Archives: Services

Resisting the Rush

with Worship Associate Nancy Blake, and musicians Tony Blake and Gary Rossi. The holiday season is upon us, with all of its joy, wonder, pressure, and heartache. Join us today for an experiential service in which we will consider some ways to slow down and reduce the stress of the Fall and Winter holidays. Drumsound … Continue reading Resisting the Rush

Generosity of Spirit

With Worship Associate Nathan Makdad, Cantor Rachel Walters Stein, and musicians David Dodd on piano and the Larking About Choir. Generosity of Spirit is to act with kindness, to be open and willing to share with others without any expectation of receiving something back in return. It means to celebrate the success and efforts of … Continue reading Generosity of Spirit

Ritual of Remembrance: Celebrating El Día de los Muertos

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

The History of Hell

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

Generation to Generation: The Dedication of Children

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

Heritage, Harm, and Healing

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

We Belong Together

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.

Welcoming Authentic Diversity: Beyond Cultural Fit

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

Water & Stones Ingathering

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