UU Rocks

04/05/2026

Happy Easter, Beloveds. As Unitarian Universalists come together to celebrate rituals of this season in a time of so much chaos and violence, I am reminded that the biblical Easter story asks us first to face the realities of grief and loss and the deep injustices of the world, to be in solidarity with those who may not find ease and joy in the days ahead.

As we nurture hope and renewal in community together, may we release the need for a comforting container to hold our attention. With one another’s support and encouragement, let us strengthen our resolve to be with those who have long done the work of justice because their very lives depended on it. May the love that lives at the center of our communities be enough to hold all that is here, on this Easter holiday and in all the days to come.

03/31/2026

Visibility matters 💙💗🤍

This kindness rock was created to celebrate Transgender Day of Visibility a reminder that every person deserves to be seen, valued, and loved exactly as they are. The chalice burns brightly across the colors of the trans flag, symbolizing hope, courage, and the light we share in community.

Today and every day, we stand with our transgender siblings. Your identity is valid. Your story matters. Your presence makes our community stronger and more beautiful.

This rock hasn’t been hidden yet—it’s here to inspire you. Paint your own message of love, affirmation, and justice, then share it here with before passing it along into the world.

Let’s continue building a world where everyone can live openly, safely, and with dignity 🌈

03/29/2026

03/27/2026

Sometimes a small rock can carry a powerful message ✊💛

This one is all about standing together and lifting up the voices of those marching in the protests this weekend. It’s a reminder that dignity, fairness, and justice belong to everyone—not just the powerful.

We stand in solidarity with all who are showing up, speaking out, and working toward a more just and compassionate world for all people.

This rock hasn’t been hidden yet—it’s here to inspire you. Paint your own message of hope, justice, or love and share it here with . Let’s spread encouragement far beyond where we stand.

Whether you’re marching, supporting from home, or simply choosing kindness in your daily life—you are part of the change 🌈

03/25/2026

Sometimes the smallest things carry the biggest message 💛

This kindness rock celebrates the First Principle: the inherent worth and dignity of every person. No exceptions. No conditions. Just a simple, powerful reminder we can carry with us wherever we go.

This rock hasn’t been hidden yet; it’s here to inspire YOU! Grab a rock, some paint, and a little creativity, and make your own message of hope. Share your creation on this page and help spread light, love, and compassion in these times.

Painted with love (and a little imperfection), just like we all are. May it inspire kindness and remind us that every person we meet matters.

If you do hide your rock, take a picture, share it here, and keep the kindness going 🌟

03/23/2026

🐾💛 Happy National Puppy Day! 💛🐾

This little rock is all about joy, love, and the kind of unconditional companionship our furry friends give so freely. Puppies remind us how to be present, how to love without hesitation, and how to find delight in the simplest moments.

In true UU spirit, this rock celebrates love in action: wagging tails, open hearts, and the connections that make life brighter.

✨ Want to join in?
Create your own UU Rock inspired by animals, love, or the simple joys that make you smile. Then hide it for someone else to discover!

📸 If you find one:
Take a picture, share it, and keep it or re-hide it to spread the happiness.

Let’s scatter a little more joy (and maybe a few extra tail wags) into the world today. 🐶💫

03/22/2026

🕯️🌈 Only Love Can Do That 🌈🕯️

This rock carries a message we need right now: as spring begins, hope is alive and rising all around us; even in the face of fear. Like the season’s first blooms, it shows up in small acts, in brave voices, and in the quiet determination to keep loving anyway. Love is not passive; it’s action. It’s courage. It’s showing up again and again for one another, especially when it’s hardest.

As Harvey Milk reminded us, “Hope will never be silent.”
And as Martin Luther King Jr. taught, only love has the power to drive out hate.

For our LGBTQ+ siblings, who too often face fear, exclusion, and harm just for being who they are, love must be more than a feeling. It must be visible. Vocal. Unapologetic.

That’s what this rock is about.
A small act of resistance.
A quiet spark of hope.
A reminder that love, when lived out loud, can change the world.

✨ Want to join in?
Create a rock that shares a message of love, justice, or hope. Leave it somewhere it can be found when someone needs it most.

📸 If you find one:
Take a picture, share it, and keep it moving: or keep it close if it speaks to you.

Let’s keep love at the center.
Let’s make hope impossible to silence!

03/22/2026

💧🌍 Happy World Water Day! 🌍💧

This little rock started as a simple idea and became a reminder of something powerful: water connects all of us. Every drop matters. Every action counts.

