On the eve of the presidential inauguration and the holiday honoring the Rev Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., we reflect on the historical ups and downs in the long arc towards racial justice in the U.S. We take the long view looking towards the future, always keeping love at the center. 

9:15 AM: An In-Person, All-Ages Service

Led by DRE Colleen Thoele, and Music Director Emily Hall.

10:00 AM: Lifespan Religious Exploration

Religious exploration for our children and youth in classrooms.

10:00AM Facilitated Small Reflection Groups for adults and youth

This is an opportunity for members, friends, and visitors to reflect and share on wondering questions based on the day’s sermon topic. Everyone (including first-time visitors) is welcome to drop in and join us in Hobbs Hall for this small group connection time.

This Week’s Wondering Questions:

1. What is your earliest memory when race or racial difference entered your consciousness? How did it impact you?
2. The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King used the term “Beloved Community” to describe a vision for a world where there was no injustice, racial or otherwise. What sustains you in your personal journey toward justice?

10:00 AM Social Hour

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

11:00 AM: A Multi-Platform, Traditional Service (both in person and on Zoom)

Led by Jennifer May and Lois Weir and Music Director Emily Hall.

CLICK HERE to view, download, or print the Order of Service for 11:00 AM.

What are some of the stories we hold in this congregation that make us who we are? Let’s celebrate the strength and resilience of UUCK, and the many extraordinary folks whose vision and resolve created this community!

9:15 AM: An In-Person, All-Ages Service

Led by Rev. Kristina Church, DRE Colleen Thoele, and Music Director Emily Hall.

10:00 AM: Lifespan Religious Exploration

Religious exploration for our children and youth in classrooms.

10:00AM Facilitated Small Reflection Groups for adults and youth

This is an opportunity for members, friends, and visitors to reflect and share on wondering questions based on the day’s sermon topic. Everyone (including first-time visitors) is welcome to drop in and join us in Hobbs Hall for this small group connection time.

This Week’s Wondering Questions:

1. What communities or organizations am I part of today that were created because someone in the past had a vision and made it happen? How can I express my gratitude for those blessings?
2. How am I part of a story that will be told by future people? What is being built today that I can help with in order to bless the future?

10:00 AM Social Hour

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

11:00 AM: A Multi-Platform, Traditional Service (both in person and on Zoom)

Led by Rev. Kristina Church and Music Director Emily Hall

CLICK HERE to view, download, or print the Order of Service for 11:00 AM.

January 6th is Epiphany, traditionally the day when we celebrate the visit of the Wise Men, or Magi, who followed a mysterious star and brought gifts for the child in the manger. What gifts can we find in our own stories and visions that can guide us through the coming year?

9:15 AM: An in-person, all-ages service

Led by Rev. Kristina Church and Music Director Emily Hall.

There is no Children’s RE until January 12.

10:00AM Facilitated small reflection groups for adults in Hobbs Hall using our wondering questions:

1. (GOLD) When all is said and done, and the story of my life gets told, what do I want the theme to be? Am I living in alignment with that theme, and with my deepest values?
2. (FRANKINCENSE) If each year is a new chapter, what do I seek from the chapter covering 2025? What actions can I take to bring more joy & happiness to life in the coming year?
3. (MYRRH) Is there a part of my story that is no longer serving me? Is there an old story I can gently let go of, so that a truer and more life-giving one can emerge?

10:00 AM Social Hour

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: A multi-platform traditional service (both in person and on Zoom)

Led by Rev. Kristina Church and Music Director Emily Hall

CLICK HERE to view, download, or print the Order of Service for 11:00 AM.

One service at 11:00 AM led by CLM Lori-Mirkin-McGee and Worship Associate Elaine Bowen.

The Soul Matters theme for December is presence. During the hustle and bustle of the holidays, it is often difficult to just be present, to just be. This service will explore what it means to be present in the here and now and what a gift presence can be to both others and ourselves.

CLICK HERE to view, download, or print the Order of Service for 11:00 AM.

Led by Director of Religious Education Colleen Thoele and Sandy Eaglen.

This all-ages service held at 9:15 AM and 11:00 AM will celebrate the stars! Through dance, song and story, the children of our beloved community will offer tales of Christmas magic and joy. Come and be reminded that all of us, (that means you, too!), are made of stars! 

9:15 AM: An in-person, all-ages service

10:00 AM Social Hour

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.

Adult Reflection Circle Wondering Questions:

• One way that UUs think about the transcendent is to think of ourselves as stardust, interconnected with the rest of the universe. How does that resonate with you?
• What are other ways you try to articulate or make sense of the hard-to-describe experience of being interconnected with the universe?

11:00 AM: An all-ages service (both in person and on Zoom)

CLICK HERE to view, download, or print the Order of Service for 11:00 AM.

Tuesday, December 24, 2024

Christmas holds the promise of all the blessings we still yearn to see in our weary world. Join us for this special evening service, as we celebrate the magic of that holy night, when the angels sang glad tidings of a child’s birth.

