to let our connections with others fall between the cracks of our busy lives, but we all know that there is a high price for neglecting the important relationships that help us to thrive. This week we will be learning about our new "Caring Connections" committee, and how it will help us to stay connected and engaged with all those who call Westside home. 
Compassionate Communication meets at 12:30 today. 
No Earth Church this week, due to our June 20th Litha celebration. 

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7/5/26:   Pancakes and Patriotism  Chris Edkins

In our traditional Pancakes and Patriotism service, participants can share their favorite patriotic poems and readings whilst we eat a pancake breakfast. This year, since the service falls on the day of the first Sunday potluck, the sharing of readings will happen after the service during a breakfast themed potluck. Please bring breakfast/brunch items to share. Pancakes and bacon will be provided!