We, by our very nature as human beings, long for connection.  We will seek ways to be in association, cohesion, solidarity and community with what feeds our soul.  This will occur in ways that defy logic, reason and convenience.  There are some things to which we attach ourselves that are transient.  And such things, often with critical importance, come and go.  Our hearts rise and fall with their entry and exit.  But there are other things to which we will always, and inseparably, be connected.  These bring about the sighs and exultations of the universe.  This is a sermon about the transient and the permanent within ministry and our human evolution.  

There is an essential new truth emerging in our culture that is challenging us to re-think one of the most basic elements of self identification.  We are now being asked to clarify pronouns rather than simply rely on our own assumptions of gender.  This pulls us all - some, kicking and screaming - into an enlightening new era of self definition that will test our mental, emotional and linguistic flexibility.  The reward, of course, is a much more expansive and accepting world in which there is more beauty abiding and more love possible.  

In the 'Left Behind' series, author and minister Tim LaHaye talks about the rapture. The rapture, for those of us who haven't spent time in the south or who don't listen to Garrison Keillor, is the apocalyptic accounting of the end times where good souls are swept up and taken to heaven and 'non-believers' are 'left behind.' Where are Unitarian Universalists in the rapture. In this exploration of apocalyptic thinking, we will endeavor to find our place in the end of times.

Summer schedule: one service at 10 a.m.

What happens when those who raised us – those we’ve turned to for Love – suddenly start turning to us? As we honor Mother’s Day, we’ll look at the unconditional love and sacrifice which nurtured us, and the love and sacrifice our parents may require as they age. We will explore the impact of Alzheimer’s and other dementias as well as other limitations of chronic and life-threatening illnesses. How we support each other with the very human gifts of recognition, affection, and understanding is a central question at the heart of our belief in the inherent worth and dignity of all beings. Besides honoring mothers and caregivers, we’ll also acknowledge the work of our Care Ring Team.

Services at 9 and 11 a.m. (last week of our spring schedule; summer schedule begins on May 19).