A Story in My Soul / Self-Compassion

9:15 AM: A Story In My Soul

An in-person all-ages service led by Transitional Music Director Emily Hall, and Affiliated Community Minister Renée Ruchotzke.

Phillip Pullman says, “After nourishment, shelter and companionship, stories are the thing we need most in the world.”  Telling our stories can be a powerful and transforming journey. They can also move through us to inspire others. Will you tell your story? Reflection by: Amanda Rome

10:00 AM Lifespan Religious Exploration

Religious exploration for our children and youth in classrooms.

Facilitated small reflection groups for adults in Hobbs Hall using our wondering questions:

• Think of the stories that were a part of your childhood. What is one of the stories that still stays with you and why?
• Think of a story that you find inspirational. How has it transformed you?

10:00 – 11:15 AM Community Café

Our social hour in Hobbs Hall is open to all. Connect with others, learn about the church, find out about programs and other opportunities to connect.

Acme, Giant Eagle, and Meijer grocery gift cards are available for purchase every 2nd and 4th Sunday each month. Learn more about this fundraiser.

11:00 AM: Self-Compassion

A multi-platform service (both in-person and on Zoom) led by David Weaver and Worship Associate Randy Bish.

Rev. Sean Parker Dennison encourages us to consider how transformation starts from within: “If you want to change the world, first, be sure you are changing yourself. Be tender. Be kind. Be at peace. Be all the things you wish for…”  

CLICK HERE to view, download, or print the Order of Service.

Learn more about our “new” Sunday morning format.

A Song in My Heart / Voices that Transform

(Also this morning: Spaghetti Fundraiser by UUYJ and Town Hall Meeting)

9:15 AM: A Song in My Heart

An in-person all-ages service led by Director of Religious Exploration Colleen Thoele. Transitional Music Director Emily Hall, and Affiliated Community Minister Renée Ruchotzke with a reflection by Mike Hovancsek.

Music holds the power to soothe, uplift and transform us. Our grief, celebrations, and rest often include a soundtrack. How has music transformed you?

10:00 AM Lifespan Religious Exploration

Religious exploration for our children and youth in classrooms.

Facilitated small reflection groups for adults in Hobbs Hall using our wondering questions:

• What kind of music do you like to dance/move to? How does it make you feel when you dance/move?
• Imagine there is a bio-pic (movie) about your life and how you have grown and changed. What would be the theme song during the opening credits? The closing credits? How might they reveal a story of transformation?

10:00 – 11:15 AM Community Café

Our social hour in Hobbs Hall is open to all. Connect with others, learn about the church, find out about programs and other opportunities to connect.

11:00 AM: Voices that Transform

A multi-platform service (both in-person and on Zoom) led by Transitional Music Director Emily Hall and Commissioned Lay Minister Kathy Kerns.

Music is a powerful source of spiritual transformation.  It can connect us to each other, help us to understand and appreciate what can sometimes feel hard to grasp in words alone, and be a source of inspiration to us as we try to bring about beloved community.  This service explores this theme through singing hymns and learning the story behind the song.

CLICK HERE to view, download, or print the Order of Service.

Learn more about our “new” Sunday morning format.

11:00 AM – 1:30 PM – UUYJ Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser – Hobbs Hall

Want to support our youth on their social justice journey? Come to our Spaghetti dinner! (“to go” meals also available)
The dinner is by donation, with 100% of proceeds going to support the youth traveling to South Dakota to learn from and work with the Ogala Lakota Nation at the Pine Ridge Reservation!

12:00 PM – Town Hall with the UUCK Board of Trustees

Starts after the 11:00 AM Service. Learn more about the Town Hall.

Justice Unfinished / Stories from the Shadows

9:15 AM: Justice Unfinished

An in-person all-ages service led by Director of Religious Education Colleen Thoele, Affiliated Community Minister Rev. Renée Ruchotzke, Music Director Emily Hall. Reflection by Ellen McWilliams-Woods.

The work of dismantling racism and oppression is everyone’s to do. How can we work together for a better world when the systems in place are broken? How do we build a better way?

10:00 AM Lifespan Religious Exploration

Religious exploration for our children and youth in classrooms.

Facilitated small reflection groups for adults in Hobbs Hall using our wondering questions:

• What personal or societal injustice has shaped your life?
• When the enormity of injustice looms, what enables you to hold on to hope?

10:00 – 11:15 AM Community Café

Our social hour in Hobbs Hall is open to all. Connect with others, learn about the church, find out about programs and other opportunities to connect.

Acme, Giant Eagle, and Meijer grocery gift cards will be available for purchase. Learn more about this fundraiser.

11:00 AM: Stories from the Shadows

A multi-platform service (both in-person and on Zoom) led by Affiliated Community Minister Rev. Christie Anderson with Worship Associate Heidi Shaffer Bish.

On the fringe of Kent’s vibrant, bustling city, exists a population of chronically unhoused individuals who have been homeless for most of their adult lives. Frequently dismissed due to uninformed stereotyping, these folks have needs… but they might not be what we traditionally assume. Let us peer into the shadows to reveal a hidden world inhabited by fellow community members.

CLICK HERE to view, download, or print the Order of Service.

Learn more about our “new” Sunday morning format.

Seeds of Justice / The Legacy of Howard Thurman

9:15 AM: Seeds of Justice

An in-person all-ages service led by Director of Religious Exploration Colleen Thoele and Affiliated Community Minister Renée Ruchotzke with a reflection by Benny Hovancsek.

Chief Seattle of the Duwamish tribe said, “We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors. We borrow it from our children.”. This morning we will center justice for our beloved Earth and all of her children.

10:00 AM Lifespan Religious Exploration

Religious exploration for our children and youth in classrooms.

Facilitated small reflection groups for adults in Hobbs Hall using our wondering questions:

Guiding Quote: “Knowing that you love the earth changes you, activates you to defend and protect and celebrate. But when you feel that the earth loves you in return, that feeling transforms the relationship from a one-way street into a sacred bond.” ― Robin Wall Kimmerer, Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants

• Have you ever had a special spot somewhere in nature? Briefly describe it. What feelings did/do you have when you spend time there?
• What if ― you knew in your bones ― that nature loved you back. What would be different?

10:00 – 11:15 AM Community Café

Our social hour in Hobbs Hall is open to all. Connect with others, learn about the church, find out about programs and other opportunities to connect.

Acme, Giant Eagle, and Meijer grocery gift cards will be available for purchase. Learn more about this fundraiser.

11:00 AM: The Legacy of Howard Thurman

A multi-platform service (both in-person and on Zoom) guest led by CLM Deb Kotte (UU Congregation of Greater Canton), Worship Associate Lori Mirkin-McGee, and Musician Brad Bolton.

Rev. Dr. Howard Thurman (1899-1981) is known as a theologian and mystic, an educator and an author, a spiritual advisor and mentor. He has also been referred to as the godfather of the civil rights movement. The power of his faith and the bonds of his community supported his life and ministry. Let us celebrate the life and legacy of a man whose philosophy and teachings continue to inspire and inform, with their timeless wisdom and relevance. Photo: Dr. Howard Thurman / © 2005 Boston University Photography (used with permission)

CLICK HERE to view, download, or print the Order of Service.

Learn more about our “new” Sunday morning format.