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Ethical Society of St. Louis @ethicalstl.org · 15h

This morning at the Society (www.youtube.com/watch?v=7leX... ): "The Ethics of Shared Sacrifice in the Arts" by Mk Sadiq Music by Hannah Frey and Tara Santiago Anello Jamie Frazier contributed to Stories of Ourselves Join us next week at 11am in person or youtube.com/@EthicalStL

Music by Hannah Frey and Tara Santiago Anello

Jamie Frazier contributed to Stories of Ourselves

Our Program

Volunteer Platform Host
Veronica Erb (actually Samantha White)

“Introduzione" from Igor Stravinsky’s Suite Italienne
Hannah Frey and Tara Santiago Anello

Ethical Education Core Values

Stories of Ourselves
Jamie Frazier

“Serenata" from Igor Stravinsky’s Suite Italienne
Hannah Frey and Tara Santiago Anello

Mindfulness Minute

The Ethics of Shared Sacrifice in the Arts
Mk Sadiq, poet and research fellow at George Mason University

Mission Moment & Collection

“Gavotte” from Igor Stravinsky’s Suite Italienne
Hannah Frey and Tara Santiago Anello

Closing

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Ethical Society of St. Louis @ethicalstl.org · 03/10/2026

What if community isn’t about thinking alike? Rev. Dr. Jé Exodus Hooper invites us to imagine being like-hearted and like-handed: connected by care, dignity, curiosity, and shared action. What does that mean to you? 📸 Jill Jones Photography #EthicalSTL #Humanism #LikeHearted #LikeHanded

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Ethical Society of St. Louis @ethicalstl.org · 29/09/2026

"Everyone is welcome... as long as you do it like we do it." Dr. Jé Exodus Hooper asks what happens when a community looks for people who are like hearted instead of like minded. Full talk on our YouTube channel. #Community #Belonging #Humanism #STL

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Ethical Society of St. Louis @ethicalstl.org · 25/09/2026

Not trauma bonding. Love bonding. Dr. Jé Exodus Hooper invites us to become a place people can return to and to dance with the stranger until they’re no longer a stranger anymore. Watch the full talk on our YouTube channel. #LoveBonding #Humanism #EthicalCulture

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Ethical Society of St. Louis @ethicalstl.org · 23/09/2026

Why I Let My 90 Year Old Grandma Say "Bless You" – Dr. Jé Exodus Hooper My grandmother still says "bless you." I'm a humanist. And I'm not going to correct her. Dr. Jé Exodus Hooper on how cultural humanism lets us translate love instead of getting stuck on words. Full talk on YouTube.

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Ethical Society of St. Louis @ethicalstl.org · 22/09/2026

We will pack 1000 free emergency contraception and safer sex supply kits, in partnership with @beaconrepro.bsky.social at 9:45 a.m. on Sept. 27. This service option has both seated and standing opportunities, is welcome to all ages, and no RSVP is required to participate.

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Ethical Society of St. Louis @ethicalstl.org · 22/09/2026

What if the work of an ethical community isn’t to tell people what’s right, but to help one another live the values we already hold? We carry the capacity to recognize goodness, care for one another, and imagine a better world. The real challenge is living it.

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Ethical Society of St. Louis @ethicalstl.org · 20/09/2026

This morning at the Society (www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-DU... ): Dr. Jé Hooper's Leader Installation "Operation: Beyond Congregational Games" by Dr. Jé Hooper Music by FReSh RAiN Christine Politte contributed to Stories of Ourselves Join us next week at 11am in person or youtube.com/@EthicalStL

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Ethical Society of St. Louis @ethicalstl.org · 18/09/2026

What does it mean to truly live our values? Our values begin to shape the world when they shape what we do. What’s one value you’re putting into practice right now?

