On Rare Disease Day (February 28th), I want to share my story—not only to raise awareness, but to celebrate the resilience of those living with rare diseases as we advocate for access, equity in medical research and disability resources, and work to tear down barriers that were never ours to carry. I live with Leber’s Congenital … Continue reading On Rare Disease Day (February 28th), I want to share my story
February is National Spay and Neuter Month. Spay/neuter has many advantages for the individual animal, the human family, and the community. One very pressing reason to promote spay/neuter is the overpopulation of dogs and cats in the U.S. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (founded by Unitarian Henry Bergh), … Continue reading February is National Spay and Neuter Month
Hello Beloved BBUUC Community, Please take note of some concerning upcoming changes at JTA that will adversely affect disability access to transportation. JTA currently has a program referred to as Connexion Plus, which is a door to door ride service for people with disabilities in Jacksonville. Connexion Plus is truly terrific. It functions similar to … Continue reading Changes to Connexion Plus – A Vital Service for People With Disabilities in Jacksonville
In my training as a Unitarian Universalist Animal Chaplain, one of the central concepts studied was “disenfranchised grief.” The term refers to the deep, heartfelt, wracking grief we can feel at the death of an animal, and the fact that society typically fails to recognize and validate that grief. Many people experience the death of … Continue reading Grief at the Death of a Companion Animal
On 15 November 2025, the longest federal government shutdown in United States history came to an end.[1] The shutdown paused the distribution of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to millions of Americans experiencing food insecurity. In response, nonprofits throughout the country, including Northeastern Florida, stepped in to assist families in need.[2] Less than two … Continue reading Kim’s Open Door
As millions begin plans and preparations for the holidays, national animal-advocacy organizations again offer tips for keeping animals safe during the festive season. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (founded by Unitarian Henry Bergh), suggests the following: Dangerous foods: Keep your animals on their regular diets throughout the holidays, resisting the … Continue reading Keeping Animals Safe During the Holidays
Pilgrims and Puritans — Thanksgiving and Harvard Pilgrims_and_Puritans_OnePage— John A. Keohane, Texas-based longtime Unitarian Universalist
The below graphic and narrative summarize the analysis of Questions 2 and 3 on the 2025 BBUUC Congregational Health and Vision survey, where you were asked: “What do you most appreciate about BBUUC” and “What does BBUUC do well”. For a longer, in depth version of the conclusions, go HERE … Continue reading Results For the 2025 Congregational Health and Vision Survey!
On 20 January 2025, President Trump signed an executive order suspending entry of refugees into the United States under the US Refugee Admissions Program with limited exceptions.[1] As a result, several refugee support organizations have lost critical federal grant funds and some have been forced to lay off much of their staff.[2] These developments have … Continue reading Non-profit Spotlight: Beyond90
At its heart, the BBUUC congregation radiates what it means to be a “beloved community”—a place where people belong before they believe. Again and again, members describe the church as a sanctuary of friendship, compassion, and acceptance. Words like “community”, “welcoming”, “open-minded”, “caring”, and “inclusive” appear throughout the comments, painting a portrait of a congregation … Continue reading BBUUC: The Beloved Community in Action
