Week Five: Exploring Possibilities

Reflection

by India Harris, UU the Vote 2026 Lead

How do we lean into the unknown while remaining rooted in our values? This is the tension at the heart of our faith, calling us both to question boldly and to remain grounded in our commitment to justice, equity, and the inherent worth of every person.

Exploring possibilities requires us to cultivate what James Luther Adams called “prophetic imagination or the capacity to envision what could be, even when the present feels overwhelming. It means analyzing power structures not just to critique them, but to understand where transformative change can take root. When we engage in power analysis, we’re asking: Who holds power? Who is excluded? And critically, how might we redistribute power toward collective liberation?

This work demands courage. It asks us to experiment with new programs, new partnerships, and new ways of being in community, knowing that some efforts will flourish while others will teach us through failure. Program development becomes spiritual practice when we approach it with humility and a willingness to learn.

But discernment isn’t about chasing every opportunity. It’s about asking: Does this align with our deepest values? Does it build power with those most impacted by injustice? Does it move us closer to the world we’re called to create- one where all people can thrive?

Our Unitarian Universalist principles ground us: justice, equity, compassion, and the interconnected web of all existence. These aren’t abstract ideals- they’re the compass by which we navigate uncertain terrain. When we center solidarity with marginalized communities and commit to political education that sharpens our understanding of systemic injustice, we can move forward with both boldness and integrity.

The possibilities before us are vast. Our calling is to explore them faithfully, together, with hearts wide open.

Multigenerational Activity

Body Practice

Inspired by Meditation Time Travel to 2050 by adrienne maree brown

Reflection Practice

Creative Practice

“Exploring Possibilities” Coloring Sheet by Lena Kassicieh

Theological Conversation

This conversation focuses on social media, digital innovation, and experimentation in congregational life. Rev. Brandan Robertson and Rev. Joanna Fontaine Crawford explore how churches can faithfully engage digital platforms to build connection, communicate values, and extend ministry beyond physical walls—while remaining grounded in theology and relationship.

Rev. Joanna Fontaine Crawford has served as Lead Minister of Live Oak Unitarian Universalist Church since August 2014, following her ministry at First Unitarian Universalist Church of Houston, a multi-site congregation. A lifelong Unitarian Universalist, she earned her Master of Divinity, summa cum laude, from Houston Graduate School of Theology, completed a dual internship with Northwoods UU Church and the Church of the Larger Fellowship (the UU online congregation), and trained in hospital chaplaincy at Methodist Hospital of Houston.

Before entering ministry, Rev. Joanna worked professionally in marketing, a background that deeply informs her leadership in digital strategy, online engagement, and social media innovation for churches.