Religious Education for Times Such as These
Monthly Theme: Prophecy
Rev. Rebecca Benefiel Bijur, Rev. Diane Dowgiert and Kathleen Hogue
When times are hard and the future is uncertain, we need a sustaining faith, one that will activate moral strength, courage, and conviction. What in our liberal religious heritage can sustain us through times such as these? What will we teach our children?
Rev. Diane Dowgiert serves as Interim Minister of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Greensboro, North Carolina. She also served as Minister at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Tucson, Arizona for ten years, where she worked closely with Kathleen. We're delighted she can join us for worship this morning and to preach a sermon of welcome for Kathleen at her Ceremony of Welcome at 3pm Sunday afternoon.
[Note: No audio recording is available for this service.]
Only Love Can Do That - MLK Sunday
Monthly Theme: Prophecy
Rev. Rebecca Benefiel Bijur
"Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that." - MLK, Strength to Love, 1957.
Heart and Soul: A Contemplative Worship Service - 5 p.m.
Monthly Theme: Prophecy
Kikanza Nuri-Robins, Joyce Holmen, and Karen Hsu Patterson
In consultation with our minister, we are continuing the Heart and Soul services, now led by Kikanza Nuri-Robins, Joyce Holmen, and Karen Hsu Patterson. With singing and instrumental music, statements and questions, silence and sharing, we’ll explore the theme of "What does it mean to be a community of Prophecy?"
The Prophethood of All Believers
Monthly Theme: Prophecy
Maggie Pothuff
Many of us find ourselves engaged in community work one way or another - through the arts, service, advocacy or other leadership. Sunday's sermon will explore the connection between this work and our Unitarian Universalist tradition. How does claiming our faith identity in public change the very work we're doing? What's "our faith" anyway? Mid-century Unitarian theologian James Adams (1901 - 1994) wrestled with this same question nearly 75 years ago, ultimately articulating a transformed and transforming liberalism that can guide us in our work today.
Lessons of Kwanzaa
Monthly Theme: Prophecy
Rev. Rebecca Benefiel Bijur, Rev. Kikanza J. Nuri-Robins, Dr. Zanaida Robles, Leon Henderson-MacLennan
Ring in the new year with our all-star worship leaders, including one of the original group which developed the cultural holiday, Kwanzaa. Reflect with us on the seven principles of Kwanzaa and what they might mean to us as UUs.
[Note: No audio recording is available for this service.]
The Story of Maryam (one service only at 11 a.m.)
Monthly Theme: Presence
Rev. Rebecca Benefiel Bijur
We'll join our Muslim and Christian neighbors in celebrating Jesus' birthday with readings from the Quran and the Christian Bible.
All is Bright - Christmas Eve Candelight Services - 6 and 8 p.m.
Rev. Rebecca Benefiel Bijur, Kathleen Hogue and Dr. Zanaida Robles
Adult Choir at 6 p.m.
Choral Quartet at 8 p.m.
If you would like to be a reader at a Christmas Eve service, please contact Rev. Rebecca at minister@uusm.org.
Festive Family-Friendly Christmas Eve Service - 4 p.m.
Rev. Rebecca Benefiel Bijur
Join Kathleen Hogue and Rev. Rebecca Benefiel Bijur for a festive family-friendly Christmas Eve service,
with holiday music from Dr. Zanaida Robles and friends. This service is especially designed for our youngest children, ages 0-5, and their siblings and families. Please bring a home made or store bought star ornament to share.
This service will also include a children's dedication. Please contact
dre@uusm.org if you would like your child included. Services will take place in Angeline Forbes Hall.
Winter Solstice Vespers - Earth Air, Fire, Water & the Alchemy of Transformation
Rima Snyder
On the solstice, the shortest day and longest night of the year, we can imagine ourselves transforming sorrow into joy, difficulty into possibility, loss into reflection and greater understanding. Hosted by Rima Snyder, Rev. Rebecca Benefiel Bijur, and Kathleen Hogue; with special musical guests Karen Hsu Patterson and cellist Lynn Angebranndt.
The Spirit of the Christmas Tree - A Multigenerational Pageant
Monthly Theme: Presence
Rev. Rebecca Benefiel Bijur, Kathleen Hogue and Dr. Zanaida Robles
We'll celebrate the arrival of the Friendly Beasts, a beloved church tradition, at our multigenerational holiday pageant services.
[Note: No audio recording is available for this service.]
