Led by Rev. Melissa Carvill-Ziemer and Worship Associate Max Grubb – We speak often of our seven principles but not as frequently of our six sources. The first of our six sources speaks of “that transcending mystery and wonder . . . which moves us to a renewal of the spirit and an openness to the forces which create and uphold life.” What is that all about? How does it happen? Is there anything we can do to make ourselves open? This morning we will reflect upon and celebrate moments of transcendence.

 

Image from NASA Space images.

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Led by Rev. Melissa Carvill-Ziemer and Worship Associate Joel Slater – Can Unitarians have transcendent experiences? At one point in our history that question was hotly contested. The pillars of the Unitarian church understood ours as a tradition firmly rooted in the wisdom of the Bible interpreted through the lens of reason. This, for them, was the source of religious authority. The Transcendentalists argued that there were other sources of authority – namely the personal moments of transcendence experienced by individuals. This morning we’ll explore that debate and the impact it had and still has on our living tradition.

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Saul Flanner and Kathy Walker are back in the pulpit to offer a sequel to their 2008 Service, “Confessions of a Copy Store Jesus”, in which Saul observed that each of us, in our day-to-day lives, are in a constant state of ministry to others, whether we realize it or not. For many of us, our work is a big part of our day-to-day lives. Last year, Saul’s career underwent a drastic transformation, from retail copy store employee to stay-at-home dad. In this service he’ll share what he’s learned and examine the ways his spiritual identity as a UU has helped him with this transition. Will he have the audacity to once again compare himself to Jesus Christ? Only one way to find out. See you there!

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Led by The Rev. Renee Ruchotzke with Worship Associate Trish McLoughlin – In response the white paper “Congregations and Beyond” by Unitarian Universalist President Peter Morales, Rev. Renee Ruchotzke will explore how Unitarian Universalism might evolve in a post-church society.

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Rev. Melissa Carvill-Ziemer and Worship Associate Bonnie Harper
A couple of years ago I led a service during which I endeavored to give you my answers to some of your questions about our church, Unitarian Universalism, theology and ethics. It was such a good experience that I’d like to try that again. What have you been wondering about this church or this tradition? What questions are you considering about the meaning of life and our place in this universe? No question is too big or small. Bring them with you and together we’ll explore some worthy questions.

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Led by:  Deb Biggins and Worship Associate Eric van Baars – Living and loving after sexual trauma can be accomplished with lots of support, counseling and love. It is one of the most difficult experiences to admit and discuss.  While you may never “get over” it, you can learn to deal with it and pack it away in the deepest recesses of your mind and move forward with your life. This service will focus on the journey of finding a voice, speaking out about the trauma and  learning to no longer be a victim, but a survivor.

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Led by:  Joe Kuemerle and Worship Associate Max Grubb – The Kent UU Hogwarts program was founded as an alternative to Christian Bible School and uses the themes of Harry Potter and Hogwarts to engage with children while taking that opportunity to teach them about how we as UU’s think about the world, spirituality and justice. Come and join some of the Hogwarts staff as we share how we are working to expand the reach of our faith’s core values while also having a lot of fun.

Led by The Rev. Melissa Carvill-Ziemer and Worship Associate Trish McLoughlin –  After an unremarkable 25 years in parish ministry, Joseph Tuckerman took up what he called a ministry-at-large in Boston in 1826. Thus Tuckerman became one of the very first Unitarian community ministers as well as a pioneer in American social work. This morning we will explore the theological ideals that lay at the heart of Tuckerman’s ministry and consider their relevance for our own morally complex times.

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Annual Service and Picnic in the Park
On Sunday, June 10, we will celebrate our annual worship service and picnic at Plum Creek Park in Kent (which is at the intersection of Cherry Street and Mogadore Road).  We will be meeting at Pavillion #2 for one service only at 10:30 am.  Our service will be fully multigenerational; the whole community is invited to worship and play together.

Please bring a lawnchair (and maybe an extra to share), a dish to share at the picnic (but not dessert as we will have a cake to mark a special occasion), your own place setting, any games you would like to play during the picnic and anything else you will need to be comfortable.  And remember, we will have one service only beginning at 10:30 am!

Led by Coming of Age Youth, their Facilitators and their Mentors – Publicly presenting their Faith Statements is the culminating event of the Coming of Age program. The youth have been in discernment all year to determine what they believe and have created an inspiring worship service to present their faith statements. The facilitators and the mentors will share a glimpse into their experiences, as well. This momentous worship service is akin to a Jewish bar or bat Mitzah or a Christian confirmation. Each Coming of Age youth will speak.

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Led by Christie Anderson and Worship Associate Trish McLoughlin –  We will continue to share the results from the recent congregational survey as we continue to explore who we are as a faith community.

This Sunday is also our annual flower celebration.  If you are able, please bring a flower stem to church to share as part of our flower communion.  Even if you are unable to bring a flower, please join us as there will be extra flowers.  The children will be having their own Flower Ceremony in the RE classroom.  Each child should bring a cut flower or two for when they go to their RE class at 11:15.

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Led by Christie Anderson and Lois Weir – What varying religious beliefs are held by our congregation members? What do members think about our worship? How has the spiritual profile of the congregation changed over the past decade? We will share the results from the recent congregational survey and explore who we are as a faith community. Lyrics to “My Congregation” sung at this service appear below.

(A parody of the Who’s “My Generation”)

Falwell tries, to put us down; We won’t take it, lying down
Hank Thoreau is our hero; Next to him, Calvin’s a zero.

Talkin’ ’bout my congregation . . .

Open minds, we light our chalice; Open hearts, we have no malice
Got no creed and no dogma; we have seven principles

Talkin’ ’bout my congregation . . .

Read our minds, on our bumpers; You won’t find no, bible thumpers
Long hair short hair butch or baldin’; All together we look for Walden

Talkin’ ’bout my congregation . . .

We don’t have no bible school; Hogwarts is our teaching tool.
Down to earth, never stuffy; We get high on fair trade coffee

Talkin’ ’bout my congregation . . .

Vegetarian, gluten free; Organically grown, non-dairee
Muslim, Buddhist, liberal Christian; Humanist, Atheist, Pagan, Wiccan

Talkin’ ’bout my congregation . . .

We are gay and we are proud; We wear our politics, very loud
– Recycle and don’t pollute; ride a bike to summer institute
Save the whale, save the lion; Save us from Mitt Romney’s lyin’

Talkin’ ’bout my congregation . . .

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Led by The Rev. Melissa Carvill-Ziemer and Worship Associate Dani Beale –

Curiosity has been heralded as a virtue. Curiosity is the desire to learn or know something; it is the impetus that lies behind so much of our exploration and discovery. This morning we will explore the connections between curiosity, imagination and creation.

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Led by: Director of Religious Education Karen Lapidus, our children and the Religious Education teachers – Our Religious Education program is not one that teaches a prescribed set of beliefs, but rather one that encourages curiosity in our children and youth so that they are guided to decide for themselves what they must do to live a life of purpose and meaning. Religious Education Sunday is the time when the children share with the congregation what they have experienced throughout the year. During the 9:30 service, there will be a bridging ceremony to mark major development milestones for many of our children and youth. The 11:15 service will include presentations from each of the classes as well as a ceremony of appreciation for our teachers. Join us for what will surely be a lively, fun-filled worship experience.

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