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Two very courageous Afghan refugees will share their experiences with us, as we continue exploring this month’s theme of Courage. Sekandar and Nilofar are a married couple who were sponsored by members of the Peace Coalition of Southern Illinois and are living and working in Carbondale. Music by Glenn McLernon. (Services are in-person and on Zoom.)
These are the three components of courage, according to social science researchers. If we think about courage in these simple terms, we may be able to embrace our own and others’ capacity for courage. Individually, and as a congregation, we have shown courage in the past, and if we resist cynicism and fear, we will continue to act with courage. In this service, Rev. Sarah shares some science, some stories, and some CUF folks’ experiences of courage. Music by Warren Bush. (Services are in-person and on Zoom.)
NOTE — this service is at 9:30 am, at First Presbyterian Church, 310 S. University Ave. in Carbondale, in person, or via this Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82484553329. CUF hosted the first Pride Sunday Service held in June of 2017, and it has since grown to include Church of the Good Shepherd, First Christian (DoC), and this year’s host, First Presbyterian. It’s part of the Southern IL LGBTQ Fest. (CUF Zoom coffee hour is at 11:30 a.m. at the usual link.)
New CUF President and retired SIU law professor Gene Basanta will share his thoughts on what it means to belong at the Fellowship. Music by Candy Davis. (Services are in-person and on Zoom.)
Quaker teacher Douglas Steer reminds us “The ancient question, “Who am I?” inevitably leads to a deeper one: “Whose am I?” – because there is not identity outside of relationship. You cannot be a person by yourself.” Rev. Sarah leads this service about our relationships of belonging, not only to other humans, but also to the land and planet we live on. Music by Beth Davis. (Services are in-person and on Zoom.)
Our annual service marking the beginning of a new church year is all about belonging – how we all belong to each other, and how our congregation belongs in the world. Our water communion ritual will be adapted to include folks joining online. Each person/family is invited to bring a little water/have water ready at home to participate. Music by Curt Wilson. After the service, on the patio, we’ll share coffee and refreshments.
Traditionally, a “matin” is a service of song and prayer. It has also been used to refer to the morning song of birds. Our version of a matin is a service of music, reflection, and blessings. Join us for meditations on Belonging, our theme for September, and music by TeeKae Kelly and Bob Swenson. (Services are in person and on Zoom.)
Explore with poems and other readings, the good and bad of summer heat, including the impact of global warming on how we experience summer. Featuring music by Joe Palermo and Stephanie Reece, and a drumming meditation led by Elana Floyd-Kennett. Bring your rhythm instruments, or have one handy at home. (Services are in person and on Zoom.)
With the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn federal protection of women’s reproductive rights, Illinois, and particularly Southern Illinois, is right in the center of the battle over individuals’ right to choose abortion. Using a variety of writings, Rev. Sarah gives an overview of contemporary Unitarian Universalist views on the topic, and lays out possible actions that we UUs of Southern Illinois might take. (Services are in person and on Zoom.)
The shift from summer travels and summer breaks gives us the opportunity to examine our daily, weekly, seasonal routines. What are the essential and extra activities that fulfill needs of our body, mind, and spirit? That fulfill needs for community building/maintenance? For justice-seeking? For resistance? What are those activities that must be let go of, in order to make room for the new? Rev. Sarah Richards will lead this service of exploration. (Services are in person and on Zoom.)
