Next week I'm doing a service at my UU fellowship. I've abandoned my elements services for now to follow the themes that the minster is setting for each month. For February, the theme is "Gratitude" and I'm doing a service on the wonder and beauty of existence and showing gratitude for them. One hymn I planned on using was "For the Beauty of the Earth". In our hymnbook, we use a slightly UU'ized version of the lyrics ("Lord of all" is replaced by "Source of all" for instance) to the familiar tune ("Dix" for those into such things).

I am curious what people's thoughts are regarding barriers to participation and engagement in this site, especially as they compare to say other online communities or church communities.

I propose that

i can't help it; Trudeau was my favourite PM -- elegance, wit, ego, able to take the piss like the best of them...

And now the bless'd canadian gov't has repealed a bit of one of his famous rulings

Section 13 and Section 54 of the Canadian Human Rights Act (link to full text) are being repealed.

So bless the canadian gov't and MP Brian Storseth

We read and hear so much about what is not going well in our world, but perception is everything.  I choose to look at the beauty of the Earth and celebrate her wonder, rather than become overcome with the perceived negativity around us.  I am grateful for the morning sunrises and the evening sunsets. I look at Nature in all her glory and see lessons of acceptance in the effortless way she teaches the cycles of life which include death and rebirth.