Weekly Spiritual Nourishment Offerings
A long-haul commitment to the work of collective liberation requires us to engage regularly in spiritual practice to feed our spirits. This year, we are thrilled to welcome Rev. Ali KC Bell as our 30 Days of Love Minister in Residence. Each week, Rev. Ali is curating several opportunities for all of us to reflect, slow down, and tap into joy.
Monday Chalice Lightings
Each Monday during 30 Days of Love, we invite you to start your week with reverence and reflection by taking a moment to light your own chalice and listen to these pastoral and prophetic words from an array of UU lay and clergy leaders. Videos will be posted every Monday morning by 10am ET/7am PT on the Side With Love website, and are offered as a gift for congregations and individuals to use however they like.
January 17: Chalice Lighting by QuianaDenae Perkins
January 24: Chalice Lighting by Adrian Ballou, UUA LGBTQ Ministries and Gender Justice Fellow
January 31: Chalice Lighting by Rev. Edith Love
February 7: Chalice Lighting by rev. yadenee hailu
Wednesday Meditations
Each Wednesday, watch these short video reflections from a diverse array of Unitarian Universalist lay leaders and clergy. Each week’s meditation will focus on that week’s 30 Days of Love theme, and will be an invitation to all who watch to take a moment to breathe and reflect on our shared work for justice. Videos will be posted every Wednesday morning by 10am ET/7am PT on the Side With Love website, and are offered as a gift for congregations and individuals to use however they like.
January 19: Meditation by Rev. Dayna Edwards
January 26: Meditation by Rev. Lisa Garcia-Sampson
February 2: Meditation by JeKaren Olaoya
February 9: Meditation by Rev. Elizabeth Mount
Friday Songs of Joy: Embodied Practice
This is a live time of connection, music, and joyful embodiment open to all! This 30-minute session will be offered each Friday of 30 Days of Love, and will be hosted by 30 Days of Love Minister in Residence Rev. Ali K.C. Bell and co-facilitated by Rev. E.N. Hill.
Using song as a tool of spiritual engagement and embodied practice, participants will be invited to participate in:
Lectio divina (“sacred reading”) using song lyrics;
A short online dance party or embodied practice (keep your cameras on or off as you feel comfortable!); and
A chance to share joys, gratitudes, and blessings with one another
Attend one session, or all four! This is a participatory event and pre-registration is required.
Register to participate on January 21 at 8:00 PM ET
Register to participate on January 28 at 8:00 PM ET
Register to participate on February 4 at 8:00 PM ET
Register to participate on February 11 at 8:00 PM ET
About co-facilitator E.N. Hill, M.Div.
E.N. Hill (All pronouns accepted) is a military veteran, a social justice activist, a spoken word artist, and an aspiring Unitarian Universalist minister. After serving as an Air Force Aviator and Senior leader for 15 years, E.N. separated honorably from active duty to pursue full-time theological education. In the Spring of 2020, they graduated from Starr King School for the Ministry with a Masters of Divinity focusing on multi-religious leadership. Upon completing ordination and internship requirements, E.N. plans to re-enter the military as an Army Reserve Chaplain. They also intend to pursue co-ministry with their partner, Badia Askari, to offer spiritual support and resources to various communities in their local Tallahassee area, as well as on-line. Outside of ministry and community service, E.N.'s hobbies include spending time in nature, reading, listening to music, running, and journaling. E.N. dreams of publishing an anthology of poetry and short stories detailing their mystical experiences with their ancestors and God.
