2026 Mar 11 | NAUA Academy, News
The Camino de Santiago is one of the most ancient and well-worn pilgrimage routes in the Western world. For over a thousand years, people have walked these trails—from all across Europe and beyond—toward the cathedral in Santiago, said to be the resting place of the apostle James.
In today’s hectic world that is constantly bombarding us with chaos, the Camino is a chance to hit pause. Hit pause on social media. Hit pause on politics. Hit pause on life’s demands.
In this session, Penny Ridderbusch will talk about the history of the Camino de Santiago, her experience of walking the Camino, and what pilgrimage can mean for Unitarians.
2026 Feb 22 | News, Worship Service
AI (as large language models) is becoming increasingly woven into our daily lives. Our thoughts, longings, and our ways of making meaning are changing, with new questions arising around what it means to be human and to engage in “spiritual” matters. What trends are surfacing as our tools can seem to listen better than friends, comfort us, or provide us with both a sense of security and a sense of wonder? We’ll explore how generative AI’s unique and complex ways of reflecting back to us invite new takes on old desires for meaning, certainty, and purpose. About our Speaker: Mari Budlong is a mother of four, sister to four, a veteran, coach, and multi-faceted human who believes our humanity is worth tending as we grow alongside our quickly evolving technology. With a deep concern for the relational and ecological impacts of our choices — digital and otherwise — she brings heart, humor, and wonder to conversations where bot meets soul.
2026 Feb 11 | NAUA Academy, News
This is a one of the best Academy Sessions yet!! In this presentation, Dr. Felicia Wu, Distinguished Professor of Food Safety, Toxicology and Risk Assessment at Michigan State University, will discuss the history of US government agencies in Food, Safety and Nutrition. A detailed analysis is done of the 2026 USDA Dietary Guidelines for Americans with the controversial inverted food pyramid: https://cdn.realfood.gov/DGA.pdf
Felicia overviews the new revisions to the RFK sponsored Dietary Guidelines for Americans. She provides evidence of the different impacts of vegan, vegetarian and omnivarian diets on men and women. She also discusses the environmental and equity issues that are effected by our food choices and the recommendations of our governments.
This recording is not to be missed!!
2026 Feb 1 | News
As a religious organization, NAUA has always operated as a tax exempt non-profit. To provide added assurance to our donors, we recently applied for a 501(c)3 determination letter from the IRS.
We are pleased to announce that we are now officially identified as a tax-exempt organization and will be added to the IRS’ searchable database as such. As stated in the determination letter: “We’re pleased to tell you we determined you’re exempt from federal income tax under Internal Revenue Code (IRC) Section 501(c)(3). Donors can deduct contributions they make to you under IRC Section 170. You’re also qualified to receive tax deductible bequests, devises, transfers or gifts under Section 2055, 2106, or 2522.”
More information on how you can maximize your contributions to NAUA by donating directly from your IRA’s Required Minimum Distribution or your estate will be shared over the coming months. We are always grateful for any and all contributions that allow us to continue to provide monthly worship services, workshops, CIRCLES and other services to members.
2026 Jan 17 | News, Worship Service
Many of us have chosen to remain guided by what had until recently been the Seven Principles and Six Sources of UUism. The first of those Sources speaks of “that transcending mystery and wonder […] which moves us to a renewal of the spirit.” In this service Rev. Shear explores what those words might mean for us in responding to troubling times such as these. Perhaps a renewal of the spirit is just what the doctor ordered!
2025 Dec 28 | NAUA Academy, News
This December 2025 NAUA Academy session features a presentation and a lively discussion on the opportunities and challenges from the Arising of the Nones. Joyce Francis leads the discussion, presents efforts of the New Salish Sea Congregation and our own stories of finding Unitarian alternatives. Does the same programs and activities of Unitarians still work for the Nones?
Our apologies.
The recording of this Academy session (below) was not started until after Joyce Francis had been introduced and she had begun her presentation.