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Ethical Society of St. Louis @ethicalstl.org · 17/09/2026

Need a fresh headshot or family photos? 📸 On Sept. 27, Jill Jones Photography will offer quick portrait sessions in our beautiful stained glass foyer. $75 • 3 edited digital images • A portion supports the Ethical Society! Advance sign-up required: book.usesession.com/s/hJojqGlGT7

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Ethical Society of St. Louis @ethicalstl.org · 16/09/2026

Ethical Humanism is more than just an identity. We have to strive to live the values. ❤️

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Ethical Society of St. Louis @ethicalstl.org · 13/09/2026

This morning at the Society (www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sf2c... ): "Fall Kickoff" by Claire Alexander, Executive Director of Community Experience Music by The Ethical Band and Ethical Voices Join us next week at 11am in person or youtube.com/@EthicalStL

Our Program

Volunteer Platform Host

Trish Cowan Williams
“Vacation” by Dirty Heads

The Ethical Band
Ethical Education Core Values

“Coming Up” by Paul McCartney
The Ethical Band

Mindfulness Minute

Fall Kickoff Platform
Executive Director of Community Experience Claire Alexander

Mission Moment & Collection

“Hypotheticals” by Lake Street Dive
The Ethical Band

“Love Has Broken Down the Walls” by Mark A. Miller
The Ethical Voices

Closing

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Ethical Society of St. Louis @ethicalstl.org · 09/09/2026

What do you need? A place to belong. Room to question. A listening ear. A way to help. Community gives us somewhere to bring our questions, our laughter, our hope, and our whole human selves. Take what you need. Offer what you can. You’re welcome here. 💛 #Humanism #EthicalCulture #StLouis #Community

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Ethical Society of St. Louis @ethicalstl.org · 05/09/2026

What does it mean to live a good life? We think it’s a question worth asking together. ❤️ #Humanism #EthicalCulture #StLouis #Community

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Ethical Society of St. Louis @ethicalstl.org · 04/09/2026

Bring your whole self. The hopeful parts. The tired parts. The joyful parts. The uncertain parts. Community makes room for real people, with care, curiosity, and compassion. You are welcome here, just as you are. ❤️

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Ethical Society of St. Louis @ethicalstl.org · 01/09/2026

What we learn becomes part of us, shaping how we see, create, question, and grow. That kind of wealth cannot be taken away. 🎨 by Mary Kate McDevitt

Hand-lettered B.B. King quote on a dark blue background: “The beautiful thing about learning is that nobody can take it away from you,” surrounded by playful blue, purple, and mint doodles.

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Ethical Society of St. Louis @ethicalstl.org · 29/08/2026

Our hearts go out to the people of Nepal. Read the full statement from our Leader Rev. Dr. Jé Exodus Hooper: ethicalstl.org/statement-of...

Graphic reading “In Solidarity with Nepal” in large navy and red type, with the subtitle “A message from our Leader Rev. Dr. Jé Hooper.” Behind the text is a softly faded photograph of a hillside village, terraced fields, and layers of blue-gray mountains beneath a pale golden sky.

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Ethical Society of St. Louis @ethicalstl.org · 26/08/2026

Every person deserves the freedom to live authentically, ask difficult questions, and be treated with dignity. A truly ethical community makes room for people to be fully themselves while approaching one another with compassion, curiosity, and respect.

May be an image of text that says 'Gillian GillianBranstetter Branstetter GBBranstetter If enforcing gender norms requires a constant state of surveillance and censorship then they probably aren't as biological or innate as you think they are.'

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Ethical Society of St. Louis @ethicalstl.org · 23/08/2026

This morning at the Society (www.youtube.com/watch?v=U7t8... ): "What is Enough? Rejecting Social Convention to Live Our Values" by member Kathryn Bellrose Music by Jocelyn Rugaber Dane McGuire contributed to Stories of Ourselves Join us next week at 11am in person or youtube.com/@EthicalStL

"What is Enough? Rejecting Social Convention to Live Our Values" by member Kathryn Bellrose

Dane McGuire contributed to Stories of Ourselves

Our Program

VOLUNTEER PLATFORM HOST
Samantha White

“THROW IT AWAY” COMPOSED BY ABBEY LINCOLN
Jocelyn Rugaber

STORIES OF OURSELVES
Dane McGuire

ETHICAL EDUCATION CORE VALUES

NEW MEMBER WELCOME

"PAVANE" COMPOSED BY GABRIEL FAURE
Jocelyn Rugaber

MINDFULNESS MINUTE

WHAT IS ENOUGH? REJECTING SOCIAL CONVENTION TO LIVE OUR VALUES
Kathryn Bellrose

MISSION MOMENT & COLLECTION

"THE CONFLUENCE" COMPOSED BY JOCELYN RUGABER
Jocelyn Rugaber

CLOSING

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Ethical Society of St. Louis @ethicalstl.org · 22/08/2026

We become more fully ourselves not only through what we overcome, but also through what we celebrate.

