July 7, 2024 — Rev. Sherman Z. Logan: For Every Time We Make a Mistake —

Cancel culture, the phenomenon of withdrawing support from individuals or organizations due to objectionable behavior or opinions has become a pervasive part of our societal discourse. It often starts with good intentions: to call out harmful behaviors, to stand against injustice, and to demand accountability. Yet, it sometimes morphs into a punitive and unforgiving approach that leaves no room for growth, redemption, or reconciliation. In the age of cancel culture, we must hold individuals accountable for their actions, but equally important, there is a need for forgiveness and grace.

Our  theme for June is Renewal

We are renewed by so many things: nature, each other, memory, music, play, solitude, silence, and – of course – our faith. Through small groups, calls to justice work, worship, caring for one another, covenant and accountability, our faith breathes new life into us.  But it also renews us in a way that often goes unnoticed: through questions! Or to be more precise, our faith has a sneaky way of changing our lives by changing the questions we ask. Questions around renewal are a great example of this.

June 30, 2024 — Rev. Sherman Z. Logan: Taking a Break!!   Allowing Ourselves the Renewal of Rest

In today’s fast-paced and demanding society, it’s easy to get caught up in work, responsibilities, and the never-ending to-do list. We often find ourselves overbooked, overworked, and constantly busy. Our days are quickly filled with noise and distractions, and in the midst of chaos and constant busyness, we often forget the importance of taking a break and allowing ourselves to rest.Rest is not only essential for our health and happiness, but it is also a deeply spiritual practice. It connects us with the natural rhythms of the world and the cycles of our lives, providing a path to renewal.”

June 23, 2024 — Rev. Molly Housh Gordon: “Weaving Our Lives” —  Join Us For The General Assembly Worship Service! We are all tangled up together in a great web of life that is woven with beauty and hardship, love and loss, thriving and struggle. How do we tend well to the weaving so that all of us are held in care?

June 16, 2024 — Rev. Sherman Z. Logan, Jr: Pride In The Name of Love — June 9, 2024 — Rev Amy Russell: Renewal Through Letting Go — June 2, 2024 — MultiGenerational Bridging Service —  Please join Leigh Ann Luscan and Reverend Sherman as we honor our four graduating high school seniors, thank them for all they have brought to our community as they grew up amongst us, and bless them as they move into the next chapter of their lives. We will also be honoring our beloved FLAME volunteers from this past church year.

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May 19, 2024 — Kirstin Fritz and Leigh Ann Luscan: Flower Communion Sunday — Please bring a flower from your yard, a store, the roadside, or elsewhere to share in our lovely yearly ritual.  We will also have some flowers available, in case your yard isn’t ready to supply them yet, or, … you forget! May 12, 2024 — Rev. Sherman Z. Logan, Jr.: The Elephant in the Room — Throughout our lives, we are constantly exposed to a multitude of stories. These stories can come from various sources and can have a profound effect on how we perceive the world around us. However, what happens when one story becomes dominant and overshadows all the other diverse experiences? This is the danger of a single story, as it can prevent us from appreciating the richness of the world around us and hinder our personal growth. So, how can we address this “Elephant in the room” and avoid the danger of a single story? May 5, 2024  9am — Magic, Metaphors, and Music: Music Sunday – Jamie Kilpatrick, Music & Worship Director

Our theme for April is INTERDEPENDENCE

Talk of interdependence immediately calls up the work of saving the planet, rightly so. But what if the first step toward saving the planet is learning to speak to it? And hear it? Could our collective failure to confront the climate crisis be rooted in our lost ability to listen? What if the quickly-going-extinct creatures don’t want our sympathy, but our ear? What if the fraying of the web isn’t just about us failing to act, but also us having forgotten who we are. And what if nature itself is the only one who can help us remember?

