A Tale of Tenacity
9:15 & 11 am In this service for all ages, we share a tale of tenacity: the story of Esther. This true story is the centerpiece of the Jewish celebration of Purim, which this year begins on February 28. In many ways Esther was a true superhero: a seemingly ordinary person who saved many lives through her persistence and courage. Today we consider how our own narratives intersect with this tale of tenacity.
Hanging On
Watch the Video (YouTube link) Perseverance carries an exhausting connotation, especially if we think about perseverance as holding our breath as we push through impossible conditions. This month our theme in worship asks us how we are called to be a people of perseverance. What alternative understandings of perseverance might we need to share if we are to be a people who persevere together?
Share the Light
Watch the Video (YouTube link) Joining us over the weekend of this service is Rev. Janne Eller-Isaacs, our ministerial search transition coach, along with Rev. Jen Crow. After each service, Rev. Janne will hold open meetings to share information about the search process for our new settled senior minister. This purpose intersects beautifully with January’s Soul Matters theme exploring how we are called to be a people of intention. Setting personal intentions is a spiritual act that can shape our living. Setting collective intentions is a spiritual act that can transform a congregation and the wider community. In these services, guest minister, Rev. Jen Crow and Rev. Erin will speak to the power of love and ministry that is unleashed when a congregation re-imagines their shared intention for vision and mission. May we be inspired for the Connections Parties in February, when we will share our individual light to create the vision for our collective future.
Hope is a Doorway
Watch the Video (YouTube link) In this all ages service, we will carry forward our New Year’s tradition of walking through a doorway to greet the coming year with intention. We will celebrate new beginnings and ponder the intention we want to bring to them through storytelling, song, and origami crane making.
Light of the World
Watch the Video (YouTube link) This Christmas Eve service of carols and readings invokes not only the 2,000 year-old story of Christmas but also its message of hope for our world today. Come with open hearts; go with the spirit of Christmas.
Kindling Hope
Watch the Video of the Homily | Watch the Video of the Reflection Solstice celebrates light and the return or rebirth of the sun. Advent is a season of expectancy and hope. In services, we will embrace the gifts of this season to kindle the warmth of our hope.
Stone Soup
Watch the Video (YouTube link) The old story of Stone Soup tells of two weary travelers who arrive in a small village and unexpectedly bring a community together under the guise of making a delicious soup from stones.To make this story come to life, we're encouraging everyone who can to bring pre-cut veggies to add to the pot, as well as non-perishable food to support the children with their food drive. This participatory service will engage young and old alike in this important tale and also offer food to the hungry in our community. Special music by visiting musician Peter Mayer.
Abundance as a Spiritual Asset
Watch the video of the Reflection | Watch the video of the Sermon (YouTube links) Having a sense of financial abundance is about more than having the ability to buy plenty of things. Or is it? Depending on our income and class background, depending on our family's relationship to money, or on major events in our generation's lifetime, we will have different experiences that have shaped how we understand abundance, having enough and our definition of generosity. Reflection by Darin Jensen.
Cherish: A Service of Remembrance
Watch the Video (YouTube link) This service for all ages remembers the loved ones who have passed away. As we honor their memories, and the ways they shaped our lives, we’re also reminded to cherish every moment we have with those we love. Please bring a photo or item of remembrance for any people and/or animals who has passed away that you (or your family) would like to remember during this service.
Dismantling White Supremacy- Teach-in #2
Watch the Video (YouTube link) | Watch Lisa's Reflection video (YouTube) Unitarian Universalists are collectively taking action to dismantle white supremacy. On Oct. 22nd, worship services and religious education classes will focus on disrupting white supremacy in our lives and communities. This is our second teach-in; the first took place last spring when our church joined with over 700 UU congregations across the country in examining white supremacy in our lives.