Graphic with a yellow-to-pink gradient background overlaid with a repeating pattern of blue concentric circles. Large white block lettering with a dark blue shadow reads, “One of the fullest expressions of our humanity is shared joy.” The website “ethicalstl.org” appears at the bottom in matching white lettering.

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Ethical Society of St. Louis @ethicalstl.org · 20/08/2026

Humanism asks us to hold both: the freedom to question and the responsibility to care.

Bold retro-style graphic reading, “Think for yourself. Care for one another.” with ethicalstl.org below, set against a pink-and-orange background with yellow dots.

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Ethical Society of St. Louis @ethicalstl.org · 19/08/2026

We are a community centered on ethics, reason, and shared responsibility. Join us! Learn more at ethicalstl.org.

Retro-inspired graphic reading, “Think freely. Care deeply. Live kindly.” with ethicalstl.org below, set over a bold sunburst background with flowing rays.

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Ethical Society of St. Louis @ethicalstl.org · 16/08/2026

How do we speak honestly without losing care for one another? Dr. Jé Exodus Hooper considers what disagreement asks of us and how we can offer criticism with compassion, wisdom, and respect for the humanity of the person across from us. Watch full video: youtube.com/live/51DJTG4... #EthicalSTL

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Ethical Society of St. Louis @ethicalstl.org · 12/08/2026

What does courage demand of us when doing the right thing comes at a cost? A reflection on moral courage, sacrifice, and the choices people make when they refuse to look away. #MoralCourage #Humanism #Ethics #Democracy #EthicalCulture

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Ethical Society of St. Louis @ethicalstl.org · 09/08/2026

This morning at the Society (www.youtube.com/watch?v=aM72... ): "Meaning from Media" by member Blake Hindrichs Music by Cherry & Jerry Jake Hertenstein (and Nugget) contributed to Stories of Ourselves Join us next week at 11am in person or youtube.com/@EthicalStL

Jake Hertenstein (and Nugget) contributed to Stories of Ourselves

Our Program

VOLUNTEER PLATFORM HOST

Travis Williams

"A WOMAN GETS TIRED OF ONE MAN ALL THE TIME" BY CHARLES BOOKER AND PAUL CARTER
Cherry & Jerry Ragtime Duo

STORIES OF OURSELVES
Jake Hertenstein

ETHICAL EDUCATION CORE VALUES

"DREAM A LITTLE DREAM OF ME" BY FABIAN ANDRE, WILBUR SCHWANDT, AND GUS KAHN
Cherry & Jerry Ragtime Duo

MINDFULNESS MINUTE

MEANING FROM MEDIA
Blake Hindrichs

MISSION MOMENT & COLLECTION

"THE GRAVEYARD BLUES" BY CLARENCE WOODS
Cherry & Jerry Ragtime Duo

CLOSING

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Ethical Society of St. Louis @ethicalstl.org · 09/08/2026

Members and friends volunteered again to pack 1000 emergency contraception kits for @beaconrepro.bsky.social! If you want to help next time, we will gather again on September 27. Join us!

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Ethical Society of St. Louis @ethicalstl.org · 05/08/2026

We believe community isn't about having everything figured out. It's about showing up with open hearts, curious minds, and a willingness to grow alongside one another. Show up as you are. We grow together. 🌿

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Ethical Society of St. Louis @ethicalstl.org · 31/07/2026

MORE GOOD DEEDS! 💛 Yesterday, 10 Ethical Good Deeders prepared and served dinner for families at Ronald McDonald House—salmon, rice, broccolini, and cupcakes! More service opportunities are coming this fall. Watch for details!

