One of the core values of our faith is democracy, and the right for us to have a say in how we are governed and led. But how well is the traditional democratic process working? And are there other ways for us to participate in decision making. We will explore this further. A sermon from Rev. Nancy Reid-McKee
Northlake’s Integrated Justice Team has completed the recommendations of ways we can make sure we live into our values. Part of this involved exploring the need for reconciliation and reparation. We will focus on the case for reparation, and what that might look like. – Sermon by Rev. Nancy Reid-McKee
Our country was founded and financed through the forced labor of enslaved people. This has been perpetuated by policies and enforcement practices that still exist, causing damage that seems insurmountable. How do we begin to repair the damage done to the country and to the souls of our people? Can we even imagine reparation? The sermon by Rev. Nancy Reid-McKee is followed by a reading from “Time For The Work” by Rev. Theresa Soto.
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.
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]
Freedom Day or Juneteenth, as it is best known, is a holiday celebrating the emancipation of African Americans who had been enslaved in the United States. We are joined by Rev. Anthony Mtuaswa Johnson, Mississippi born, and Chicago bred, is an Ordained Unitarian Universalist Minister, speaker, writer, poet, producer, soldier, teacher, mentor and Elder. His sermon will share the history of this recognition of the date slavery was officially outlawed in the state of Texas and the meaning of freedom in the context of today’s time of racial reckoning and reconciliation.
[Recording opens with a reading of “In the midst of a world” By Rebecca Parker, followed by a hymn of the Coleman Banks translation of the Sufi poet, Rumi. “Come, Come, Whoever You Are”.]
Begins with a story by Margaret Rogers – Making Community Soup. Then Jaie leads a hymn by Lyndsey Watson. Then Rev. Nancy speaks: “There is a difference between inviting someone TO a dance, and inviting them to DANCE. How do we move from invitation to inclusion? From wanting to look good by having the right people coming to church, to being good by embracing people. As we talk about our doors and windows, we will explore how we invite folk into our beloved community.” Ends with Maria playing Gentle Waltz by T. Maxim.
