Our theme for May is Embodiment – a tangible or visible expression of an idea, quality, or feeling. There is no more literal embodiment than pregnancy and the birth of … Continue reading Embodiment of Motherhood – Janelle Durham
Do you believe in the possibility of lasting happiness? Or does this seem like something forever out of reach, a dream on the distant horizon? According to Aristotle, “Happiness depends upon ourselves.” But just what is happiness? Is it the fulfillment of our every wish and desire? Is it the absence of suffering? Is it possible to achieve happiness without taking risks? We will explore true happiness from a personal, Buddhist and psychological perspective. (Learn more about Mike at http://www.romancingthebuddha.com/)
When things get difficult, when the road seems too steep to climb, it is good to remember the presence of our friends, our family, our potential companions or assistants. In this relational message on perseverance, we note that not all of us can perform as soloists. Some of us fare better in a choir or a band. Such a combo can lift up a greater sound together than any of its members could do alone. Speaker: Rev Jim VanderWeele
“If I were a member of a congregation about to seek a new minister, what qualities would I like to see in that person and what priorities would I assign to those qualities?” David Pohl, a previous director of the UUA’s Department of Ministry, has asked that question and proposed a “top ten list” that we will take a look at. Speaker: Warren Jessop, Northlake member
This service followed the format of a New Orleans Jazz Funeral. It offers an opportunity to enjoy the description of these rites of passage, and to ceremonially let go of items that troubled us in the year just passed. We were so pleased to have the Portage Bay Big Band join us for this service. Speaker: Jim VanderWeele, Northlake’s interim minister.
This was a Music Sunday, so the recording includes not just the homily, but also snippets of the musical numbers. In order: Hymn #368 “Now Let Us Sing”, sung by congregation; “Earth, My Body” musical round sung by our children and the congregation and led by Jenny Mason; Interlude: “Vocalise” by S. Rachmaninoff; Krista Jaffre, cello & Maria Khavin, piano; Duet: “The Prayer” by C. Bayer Sager & D. Foster; sung by Jackie Boreson & Dave Thompson; Homily: “Music and Northlake” by Dave Thompson. Choral Offering: “Frostiana” by R. Frost and R. Thompson. (The Road Not Taken, Come In, Stopping by Woods, A Girl’s Garden, Choose Something Like a Star); Solo: “Beautiful City” by Stephen Schwartz; sung by Jackie Boreson.
Do you have good times and times that are not so good? Are there forces that sometimes lead you to think you are caught in a muddle? Or, a puddle? You are not alone. Many people fail to live up to their ideals. Let us explore the relevance of this unsteadiness for ourselves and also for others. Speaker: Jim VanderWeele, Northlake’s interim minister