Ten Ethical Good Deeders and a Ronald McDonald House chef smile together in a bright commercial kitchen after preparing dinner for families. Volunteers wear red, black, and brown Ethical Society shirts.

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Ethical Society of St. Louis @ethicalstl.org · 29/07/2026

We’re hiring an Events Coordinator! This flexible, part-time role averages five hours per week at $30/hour and is mostly remote, with occasional work at ESSL. Apply by August 16: www.indeed.com/job/events-c... #STLJobs #NonprofitJobs

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Ethical Society of St. Louis @ethicalstl.org · 29/07/2026

Congratulations to ESSL members Cathy and Bob Pickard, each honored with the AEU’s Anna Garlin Spencer Volunteer Award for extraordinary service to the Ethical Culture Movement. We’re proud and grateful to have them in our community! ❤️

Two framed American Ethical Union certificates honoring Bob Pickard and Cathy Pickard of the Ethical Society of St. Louis with the 2026 Anna Garlin Spencer Volunteer Award for extraordinary service to the Ethical Culture Movement.

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Ethical Society of St. Louis @ethicalstl.org · 26/07/2026

This morning at the Society (www.youtube.com/watch?v=ukDv... ): "Inscendence: How Reality Creates Beauty" by @croftspeaks.bsky.social Music by Mayla Stith Gene Bertram contributed to Stories of Ourselves Join us next week at 11am in person or youtube.com/@EthicalStL

Gene Bertram contributed to Stories of Ourselves

Our Program

VOLUNTEER PLATFORM HOST
Maxine Stone

INTERNATIONAL SMALL ARMS TRAFFIC BLUES (BY THE MOUNTAIN GOATS)
Mayla Stith

STORIES OF OURSELVES
Gene Bertram

ETHICAL EDUCATION CORE VALUES

THE PEACE (BY UNDERSCORES)
Mayla Stith

MINDFULNESS MINUTE

INSCENDENCE: HOW REALITY CREATES BEAUTY
Dr. James Croft

MISSION MOMENT & COLLECTION

ANYTHING (BY ADRIANNE LENKER)
Mayla Stith

CLOSING

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Ethical Society of St. Louis @ethicalstl.org · 21/07/2026

Showing up is an act of care. A listening ear. A steady presence. A hand extended. Small moments can change everything. Don’t underestimate the power of showing up. #EthicalHumanism #Community #CompassionInAction

Don’t underestimate the power of showing up.

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Ethical Society of St. Louis @ethicalstl.org · 20/07/2026

This morning at the Society (www.youtube.com/watch?v=00ro... ): "Thinking Ahead: Building and Sustaining a Brain That Lasts a Lifetime" by Dr. Brian Carpenter Music by Katarra Membership Chair Samantha White welcomed new members Join us next week at 11am in person or youtube.com/@EthicalStL

"Thinking Ahead: Building and Sustaining a Brain That Lasts a Lifetime" by Dr. Brian Carpenter

Membership Chair Samantha White welcomed new members

Our Program

VOLUNTEER PLATFORM HOST
Jamie Frazier

DON'T YOU DARE SPEAK BY KATARRA PARSON
Katarra

STORIES OF OURSELVES
Lindsey Holman

ETHICAL EDUCATION CORE VALUES

NEW MEMBER WELCOME
Membership Team Chair Samantha White

EGO DEATH BY KATARRA PARSON
Katarra

MINDFULNESS MINUTE

THINKING AHEAD: BUILDING AND SUSTAINING A BRAIN THAT LASTS A LIFETIME
Dr. Brian Carpenter

MISSION MOMENT & COLLECTION

PHOENIX RISING BY KATARRA PARSON
Katarra

CLOSING

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Ethical Society of St. Louis @ethicalstl.org · 17/07/2026

Hope may grow quiet. It may need rest. It may live for a while in the smallest acts of courage, care, and connection. But whenever people choose compassion over cruelty, repair over indifference, and possibility over despair, hope is there. Hope is not passive. It is something we practice together.

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Ethical Society of St. Louis @ethicalstl.org · 14/07/2026

The essay by our Creative Director Louise Jett invites readers to think deeply about freedom of conscience, the separation of church and state, and how a constitutional democracy can protect people of every faith as well as those of no faith at all. substack.com/home/post/p-...