In the midst of the conflict in Israel, we are finding ourselves feeling devastated by the horror of innocent lives lost, the trauma of the hostages taken by Hamas,and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. We are feeling a lot.  Many are finding ways to speak their truth, which our faith encourages us to do. But we also should remember that we are in a community where people with different personal histories, faith backgrounds, and political views may feel differently about this conflict.  It’s a complex issue. In community we are asked to covenant to treat one another with respect, no matter what our differences may be.  We are asked to speak with truth and with caring.  Both are important.  Being interdependent within Beloved Community means learning how to listen to each voice, allowing for respectful disagreement. April 7, 2024 — Kirstin Fritz, Ministerial Intern — Join us as we explore “Interdependence”. Read more above.

Our theme for March is THE GIFT OF TRANSFORMATION

Let mystery have its place in you; do not be always turning up your whole soil with the plowshare of self-examination, but leave a little fallow corner in your heart ready for any seed the winds may bring, and reserve a nook of shadow for the passing bird; keep a place in your heart for the unexpected guests, an altar for an unknown God.

-Henri-Frederic Ariel

Make a bit of room. Leave a little space. That may not sound like anything radical or revolutionary. But it turns out that it is one of Life’s favorite ways to make us into something new. Be cautious with those cultural messages about aggressively tilling and turning up your whole soil. Watch out for all the heroic talk about striving and perfecting, struggle and control. Much of the time, transformation is a much subtler art. It’s about stillness, listening and waiting to be led, not fighting with yourself and others to make sure you are in the lead.

  March 31, 2024 — Rev. Byron Tyler Coles: “Broken Hallelujahs and Amazing Grace”   — “Like the early followers of Jesus, our hearts are weary. It would be all too easy to give into despair and let the nagging whispers of death take over. Yet we know the rest of the story – the tomb is empty. Death does not call the shots, fear is not a winning strategy, and there is blessedness still to be found in our steadfast commitment to one another. Let us hold tenderly to these truths so that they might restore our hallelujahs and amplify Love’s amazing grace. ” March 24, 2024 — Rev. Sherman Z. Logan, Jr.,: Let it Go!! — Sometimes, we hold onto things that we believe define us, but true liberation and growth can only be achieved by letting go. It takes courage to release these attachments, but it is a necessary step towards becoming our best selves. March 17, 2024 –Revolutionary Mothering: Congregations Hope & Nurturing Guest Minister: Rev. Jé Hooper: Times are greatly changing and congregational practice is declining as generations are evolving. What is the church called to do? What is the mission and focus this social and spiritual beacon? Revolutionary Mothering: Congregations Nurturing and Legacy will unpack some congregational consideration to engage transformation that may enhance the life force our communities and build towards a future. A little bit about Rev. Dr. Hooper: Jé Exodus Hooper (them/they) is an arts and cultural community curator, clergy, and scholar; … Even in pleasantry and joy, Dr. Hooper does not shy away from topics of discomfort, dysfunction, and disorder … Their most authentic work is not only found in the confines of the academy, institutions, and/or religious façades – they are most alive as a griot of digital spaces, an artivist of studios and stages, a public theologian of dance-hall or clubs, and a provocateur of the preaching body, where they hold and carve-out space for their siblings of all kinds. March 10, 2024 — Rev. Sherman Z. Logan, Jr.: Radical Generosity — As members of First UU, we have a responsibility to create a supportive, inclusive, and transformative community. This involves making a positive impact both inside and outside the walls of our church. To achieve this, we must be willing to share our time, talents, and resources generously. This requires us to challenge ourselves to go beyond our comfort zones and extend our generosity to others in the beloved community in ways that reflect our commitment to our values. This requires Radical Generosity. March 3, 2024 — Rev. Sherman Z. Logan: Unfinished Business: The Beauty of Works in Progress — We, as humans, are constantly growing and evolving. However, we often find it difficult to embrace transformation and accept that we are unfinished beings. How can we learn to appreciate the beauty of our imperfections and embrace the journey of becoming a work in progress?