Led by Dani Beale and Worship Associate Deb Biggins

Unitarian Universalism’s first principle calls for us to uphold and protect the inherent worth and dignity of every person, and our second principle requires us to seek out justice, equity, and compassion in human relations. Recent events, such as the horrific mass shooting at the Emmanuel AME church in Charleston, SC, and the numerous highly publicized killings of unarmed black people at the hands of police, have sparked a national debate about how we value the lives of ourselves and others, and specifically those of black people. Our own community has demonstrated a diverse response to these events, and our country is divided on how to move forward.

For this service, we will explore the historical roots of liberation theology in Unitarian Universalism and how our faith calls us to act when oppressed peoples are asking for us to witness their struggle and join them in protest for change. Most importantly, we will consider how we as individuals and a community can address the challenges facing us. What does it mean to be antiracist? What does it mean to be an effective ally? Are we ready to take a hard look at ourselves, and work towards understanding our place in one of the civil rights movements of our time? Join us as we begin again in love.

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Led by Sharon Hogan and Worship Associate Carolyn Schlemmer

How does the way your brain is structured give you a sense of spirituality? How does thinking, learning and feeling develop each individual’s unique experience as a spiritual being? How does your brain respond to knowledge, ideas and feelings as you experience, learn and grow. Some surprising ideas from a neurological perspective.

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Led by Kevin Lowry and Worship Associate Elaine Bowen

As we witness a shift from mainstream church to a re-imagined sense of community and gathering, Unitarian Universalist are working in various emerging ministries to offer a generation of seekers and explores an inclusive liberal religious community that is spiritually diverse, radically inclusive and Justice centered. Our tradition is uniquely suited to meet people where they are on the life’s journey and work to build a community that loves the hell out of the world.

Kevin Lowry is a Commissioned Lay Leader candidate and Youth and College Community Coordinator at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Wayne County in Wooster OH. He serves as the Campus Community Mentor for the UU Campus Community at the College of Wooster. Kevin is is a Fahs Fellow with the Fahs Collaborative at Meadville Lombard Theological School in Chicago, where he is exploring how Unitarian Universalist can best serve emerging adults as they set out on their journey of adulthood.

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DUE TO THE WEATHER, THE SERVICE AND PICNIC HAVE BEEN MOVED BACK TO THE CHURCH.  WE HOPE TO SEE EVERYONE THERE!

Led by Rev. Renee Ruchotzke, Director of Relgious Education Karen Lapidus, and Worship Associate Justin Czekaj

One service only at 9:45 am at Plum Creek Park, weather permitting*

Once each year our whole church gathers together for one joyful, multigenerational service.  Please join us at Plum Creek Park for a service celebrating the holiness of playtime.  We will gather in Pavillion #2 for one service only at 9:45 am.  Please bring a blanket or lawn chairs to sit on and any sunscreen or insect repellent you may need.  Then plan to stay afterwards for our all church picnic.  Please bring your own place settings, beverages, and a dish to share along with any games you would like to invite others to play.  For directions to Plum Creek Park, visit www.tinyurl.com/plumcreekpark

*In the event of rain, please check our church FaceBook page, our phone message and/or your email to find out if we have moved our service back to the church.

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Led by Director of Religious Education Karen Lapidus, the Religious Education Committee, the Students, and their Teachers

This Sunday is Religious Education Sunday when the children and their teachers will be sharing insights and learnings from their classroom experiences.  There will be special music and our graduating High School Seniors will be honored, as well.

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Led by the Rev. Melissa Carvill Ziemer and Worship Associate Bonnie Harper

Sometimes our lives change so much that our traditions no longer fit.  When that happens, we can feel empowered to change our traditions or even create new ones for new times.  The Celtic Clan will be leading all of the music this morning, including an update of a traditional piece.

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Led by the Rev. Melissa Carvill Ziemer and Worship Associate Deb Biggins

Rituals can be a kind of tradition.  Sometimes, when we can’t find the words to express what we most deeply think and feel, rituals can speak for us instead.  Join us for a morning of contemplation, celebration and maybe even a ritual to ground reflection in practice.

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Led by the Rev. Melissa Carvill Ziemer and Worship Associate Sophie Smith

As we look forward to our church’s upcoming 150^th anniversary, we will look back at some of the traditions that have shaped the life of this religious community over the years.  What can we learn from the traditions of another time?

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Led by Rev. Melissa Carvill Ziemer and Worship Associate Lori McGee

This Sunday we will celebrate one of the very few traditions unique to Unitarian Universalism.  The Flower Ceremony is an opportunity to affirm the gifts of diversity and the beauty of the one making up the many.  Please bring a cut flower or two to church with you today.

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Led by the Coming of Age Youth, with their Mentors and Facilitators
This morning our youth will be sharing their personal statements of faith.  As we learn what is in their hearts and on their minds, we will celebrate their accomplishments and blooming maturity.

Podcast speakers, in order –

Welcome – Allison Norris
Chalice lighting – Ian Mack
Call to worship – Rebekah Swango, Alan Kerns
Sharing by facilitator – Andrew Rome, Elaine Bowen
Sharing by Mentor – Eric Van Baars, Lori McGee
Prayer – Salvatore Smith, Mason Lorch
Hal improv
Statements – Lila Goehring, Mason Lorch, Connor May, Salvatore Smith, Angelika Marsh, Rebekah Swango
Statements – Alan Kerns, Hunter Jepson, Cordelia Wheatley, Kaley Mack, Sydney Haines
Offering – Connor May
Hal – Go Your Own Way to Shine
Benediction – Connor May

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Led by Rev. Melissa Carvill Ziemer and Worship Associate Jeff Marsh

Some revelations open us up to exciting new possibilities.  Other revelations might make us wish for a return to innocence.  How can we deal with unwelcome revelations in a way that helps us make room in our lives for positive, life-affirming change?

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Led by Rev. Melissa Carvill Ziemer and Worship Associate Mary Lou Holly

As you have learned more about the environmental justice movement over the years, have you found that you see beauty in new ways?  Has your imagination of the beautiful been re-shaped by your growing environmental consciousness?  In celebration of Earth Day, this service will include several members of the congregation sharing stories of their revelations of beauty.

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Led by the Rev. Melissa Carvill Ziemer and Worship Associate Lori McGee

The affirmation that revelation is not sealed has long been cherished in Unitarian Universalism.  So where does revelation come from?  And how can we prepare ourselves to notice when it comes?

Photo: Rev. Renee Ruchotzke

http://vitalleaders.blogs.uua.org/tag/theology/

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Led by the Rev. Melissa Carvill Ziemer, Director of Religious Education Karen Lapidus and Worship Associate Deb Biggins

The title of our Easter services are drawn from the beautiful e.e. cummings poem, “i thank You God for most this amazing.”  This year Passover and Easter fall on the same dates.  Both have central stories about revelation.  This morning we will tell those stories and consider what revelation might mean for our own lives.

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Led by the Rev. Melissa Carvill Ziemer and Worship Associate John Marfy

It’s often been said that failure is an essential ingredient in growth.  How can we learn to embrace failure as a gift and use it as a catalyst to greater resilience?

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