“Religious Liberty Requires a Secular Government” in large white text over a close-up image of the U.S. Constitution. The subtitle reads, “An Ethical Humanist response to Christian nationalism and the erosion of church-state separation.” “JettWriter.Substack.com” appears at the bottom.

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Ethical Society of St. Louis @ethicalstl.org · 12/07/2026

This morning at the Society (www.youtube.com/watch?v=158M... ): "Healing Trauma Holistically" by Jamila Owens-Todd, ED of BRIC, the Bullet Related Injury Clinic Music by Beth Bombara Krystal White contributed to Stories of Ourselves Join us next week at 11am in person or youtube.com/@EthicalStL

"Healing Trauma Holistically" by Jamila Owens-Todd, Executive Director of BRIC, the Bullet Related Injury Clinic

Krystal White contributed to Stories of Ourselves

Our Program

VOLUNTEER PLATFORM HOST
Trish Cowan-Williams

“MOUNTAIN SUN” WRITTEN BY BETH BOMBARA
Beth Bombara

STORIES OF OURSELVES
Krystal White

ETHICAL EDUCATION CORE VALUES

“YOU IN ’95” WRITTEN BY BETH BOMBARA
Beth Bombara

MINDFULNESS MINUTE

HEALING TRAUMA HOLISTICALLY
Naturopathic Doctor Jamila Owens-Todd

MISSION MOMENT & COLLECTION

“WALKING IN THE DARK” WRITTEN BY BETH BOMBARA
Beth Bombara

CLOSING

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Ethical Society of St. Louis @ethicalstl.org · 10/07/2026

“So the America I loved still exists… at the front desks of our public libraries.” —Kurt Vonnegut, A Man Without a Country (2005) Libraries keep curiosity, knowledge, and community within reach. 🎨 by E. Aldridge

Red-and-blue hand-drawn illustration of the two New York Public Library lions on their pedestals. Between them, blue text reads, “The America I love still exists at the front desks of our public libraries — Kurt Vonnegut.” The artwork is signed “E. Aldridge.”

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Ethical Society of St. Louis @ethicalstl.org · 08/07/2026

The work of ethics is refusing to make anyone disposable. We all flourish when every person’s dignity is protected. #EthicalSTL #Humanism #Belonging #CommunityCare #JusticeForAll

Screenshot of a social media post featuring philosopher Judith Butler speaking at a podium. The post quotes Butler: "Once you decide that a single vulnerable minority can be sacrificed, you're operating within a fascist logic. That means there might be a second one you're willing to sacrifice and a third, a fourth. Then what happens?" Below the photo is a linked article with the headline: "Abandoning trans people is 'fascist logic,' says leading feminist philosopher."

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Ethical Society of St. Louis @ethicalstl.org · 07/07/2026

Basic decency gets mislabeled as radical when it asks us to widen the circle: to notice who is left out, care about people we may never meet, and make freedom more than a beautiful word. Humanism asks us to make care central, freedom livable, and dignity shared. #EthicalSTL #Humanism

Screenshot of a social media post by Alisa Valdes-Rodriguez, Author, reading: “What radicalized you?” The post says that wanting people to be treated fairly, have their basic needs met, be safe, and be free are not radical desires, but basic decency. It ends by saying the people who want the opposite are the radicals. The screenshot appears over a background image of people holding protest signs.

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Ethical Society of St. Louis @ethicalstl.org · 04/07/2026

Freedom is a promise our country made to itself. Justice is us, keeping it. 🇺🇸

Red graphic with retro script lettering in blue and white reading "Freedom is a promise. Justice is the work." The Ethical Society of St. Louis website, ethicalstl.org, appears below.

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Ethical Society of St. Louis @ethicalstl.org · 03/07/2026

Freedom is not fireworks. Freedom is food on the table. Freedom is a safe place to sleep. Freedom is healthcare. Freedom is being able to tell the truth without fear. Freedom is being able to be yourself and still belong. Freedom is never finished. It is our shared work.