Christmas Eve Candlelight Services: 6:30 & 8:30 PM

6:30 PM, led by Rev. Kristina Church and Director of Religious Education Colleen Thoele; and joined by Director of Music Ministries Emily Hall and the UU Church of Kent Peace Choir.

CLICK HERE to view, download, or print the 6:30pm Order of Service.

8:30 PM, led by Rev. Kristina Church and Worship Associate Randy Bish; and joined by Director of Music Ministries Emily Hall, the UU Church of Kent Peace Choir and Tarnished Brass ensemble.

CLICK HERE to view, download, or print the 8:30pm Order of Service.

9:15 AM: Hide and Seek with God

An in-person, all-ages service led by Rev. Renee Ruchotzke, DRE Colleen Thoele, and Music Director Emily Hall.

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:

1. How would you describe the God of your childhood. How has it changed? How has it stayed the same?
   
2. In our story “Hide and Seek with God” the children look for God in many surprising places.  Have you ever found the transcendent when you didn’t expect it?

10:00 AM Social Hour

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: Where is God?

A multi-platform traditional service (both in person and on Zoom) led by Commissioned Lay Minister Kathy Kerns and Worship Associate Heidi Sumser with DRE Colleen Thoele and Music Director Emily Hall.

We see many images, such as the ongoing death and destruction in Gaza, that remind us of what is broken in this world.  Yet we also see instances of hope, love, beauty in nature, and wonder.  Amidst it all, where might we find God?  Might “God” be useful religious language for Unitarian Universalists?

CLICK HERE to view, download, or print the Order of Service for 11:00 AM.

The “most wonderful time of the year” can also be the most difficult, the most depressing, or the most overwhelming time. What if we’re not filled with jolly good spirits during the month of December? What if our hearts are breaking– or we’re feeling sad and lonely– or we’re angry or despondent about the human-caused suffering in our world? How can we skip holiday hoopla that drains us, and seek our own true peace and comfort?

9:15 AM: An in-person, all-ages service

Led by Rev. Kristina Church, DRE Colleen Thoele, and Music Director Emily Hall.

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:

1. Does the idea of hibernating appeal to you? What makes you feel cozy and relaxed when it’s cold and dark outside?
2. Do you ever find yourself feeling upset or low during the winter holidays? What usually helps to soothe your soul?

10:00 AM Social Hour

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: A multi-platform traditional service (both in person and on Zoom)

Led by Rev. Kristina Church and Worship Associate Elaine Bowen

CLICK HERE to view, download, or print the Order of Service for 11:00 AM.

The flaming chalice is the symbol of our Unitarian Universalist faith. Each Sunday all over the country and even in many other countries, we light the chalice at the beginning of our time of worship. How did this image of the chalice with a flame become our tradition? Join us this Sunday as we share the story of our flaming chalice and what it means to individual UU’s.

We invite you to bring your own chalice with you to church if you would like it to be a part of a community ‘blessing of the chalices’. If you don’t have your own chalice, we’ll have some available, so that you can choose one and then take it home with you!

9:15 AM: An in-person, all-ages service

Led by Rev. Kristina Church and Music Director Emily Hall.

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:

1. The UU flaming chalice means different things to different people: as we say each week, it may represent the “light of truth, the warmth of community, or the fire of commitment”, or other ideals we want to hold close. How does the cup with the flame speak to your spirit?
2. Do you have rituals that get you through your day, like using a certain coffee cup each morning, or singing little songs to yourself, or keeping a journal? How do these personal rituals help you be more present to life, and make meaning of your days?

10:00 AM Social Hour

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: A multi-platform traditional service (both in person and on Zoom)

Led by Rev. Kristina Church and Affiliated Minister Rev. Christie Anderson

CLICK HERE to view, download, or print the Order of Service for 11:00 AM.

Nearly everything we’ve been taught about the Thanksgiving origin story is embellished, exaggerated, or just plain made up to serve political ends. What, then, are we to do with this national holiday? What voices can we turn to to for reality-based wisdom, and gratitude based in historical truth?

9:15 AM: An in-person, all-ages service

Led by Rev. Kristina Church, Director of Religious Education Colleen Thoele, and Music Director Emily Hall.

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:

1. Spiritual growth sometimes means letting go of beloved stories or habits when our perspective widens. Is there a part of the Thanksgiving story you might actually need to grieve, or more learning you need to do about how this holiday was actually created?
2. Does your family or culture have a tradition for expressing gratitude for food (such as saying grace at meals, etc.)? What plants or foods originally cultivated by peoples of North, Central, and South America are you grateful for, and what would you have a hard time living without?

10:00 AM Social Hour

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: A multi-platform traditional service (both in person and on Zoom)

Led by Rev. Kristina Church and Worship Associate Elaine Bowen.

CLICK HERE to view, download, or print the Order of Service for 11:00 AM.

Simple Gifts / What a Wonderful World

9:15 AM: Simple Gifts

An in-person, all-ages service led by Rev. Renee Ruchotzke and Director of Religious Education Colleen Thoele.

