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Ulc Minister Training & Education - Universal Life Church Monastery Blog

The Secret Religious History of Thanksgiving

November 22nd, 2022

Did you know Thanksgiving is a religious holiday? This is the story of pagan harvest festivals, how the Christian Church coopted these holidays as their own, and how the symbolic evidence survives to this day. Continue Reading »

Posted in: Pagan & Wiccan, ULC Minister Training & Education | 51 Comments »

What Is a Krathong? Thai Lantern Festival Explained

November 8th, 2022

Break out your lighters, the Thai Lantern Festival begins today! This two-day festival celebrating positivity and prosperity for the new year is tied to the lunar calendar and has a fascinating history to explore. Continue Reading »

Posted in: ULC Minister Training & Education | 1 Comment »

What Is the Lantern Festival and How Did It Begin?

October 8th, 2022

The Lantern Festival is a Chinese holiday marking the conclusion of the Chinese New Year celebrations (also known as the Spring Festival). But what is the story behind this holiday, and how did it begin? Continue Reading »

Posted in: ULC Minister Training & Education | 2 Comments »

The History of Oktoberfest (And Why It’s Not in October)

October 1st, 2022

Oktoberfest is famous worldwide as a festival packed full of lederhosen, cheer, and yes, lots and lots of beer. But what exactly is this festival, how is it celebrated, and why isn't it held in October? Continue Reading »

Posted in: ULC Minister Training & Education | 8 Comments »

How Different Faiths and Cultures Celebrate the Autumn Equinox

September 20th, 2022

Humanity has constructed many monuments to observe the sun's annual transit through the sky. The Autumn Equinox is a time to observe this change, though different faiths and cultures celebrate in their own ways. Continue Reading »

Posted in: ULC Minister Training & Education | 16 Comments »

Britney Spears Enlists Wedding Officiant Ordained Online After Catholic Church Turned Her Away

August 8th, 2022

Britney Spears married her longtime boyfriend Sam Asghari last month in a ceremony at her home officiated by a minister ordained online, after she was allegedly turned away by a Catholic Church in Santa Monica. Continue Reading »

Posted in: ULC Minister Training & Education | 37 Comments »

Remembering The Forgotten: WWI Fought By More Than Just Christians

November 11th, 2020

Despite battlefield efforts from all faith groups in World War I, the contributions of Muslims, Sikhs, and others seem chronically forgotten if not erased from the history books. Now some are fighting for recognition. Continue Reading »

Posted in: ULC Minister Training & Education | 16 Comments »

Universal Life Church Ministries Announces 'Universal Day'

August 24th, 2020

Universal Life Church Ministries is proud to announce a brand new holiday, Universal Day. This November 3rd, join us in celebrating the universal connection that binds us all in our quest to "do that which is right." Continue Reading »

Posted in: ULC Minister Training & Education | 59 Comments »

How Much Should a Wedding Officiant Charge?

February 13th, 2018

So, you've been asked to perform a wedding ceremony. But then you realize: there is one important detail you’re unsure about. How much should you charge for an officiant fee? We explore that question in depth. Continue Reading »

Posted in: ULC Minister Training & Education | 98 Comments »

Fiery Ideas: Why Books Are Banned (and Burned)

September 8th, 2017

At the end of September, libraries and bookstores everywhere will be celebrating "Banned Books Week." This got us thinking: why do people ban books (or, in extreme cases, burn them)? Continue Reading »

Posted in: Political & Religious Controversy, ULC Minister Training & Education | 56 Comments »