All posts by Barbara Thomborson

What Yule traditions can teach us

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Speaker:- Barbara Thomborson
Worship Leader:- Karn Cleary

No recordings this week.

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Barbara Thomborson © 23 June 2024

Our Christmas traditions came from ancient Nordic and Celtic pagans. You already knew that, right? To this native of the northern hemisphere, New Zealanders use those traditions at the wrong time of the year. The British are blessed with numerous ways to celebrate the winter solstice because the Vikings and Romans, then French, brought their traditions to England and Scotland. These pagans’ earth-based deities and celebrations came from their agricultural lives and dependence on nature. They had to live in tune with nature, and nature inspired all of their holidays.

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Spiritual Intelligence

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Speaker & Worship Leader:- Barbara Thomborson

Spiritual Intelligence
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Read below, or download the PDF


Barbara Thomborson © 19 May 2024

The 7 Principles of Unitarian Universalism

Today’s service is brought to you by our third Principle, Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations, and our fourth Principle, A free and responsible search for truth and meaning.

The topic of spiritual intelligence is huge and fairly new in academic circles. This talk barely scratches the surface of thought on the subject.

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Modern Paganism

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by Barbara Thomborson.

Calling nature worshippers! The revival and/or creation of over 80 types of modern paganism shows modern Westerners’ desire to enjoy, revere and reconnect with natural mystical/spiritual powers. From Wiccanism, Celtic, ethnic, even Christo-Paganism to the Covenant of Unitarian Universalist Pagans, let’s take a brief look at modern paganism and celebrate the Celtic rite of Spring. No audio available this week.

Improving Mental Health Through Social Spirit

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by Barbara Thomborson

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Barbara was inspired to speak with us from the Mental Health Foundation’s recent study of users of mental health services in Aotearoa/New Zealand. Barbara has been a consultant with the Auckland DHB and a Consumer Advisor for local mental health services users. The service will emphasise personal and political actions each of us can take concerning our society’s mental health. Contributions from the floor did not record well and have been replaced by short periods of silence.