Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Grand Traverse

(image of a note with the message and glitter dripping from it)

When life gives you Monday, dip it in glitter and sparkle all day. - Ella Woodward

Sharing another sermon from a few years ago, this time on prayer. What is prayer to you? open.substack.com/pub/revalexj...

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

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-...

YouTube video by UU Congregation of Grand Traverse (UUCGT) Name That Saint! UU Saints Sunday Service

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

substack.com/@revalexjens...

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/pub/revalexj...

"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.)

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.

❤️🖤💚 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

Drag Queen Deija Vaton standing with Reverend Alex

Join us Sunday, June 15, for our special service, Question Jar: Drag Edition, led by Rev. Alex Jensen and Miss Deija Vaton.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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 flag and flower with words that say "Pride is sacred. it is a proclamation of survival, joy, resistance, and the unstoppable power of living authentically.

UUCGT Reverend Alex wears a rainbow stole while holding a sign written in rainbow letters, "you are loved beyond belief"

(UU) has a strong LGBTQ+ inclusion history. UUCGT hosts workshops to create welcoming spaces for transgender and queer individuals, volunteers at Pride events, supports queer initiatives, and holds queer-focused services, & are made up of Queer individuals. This place was made with you in mind.

Rainy pretty background of a flowery lakeside and a setting sun. Watercolor. Words say "We are part of the web of life- rooted, connected, and resilient. Even in the rainy seasons, trust that nourishment is at work. Just as the earth drinks deeply to bloom again, we, too, grow through gray skies and stormy days.

Rainy Wednesdays w/ soaking rain & distant smoke, and sunshine eluding us. We've longed for summer and warmth, but Michigan weather mocks us. In our UU tradition, we see the sacred interdependent web of existence that includes you, clouds, cold, & the promise of blooming #UnitarianUniversalist

A call to action echoes the heart of our Unitarian Universalist faith: justice, compassion, and integrity.
Let’s not just speak our values—let’s live them out in bold, imperfect, and deeply human ways.
Quote by Forrest Church, Unitarian Minister
#UUValues #UnitarianUniversalists #BelovedCommunity

Pride in rainbow. words say Pride is Fierce Pride is Forever. You Belong Always. UUA.ORG

LGBTQIA+ people are powerful and cherished in Unitarian Universalism and beyond. LGBTQIA+ people make UU community sacred, beautiful, and whole. @uua.org

#PrideMonth #Pride #equality #LoveIsLove #UU #UnitarianUniversalist #BelovedCommunity

We’re not here to sit quietly. At UUCGT, we lean into bold hope, brave action, and the kind of “good trouble” that bends the arc toward justice. #GoodTrouble #FaithInAction #BelovedCommunity #UnitarianUniversalist

The quilt is a chalice, and the flames are different colors and shaped like people with their hands raised joyfully. The quote says "We create Beloved Community within our congregation and the Beloved Community of Dr. King’s vision in the world. We make our community and this world a better place with deepening connections and thoughtful actions. We aspire for a collective liberation: a world with peace, liberty, and justice for all."

This stunning quilt, handcrafted by our UUCGT quilters, beautifully captures the spirit of joy, unity, and shared purpose. Each flame in the chalice rises like a person, arms lifted in celebration—a vibrant symbol of our collective journey toward love, justice, and connection. #Unitarianuniveralist

hands hold an multi-colored atom with a chalice in the middle with the word LOVE above it. Words surround the atom -generosity, transformation, equity, justice, interdependence, and pluralism. Hands cup the atom and a pink light shines like a star behind the chalice. Words say: Grounded in love, we protect the web of life by: Building Beloved Community, Making Good Trouble, Emodying Radical Love, and Engaging in Lifelong Learning.

What holds us together? A deep commitment to each other, to justice, and to this fragile, beautiful world.
Our mission reminds us that our actions, rooted in compassion and courage, are part of something larger.
#UnitarianUniversalist #BelovedCommunity

people in a circle looking from above-behind them is stained glass window with a stained glass chalice. The words say We welcome your whole self, with all your truths and. your doubts, your worries and your hopes. Join us on this extraordinary adventure of faith.

Come as you are.
Here, there’s space for your questions, your hopes, your struggles, and your joy. We believe community is strongest when we show up with our whole selves—nothing left at the door.
Wherever you are on your journey, you’re welcome to walk with us. #ComeAsYouAre #BelovedCommunity

photo of diverse people in front of a tree- the words say "We build our beloved community by sharing the moments of our lives, large or small- births, weddings, joys, sorrows, and happenings at home and at work. Let us share in your life's moments.

As a community, we grow stronger when we share our lives with one another whether it’s a new beginning, a personal joy, a challenge, or simply a slice of everyday life, your story matters. We’d love to be part of your journey. Let us know what’s happening in your world. #BelovedCommunity

hands with two cups of coffee, cocoa, or drinks. The quote says, "You are invited to share in our congregation's care and concern for one and all by joining us for coffee, tea, cocoa, and conversation after the Sunday service, as well as by attending any of our social events and coffee hours.

At UUCGT, we believe in the power of community—the kind that holds you up, hears you out, and helps you stay grounded in your values. Whether it’s coffee after service, a shared meal, or a heartfelt conversation, you’re invited to find connection here. Because no one is meant to do life alone. 💛

photos of the UUCGT building showing rainbow flags and affirming language. The words say "We are on the forefront of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer inclusion for more than 40 years, we are people of all sexual orientations and gender identities.

UUCGT proudly affirms and celebrates LGBTQ+ people. For over 40 years, we’ve been committed to inclusion, justice, and love—without exception. 🏳️‍🌈 #UUCGT #LGBTQInclusion #UnitarianUniversalism #LoveIsLove #belovedcommunity

Religious images lay on cards on the table together. The text says "We are Unitarian Universalists and Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Humanist, Jewish, Muslim, Pagan, atheist, and agnostic, believers in God, and more.

"In Unitarian Universalism, you can bring your whole self: your full identity, your questioning mind, your expansive heart. By creating meaningful communities that draw from many wisdom traditions, and more, we are embodying a vision “beyond belief:” a vision of peace, love, & understanding."

UU atom symbol. A chalice in the middle with the word LOVE in the fire. In the rings of the atom - generosity, transformation, equality, pluralism, interdependence, justice. Hands reach up toward the symbol

At UUCGT, you don’t have to believe the same to belong. We welcome seekers, skeptics, theists, agnostics—and everyone in between. Here, love is the common ground. 💛 #UUCGT #UnitarianUniversalism #LoveAlike #ManyBeliefsOneCommunity #allarewelcome #belovedcommunity

Tree with the words: We have radical roots and a history as self-motivated spiritual people: we think for ourselves and recognize that life experience influences our beliefs more than anything.

Curious about Unitarian Universalism? At UUCGT, we honor spiritual freedom and the wisdom of lived experience. With radical roots and open minds, we seek truth together. #UUCGT #UnitarianUniversalism #SpiritualFreedom #ThinkForYourself

Text from our mission and beliefs: We are united in our broad and inclusive outlook and in our values, as expressed in our Eight Principles. We are united in shared experience: our open and stirring worship services, religious education, and rites of passage. Our work for social justice, our quest to include the marginalized, and our expressions of love.

At UUCGT, we are united—not by creed, but by shared values and a commitment to love, justice, and inclusion. From stirring worship to bold action, we walk together in a spirit of openness and compassion. #UUPrinciples #InclusiveFaith #UUCGT #LoveInAction #allarewelcome

Happy Monday- We're here to provide you with morel support ha ha!