with KC Greaney and Andrew Richardson, Worship Associates, and special guest speaker Abraham Solar UUP once again is joining in the city-wide celebration of El Día de los Muertos with our own Ritual of Remembrance. This tradition originated in the ancient traditions of Mesoamericans, and today is celebrated in Mexico, parts of Central and South … Continue reading Ritual of Remembrance: Celebrating El Día de los Muertos
with Ashley Makdad, Worship Associate, and David Dodd, Piano Since the early years of Christianity, theologians have pointed out that references to Hell in the Christian scriptures are infrequent, inconsistent, and often ambiguous. Despite that, a majority of Americans still believe in Hell. Today we will review the significance of Hell in our denomination’s history, … Continue reading The History of Hell
with Nancy Blake, Worship AssociateDavid Dodd, PianoRachel Steiner, CantorTony Blake, Percussion In UU practice, children are blessed in a simple ritual in which parents (and any godparents) as well as the congregation dedicate themselves to helping each child grow up in the ways marked by wisdom, love, and justice. In keeping with our October worship … Continue reading Generation to Generation: The Dedication of Children
with Nate Makdad, Worship Associate, and Gary Rossi, piano At this year’s annual gathering of UU ministers, Rev. Bonnie was able to attend the annual Berry Street Lecture, delivered this year by the Rev. Cecilia Kingman. She gave an impactful address about the ways that fascism is creeping into our culture and even into Unitarian … Continue reading Unitarian Universalism and Fascism
David Dodd, Piano and Rachel Steiner, Cantor “Heritage” is our worship theme for the month of October. Recognizing that many have been harmed by oppressive interpretations of the dominant religious heritage, Rev. Bonnie and Rev. John join forces to offer a service aimed at a path toward healing. In honor of the Jewish autumn holiday … Continue reading Heritage, Harm, and Healing
Andrew Richardson, Worship Associate What does it mean to become a member of a Unitarian Universalist congregation? Today we will welcome new members into our midst with an ingathering ritual, and consider why the experience of becoming a member can be transformative in some cases, and meaningless in others.
Ashley Kennedy Makdad, Worship LeaderNate Makdad, Worship Associate While it may seem comforting to surround ourselves with like-minded individuals, this approach can unintentionally create echo chambers that limit our growth and understanding. Drawing inspiration from the historical example of Abraham Lincoln, who intentionally assembled a diverse cabinet with varying opinions, we’ll explore the power of … Continue reading Welcoming Authentic Diversity: Beyond Cultural Fit
Nancy Blake, Worship AssociateRachel Steiner, Cantor, and the Larking About ChoirGary Rossi, piano Please join us for our annual kick-off celebration of a new “church year”! Bring a small stone picked up during your summer, whether from your travels or from your back yard, and some water that you may have gathered from a river, … Continue reading Water & Stones Ingathering
On Labor Day weekend, we recall the summons: “Workers of the world, Unite! You have nothing to lose but your chains.” Rev. John will recount some of his own experiences “swinging on the chains,” as a young member of the United Mine Workers, serving in the Great Lakes merchant marine. The Undogmatics will help us … Continue reading Swinging on the Chains & Singing Songs of Change
There is a famous poem by Kahlil Gibran in which he proposes that we all begin as an expression of “life’s longing for itself.” I tend to agree, because I can see how my own “longing for life” has led me down a path toward health. I also see how that same longing can be … Continue reading Longing for Life
