Camille Pavlicek-Fauser and Worship Associate Christie Anderson – Many of us have faced life-altering changes – a serious illness, job loss and having a child with severe disabilities. Learn about one family’s 27 year journey from devastation, anger and shaken spiritual beliefs to wholeness through the recognition of life’s resurrections.
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Rev. Dennis McCarthy and Worship Associate Kristina Spaude – As background for Martin Luther King Day, Rev. Dennis McCarty will ask, “What Is Race?” We’ve certainly come a long way in the almost-fifty years since Dr. King delivered his “I have a dream” speech. But let’s take a quick look at the difference between discussions on “race” versus the genetic (as opposed to social) realities. We are still influenced by racial misconceptions that are hundreds of years old–and we still have a long way to go.
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The Rev. Katie Norris and Worship Associate Ted Voneida – Discovering our purpose is an essential part of having a healthy life and doing good in the world, but this is not always an easy task. Why is purpose important? How do we live it out, especially in the midst of change or tragedy? While on a work trip to New Orleans this past April, I heard an inspiring story of purpose in one of the most unlikely situations.
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Susan Goekler and Worship Associate Kristina Spaude – January is named for the God Janus — which is two-faced looking forward and looking back. January is a time for remembering the past year and looking forward to and planning for the coming year. After the holiday rush, we often need to step back and rebalance. A religious tradition that encompasses this notion is Taoism. A spiritual practice that derives from that is tai chi, which exemplifies balance between the mind and body. This service will relate the Taoist concepts to the human need to finding balance in one’s life and include some experiential parts using simple tai chi movements.
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The Rev. Melissa Carvill-Ziemer and Worship Associate Trish McLoughlin – Come hear some stories of Boxing Day traditions during this informal service for all ages. We promise lots of singing led by Hal Walker and time for contemplation.
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You know Dickens story A Christmas Carol. But do you know the story behind that story? We’ll share it with you this morning as we tell you about the ways Dickens still influences the Christmases we keep today. This service will be multigenerational, interactive and lots of fun!
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The Rev. Melissa Carvill-Ziemer and Worship Associate Max Grubb – Have you heard the story about how the Buddha found enlightenment? You will today as we consider the wisdom of the Buddhist path to freedom from suffering. We will also celebrate child dedications at each of our services this morning.
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The Rev. Melissa Carvill-Ziemer and Worship Associate Kathy Kerns – This morning we will commemorate World Aids Day. Remembering the millions of people around the world who are living with HIV or AIDS, we will consider again the power of compassion to change lives for the better.
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Worship Leader Christie Anderson and Worship Associate Lori McGee – There is a battle among American Christians between the literal and metaphorical interpretation of the Bible. Although many Unitarian Universalists are not part of this conversation and do not give much attention to the Bible, Rev. Melissa’s Bible study class sparked an interest in Christie. She shares her yearlong wrestling with the Bible and poses a challenge to Unitarian Universalists.
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Rev. Melissa Carvill-Ziemer, Director of Religious Education Karen Lapidus and Worship Associate Trish McLoughlin – Before you celebrate with your own rituals and traditions, come celebrate Thanksgiving with your church community. The choir is preparing special music, we have a wonderful story to share and everyone is invited to break bread together. Please consider bringing a loaf of bread that symbolizes your family’s heritage to share during our communion.
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Rev. Melissa Carvill-Ziemer and Worship Associate Dani Beale – This past summer a conversation unfolded in the pages of the UU World magazine about Unitarian Universalist culture. What is it? How does it reflect our values? What does our culture communicate about belonging? This morning as we welcome and celebrate the newest members of our congregation, it seems a good time to reflect on the journey of what makes a house of worship a home for the soul?
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Rev. Melissa Carvill-Ziemer and Worship Associate Eric van Baars – For Hindis, Jains and Sikhs, Diwali is among the brightest celebrations of the year. The mutli day festival is a time to welcome in the new year, give thanks for the harvest and rejoice in the victory of good over evil. There are many legends and myths explaining the origins of Diwali. This morning we will learn about some of the stories and rituals and consider what resonance this annual reaffirmation of hope might have for our own lives.
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Rebekah Benner and Worship Associate Lori McGee – This Feast of the Dead is considered one of the primary time-locked cracks between the worlds. The ritual of Samhain, “Summer’s End”, marks the end, and the beginning of the Celtic new year. In the time when the new year begins, it is believed that two different worlds come together: the world of the ancestors and the world of the living. We take this time to remember those who have journeyed before us, sharing in a celebration of life. You are welcome to bring a photo or memento of your loved one to place on the Samhain table.
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Heidi Emhoff with worship associate Eric Van Baars – The band U2 has been a relevant part of the popular rock scene since the 1980s both for their music and political activism. Professed Christians, though not affiliated with any particular religious order or church, U2 has both preached and put into practice a humanist, tolerant faith. Today we explore the inspiring spiritual messages found in some of U2’s best songs.
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Rev. Melissa Carvill-Ziemer and Worship Associate Lori McGee – Technology is dramatically changing the way we live our lives. Technological solutions abound to help us work, shop, research, connect, socialize and recreate. But how is our technology influencing our relationship with the natural world?
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