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.
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.
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.
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”.]
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.”
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.