In troubling times, it can be healing to reconnect to our gratitude for the simple gifts that life offers us,

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:

1. Name a person in your life, or who you admire, that you are grateful for, How have they changed you?
2. Has anyone every shown you a kindness that seemed like a small thing, but felt like a big thing? How did it affect you?

10:00 AM Social Hour

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: What a Wonderful World

A multi-platform (both in person and on Zoom) traditional service led by Heidi Shaffer Bish and Randy Bish.

Even when times are dark, when we are grateful the world can become a better place, full of love, contentment and even joy. Gratitude helps us open to wisdom, change and connection. Join worship leaders Heidi Shaffer Bish and Randy Bish in delving into the science, inspiration, and spiritual practice of being thankful not just in November but year-round. 

CLICK HERE to view, download, or print the Order of Service for 11:00 AM.

In the immediate wake of a momentous political season, we contemplate our world, just as it is in this moment. How can we best help heal the divisions that tear at our connections? How can we care for one another and calm our own fear and anxiety, so we can be present to community needs? How can our UU values point the way to healing and wholeness?

9:15 AM: An in-person, all-ages service

Led by Rev. Kristina Church and Rev. Renee Rutchotzke

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:

1. Nature often contains a soulful balm that can repair us in times of stress or anxiety. What part of the healing earth is calling you to come back?
2. What practices and resources have you found in your life for calming, centering, and grounding? What is one practice that might be helpful for you this week?

10:00 AM Social Hour

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: A multi-platform (both in person and on Zoom) traditional service

Led by Rev. Kristina Church and Worship Associate CLM Lori Mirkin-McGee

CLICK HERE to view, download, or print the Order of Service for 11:00 AM.

All Will Be Well

In the tradition of All Souls Day, we honor the stories of our ancestors– whether kindred, spiritual predecessors, or simply those prophetic people whose courageous words and deeds have inspired us. By sharing personal and collective stories of the past, we remind ourselves that all will be well. No matter what the future brings, we can face it together.  

9:15 AM: An all-ages service

Led by Rev. Kristina Church, Director of Religious Education Colleen Thoele, and Music Director Emily Hall

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:

1. If you could reach back in time and repair a wound suffered by a parent, forebear, or spiritual ancestor, what would it be? How would the story of your lineage be changed by that healing?
2. What stories of ancestors (whether part of your family tree, or spiritual forbears who inspire you) give you strength and comfort? What virtues do you see in them that you would like to embody?

10:00 AM Social Hour

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: A multi-platform service (both in-person and on Zoom)

Led by Rev. Kristina Church, worship associate Rev. Renee Ruchotzke, Director of Religious Education Colleen Thoele, and and Music Director Emily Hall

CLICK HERE to view, download, or print the Order of Service for 11:00 AM.

Room on the Broom

Friendly spirits and wise witches are out and about as the veil between the worlds of the living and the dead grows thin. Join us for this fun and frolicsome time together as we get ready for Halloween– wear a costume if you like! Radical hospitality means there is always more room on the broom!

9:15 AM: An all-ages service

Led by Rev. Kristina Church,Director of Religious Education Colleen Thoele, and Music Director Emily Hall

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:

1. Hospitality sounds like something to do with being sick. But it really means how we welcome people. Have you ever received a welcome that felt truly special? What did the person (or people) do to show that there was a place for you and that you belonged?
2. One of our UU values is Generosity, a willingness to share what we have with others. without expecting anything in return. In our story today, Room on the Broom, the witch is always willing to make space for others, even in uncertain or overwhelming circumstances. How might life be calling you into a practice of generosity? Is there any “room on your broom” right now to share your gifts with others? 

10:00 AM Social Hour

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: A multi-platform service (both in-person and on Zoom)

Led by Rev. Kristina Church with Worship Associate Heidi Sumser

CLICK HERE to view, download, or print the Order of Service for 11:00 AM.

The Elephant (and the Donkey) in the Room

9:15 AM All Ages Service: The Elephant in the Room

An all-ages service led by Amanda Rome, Rev. Renee Ruchotzke and Music Director Emily Hall.

Our faith calls us to respect different opinions and beliefs. But what happens when other people’s behaviors or beliefs are harmful to us?

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:

1. Do you feel like the social contract around behavior has changed, and how?
2. How might we model behaviors for the world we want to live in?

10:00 AM Social Hour

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: The Elephant (and the Donkey) in the Room

A multi-platform service (both in-person and on Zoom) led by Rev. Christie Anderson with Worship Associate Randy Bish

We’ve always heard the common adage – “To keep peace, don’t discuss politics or religion.” As we approach an important election day, we ponder the relevance of this advice as we experience tension in the company of friends, co-workers, and family who hold different political views. “Do we withhold our opinions or share them?” “Is it desirable, or even possible, to narrow the political division within American society, and within our families? If so, how do we proceed in a loving spirit?” This worship service will explore these timely questions, prompt self-reflection and introduce resources for conversations.

CLICK HERE to view, download, or print the Order of Service for 11:00 AM.