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The Soul Matters team says that generosity transforms, connects, and challenges us. In this context, the writings of James Luther Adams (11/12/01-4/26/94) are a very generous gift to Unitarian Universalism. Rev. Sarah will talk about “the most influential theologian among American UUs of the 20th century,” and ask how his teachings can help us live into our 21st century UU values. Music by Michael Thompson. (Services are in-person and on Zoom.)
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 and music on The Gift of Generosity, our theme for November. Music by the CUF choir, Elana Floyd-Kennett and Bob Swenson. (Services are in-person and on Zoom.)
Our annual all-ages observance of the Wiccan highest holy day will include rituals marking the end of the harvest, the beginning of winter/New Year, and honoring the dead. Join us for this Samhain service co-facilitated by Elana Floyd-Kennett, Heather O’Malley, Sage Banks and Gypsy Obermiller. The congregation is encouraged to bring pictures of their Ancestors and Beloved dead as we create the altar together in the service. Music led by Elana Floyd-Kennett. (Services are in-person and on Zoom.)
Join us as we share the words of a local genealogist, and a guided meditation by Bethann Seibold, as we explore ancestry, spirituality & connection. Music by the CUF choir and Kent McDaniel.
What wisdom have we received from our ancestors about being in relationship with animals? What have we learned from our pets that we want to pass to future generations? This service is an opportunity show gratitude for the blessings we have received from animal companions. We welcome well-behaved, non-anxious pets** to be with the human congregation, and photos of those pets who stay home. Zooming in? — show your pet or photo for a virtual blessing. Music by Warren Bush. **Pets must be on a leash or in a carrier. More info in the email Bulletin. (Services are in-person and on Zoom.)
Every Sunday we make a brief land acknowledgement statement, recognizing the first peoples of the land we now own. What is the meaning and purpose for us as UUs? What do our shared values tell us about words without action? Music by CUF choir, directed by Michael Thompson, accompanied by Elana Floyd-Kennett. (Services are in person and on Zoom.)
What can we learn from the successes and mistakes of thinkers, activists, organizers and others who have shaped the way we understand and act on our values? Rev. Sarah shares stories from the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries to trace our UU heritage of social and environmental justice work. Music by Candy Davis and Marty Merrill. (Services are in person and on Zoom.)
Join long time member Roy Sumner as he shares what successful welcoming looks like. Also hear of Roy’s recent experience serving as a Board Trustee. Music by John West. (Services are in person and on Zoom.)
In late September, 1770, an English ship bound for New York, carrying a broken and dejected Universalist preacher, ran aground on the New Jersey shore. A local farmer invited that preacher to dinner. Rev. Sarah will tell the story of Universalism’s unlikely beginnings in the U.S., and trace the importance of that maritime mishap more than 250 years ago to our midwestern Unitarian Universalist congregation today. Music by Stephanie Reece. (Services are in person and on Zoom.)
Our joyous annual celebration of the new congregational year, featuring the Water Communion ceremony. Every person/family contributes a small amount of water, naming its source and the spirit with which it is added to the common bowl. Music by Maki Ito Pardieck and CUF choir. (Services are in person and on Zoom.)