As Unitarian Universalists, our 7th Principle calls us to honor the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part. Water is at the heart of that web; flowing through every living thing, sustaining ecosystems, and linking us across communities and generations.

Painting and sharing UU Rocks is one small way we can live that truth: spreading love, awareness, and connection out into the world, one unexpected discovery at a time. Imagine someone finding this rock on a walk and being reminded that caring for our planet is caring for each other.

✨ Want to join in?
Create your own rock inspired by water, nature, or our shared interdependence. Then hide it for someone else to find!

📸 If you find one:
Take a picture, share it, and keep the kindness flowing and/or re-hide it for the next person.

Let’s make waves of compassion together and honor the web that holds us all. 💙

03/21/2026

🌸🌱 Happy First Full Day of Spring from ! 🌱🌸

Spring is here in full bloom; a time of longer days, fresh starts, and new life all around us. 🌞🌼

Just like the season, UU Rocks are little reminders that growth and kindness can show up in the most unexpected places. Each rock shared is a small act of love, a spark of connection, and a way to brighten someone’s day.

As the world wakes up, let’s keep spreading messages of hope, inclusion, and joy throughout our communities. 💛

🌿 Want to join in? Create your own UU Rocks!
Paint a small stone with words or symbols of love and justice, then hide it somewhere for someone else to discover. You never know who might need that moment of encouragement.

Keep exploring, keep creating, and keep sharing the light.

03/20/2026

🌈 UU RE Lesson Plan: “Spreading Love with UU Rocks”

🕊️ Theme

Interconnectedness, kindness, and sharing our values in the world

⏰ Time

45–60 minutes

👶👧🧒 Ages

All ages (adaptations included)

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🎯 Goals

Children will:
• Understand how small actions can spread kindness
• Learn about UU values (love, justice, respect for all beings)
• Create a UU Rock to share in their community
• Practice generosity by giving something away

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🧺 Materials
• Smooth rocks (2–3 inches, pre-washed)
• Acrylic paints & brushes
• Paint pens/markers
• Cups of water & paper towels
• Sealant spray (for later, adult use)
• Examples of UU symbols (chalice, hearts, peace signs, nature symbols)
• Optional: stickers, pencils for sketching

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🌟 Opening (10 minutes)

🔥 Chalice Lighting

Leader says:

“We light this chalice for the light of love, the warmth of community, and the fire of justice that we carry into the world.”

Invite children to repeat a simple phrase:
“We share our light.”

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💬 Check-In Question

Go around the circle:
• “What is one small thing someone did that made you smile?”

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📖 Story / Introduction (10 minutes)

Tell a short story (or paraphrase):

“Imagine you’re walking along and you find a colorful rock that says ‘You Matter.’ You don’t know who made it—but in that moment, you feel seen and cared for.”

Explain:
• UU Rocks are small, painted stones hidden for others to find
• They carry messages of love, hope, and justice
• This is one way we live our UU values in the world

Tie to UU principle:
• Respect for the inherent worth and dignity of every person

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🎨 Activity: Create UU Rocks (20–30 minutes)

🧠 Brainstorm First

Ask:
• What message do you want someone to find?
• What symbol could show love or hope?

Write ideas where kids can see:
• “You are loved”
• “Choose kindness”
• “All are welcome”
• “Be brave”
• “You belong”

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🖌️ Create!

Encourage:
• Bright colors
• Simple words (younger kids)
• Symbols (chalice, hearts, rainbows, flowers, spirals)

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🧒 Age Adaptations

Younger Kids (Pre-K–2)
• Use stickers or simple shapes
• Focus on hearts, smiley faces, rainbows
• Adult can help write words

Older Kids (3–6+)
• Add messages about justice, inclusion
• Try more detailed designs
• Encourage thinking about impact on others

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🌍 Sharing the Rocks (5–10 minutes)

Explain:
• Rocks will be sealed and then hidden around the community
• They can also take one to hide with their family

Discuss:
• Good places to leave rocks (parks, trails, gardens)
• Respecting nature and private property

Optional:
• Create a group plan to hide rocks together another day

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🙏 Closing Reflection (5 minutes)

Ask:
• “How might someone feel when they find your rock?”

Go around for one-word answers:
• “Happy,” “Loved,” “Surprised,” etc.

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🔥 Closing Words

“Just like these rocks, we carry messages of love into the world. Even small acts can shine brightly.”

Blow out chalice together:
“We carry the light with us.”

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🌱 Optional Extensions
• Tie to Spring Equinox: themes of growth and renewal
• Start a congregational project
• Create a map or social media page to track found rocks
• Invite families to post photos when rocks are discovered