Graphic with large white text reading “Freedom is never finished.” on a dark navy background. Two colorful dotted fireworks in rainbow hues appear on the right side, and a short coral underline appears beneath the text.

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Ethical Society of St. Louis @ethicalstl.org · 29/06/2026

Yesterday, our congregation overwhelmingly voted to hire Rev. Jé Exodus Hooper, PhD as our next Leader! Their Platform sparked thoughtful conversation, genuine connection, and a shared sense of possibility. We are excited for this next chapter and all we will build together. ❤️

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Ethical Society of St. Louis @ethicalstl.org · 28/06/2026

This morning at the Society (www.youtube.com/watch?v=51DJ... ): '“Talk to Me Nice:” The Ethics of Criticism and Critique' by Rev. Jé Hooper, PhD Music by Nadia Maddex & Carter Datz Mary Ann Perkins contributed to Stories of Ourselves Join us next week at 11am in person or youtube.com/@EthicalStL

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Ethical Society of St. Louis @ethicalstl.org · 26/06/2026

Eleven years ago, Obergefell v. Hodges recognized marriage equality nationwide. Behind that ruling were real people: couples who loved each other, families who needed protection, and communities who refused to let dignity be denied. Every love belongs. 🩷

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Ethical Society of St. Louis @ethicalstl.org · 25/06/2026

Born in St. Louis, Josephine Baker was a Black bisexual performer, civil rights activist, and global icon whose life insisted on dignity across difference. Her words remind us that prejudice is learned BUT so are courage, compassion, and solidarity. #JosephineBaker #BisexualVisibility #STLHistory

Square quote graphic on a warm cream background. Large black text reads, “All my life, I have maintained that the people of the world can learn to live together in peace if they are not brought up in prejudice.” The phrase “live together in peace” is highlighted in lavender. The quote is attributed to Josephine Baker. Along the bottom, a thick rainbow gradient line flows into a rainbow-colored St. Louis skyline and Gateway Arch.

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Ethical Society of St. Louis @ethicalstl.org · 21/06/2026

This morning at the Society (www.youtube.com/watch?v=z8qF... ): "Why is there a Solstice?" by David Brown Music by the Ethical Band Samantha White introduces new members Join us next week at 11am in person or youtube.com/@EthicalStL

Our Program

VOLUNTEER PLATFORM HOST
Maxine Stone

“SANDU” BY CLIFFORD BROWN
The Ethical Band

NEW MEMBER WELCOME

Samantha White, Chair of the Membership Team
ETHICAL EDUCATION CORE VALUES

“CANTALOUPE ISLAND” BY HERBIE HANCOCK
The Ethical Band

MINDFULNESS MINUTE

WHY THE SOLSTICE HAPPENS
David Brown

MISSION MOMENT & COLLECTION

“LA VIE EN ROSE” BY ÉDITH PIAF
The Ethical Band

CLOSING

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Ethical Society of St. Louis @ethicalstl.org · 19/06/2026

Today we celebrate Juneteenth and honor the generations whose courage, persistence, and hope helped move our nation closer to its ideals. Freedom and dignity belong to everyone.

Minimal Juneteenth graphic with large text reading, “Juneteenth. Celebrating freedom. Honoring resilience. Continuing the work.” A simple golden sun rises at the bottom against a warm cream background.

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Ethical Society of St. Louis @ethicalstl.org · 19/06/2026

We all deserve the opportunity to flourish.

Screenshot of a Threads post by @kyamawebb that reads: “I really hate the ‘no person who works a full-time job should live in poverty’ discourse. It should simply be that nobody deserves to live in poverty. We have to let go of the idea that we work in exchange for our worth. People are innately worthy and deserving of the basics.”

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Ethical Society of St. Louis @ethicalstl.org · 16/06/2026

Allyship is a daily practice. It asks us to listen with care, respect how people identify, and act when dignity is at stake. #EthicalSTL #EthicalHumanism #Allyship #SharedDignity #Pride

A hand-drawn style graphic reads “Allyship is a practice of shared dignity” with three actions: Listen, Respect, and Act. Colorful icons, rainbow lines, and a heart appear on a textured cream background.

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