Tag: Northlake

Water Communion and Backpack Blessing

•

This recording includes elements from our In-Gathering service for fall of 2022 – the beginning of our church year. The recording begins with a chalice lighting. Then Margaret Rogers, our Director of Lifespan Religious Education, leads a community ritual, blessing the backpacks of our school children and all the other ways we all carry things out into the world. Then Rev. Nancy Reid-McKee leads the water communion ceremony, where Northlakers share the gifts they bring to our community this year. We end with a reading titled I Say It Touches Us By Marni Harmony (adapted) and the Benediction. The sermon for this day, “River Rafting Lesson: Lean In” is on a separate recording.

First Source – Rev. Nancy Reid McKee

•

Recording opens with Maria Khavin playing Autumn Rose by E. Cortazar. Reading: “Awe and Wonder” Anonymous. Sermon theme: “First Source: Direct experience of that transcending mystery and wonder, affirmed in all cultures, which moves us to a renewal of the spirit and an openness to the forces which create and uphold life.” Recording ends with Improvisation ( after Edith Piaf) by F. Poulenc.

Our Wider UU World – Nancy Reid McKee

•

Recording Begins with hymn “Come Yet Again Come.” Reading: “Our Faith” by Rosemary Bray McNatt. Sermon theme: Our UU church is only one of the thousands of separate churches across the nation. And we are supported by multiple organizations, associations and groups that, together, can support and nourish the work our small church does. Today we will look at the large picture of the Unitarian Universalist universe, so we can learn about what we are part of! Recording ends with Eleanor Rigby by P. McCartney, played by Maria Khavin.

Care for the Soul – Rev. Reid McKee

•

Recording begins with Meditation on Breathing. Followed by a spiritual practice – “I am Here Now”. Rev. Nancy summarizes her sermon theme: “We each seek to have a deeper and richer life, but wonder what practices can help us in our spiritual development. We will explore how mind, body, heart and spirit practices are all part of an integral, transformative life practice.” Recording ends with Maria Khavin playing Autumn Waltz by T. Max.

Good Grief – Nancy Reid-McKee

•

There is increased anxiety in our culture brought on by the ongoing world crises and prolonged pandemic. Many of us find ourselves more irritable, sad and acting in unexpected ways. This is partly because we have not identified the grief inside us. We will explore what grief is, how it impacts us, and ways we might respond. [recording opens with a reading of Talking to Grief by Denise Levertov]

A Free and Voluntary Faith – Nancy Reid-McKee

•

Opens with a reading from A Drop in the Bucket by Gordan McKeeman, then our choir sings There is a Love, then Nancy speaks in honor of Volunteer Recognition Sunday. “Church is run by those who find meaning and community in volunteer association with others. This type of activity can create unexpected connection within and between ourselves. Today we will talk about why we volunteer, and then honor those who give themselves to the work of this church community.”