Rev. Jennifer Brooks

The Long Arc

Watch the Video (YouTube link) Today we honor the legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. His leadership during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s helped change America for the better. Yet still there‘s work for all people who answer the call of love. “The arc of the universe is long,“ Dr. King said, “but it bends toward justice.” It’s up to those who love to do the bending.

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.

The Story of Hope

5 pm Christmas Eve Service Celebrants: Kate Allen & Lyra Halsten This Christmas Eve service invites children, their families, and the young at heart into a celebration of the story of Christmas and its deeper message of hope. Children are encouraged to arrive a few minutes early to choose a costume to be an angel, sheep, or shepherd in our no-rehearsal Christmas pageant. The offering collected during this service will support the Unitarian Universalist commitment to Black lives as a contribution to Black Lives UU. All are invited to bring a plate of cookies to share with others following the service. There is also a 7 pm Christmas Eve Service: "Light of the World"

Many Voices, One Song

Watch the Video (YouTube link) Nearly 500 years ago, the first Unitarians used the phrase "unity in diversity" to describe their openness to diverse spiritual paths within one faith tradition. In this service of songs and readings, we explore the diversity of world music connected with the Christian tradition and of world religious faiths connected with values of Christmas. In a diversity of music and faiths there lies a unity of hope and love. The UU Singers, directed by Choir Director Karen Kraemer, sing us through this journey of expectation and discovery. UU Singers; Bruce Martin, pianist.

Imagine

Watch the Video (YouTube link) The December religious holidays invite us to imagine a different way of being in the world–even a different world entirely. Whatever our theological viewpoint, we have the power to shape our expectations of ourselves and the meaning we make in our lives. So imagine.

The Second Turkey and Other Stories

Watch the YouTube video This service features tender, light-hearted stories about family Thanksgivings that didn't go exactly to plan. The tales invite us to cherish the love that has touched our lives, even if it didn't arrive in exactly the way we expected. May we be aware of the abundance that sometimes slips in through the crack under the door.

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.

Time

Watch the Video (YouTube link) In this month when we explore the worship theme of "Abundance," it's worth wondering whether we ever have enough time. What is time? Can we make time slow down, or get more of it than we have? This service takes a thoughtful look at science’s current understanding of time, and offers philosophy’s wisdom for managing it, as we come to appreciate the lives that have shaped ours and the love that's there to guide our choices.

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.