Worship Descriptions

Welcome Beloveds, join us for worship each Sunday.

Onsite:
Our First Service at 9 AM (in person only)!
Join us for coffee at 10 AM!
Our Second Service at 11 AM.
(also available online, link below)!
If you are distant, or still unsure, or you’ve discovered you prefer worship in your jammies on your couch, we still offer virtual worship, too!
Click on the link below and we will be together in worship and community.

Upcoming Service(s)

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?

April 21, 2024  9am — Rev. Sherman: The Power of the Village —
The proverb “It takes a village to raise a child” remains significant today because it underscores the importance of a supportive community in a child’s upbringing. In our modern, often individualistic societies, the sense of community can sometimes be lost. However, the collective involvement of members of this faith community is not just a role but a shared responsibility that plays a crucial role in shaping not only our children’s values, beliefs, and behaviors but also the values of the entire community.
Join us on Sunday, when we will reflect on the proverb “It takes a village to raise a child,” and we will explore our roles and responsibilities in supporting and enriching the spiritual and communal life of the faith community.
11 am — Rev. Sherman: The Power of the Village with Children Dedication Sunday —
 Rev Sherman and Leigh Ann will lead The Children’s  Dedication ceremony.  In this joyful ritual, we will welcome children into the life of the community with water, a rose, and a pledge of our support to them as they grow and learn about the world.

 

Past First UU Services

 

To watch our past services online, please visit our FirstUU YouTube channel.

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?

April 21, 2024 — Just What is this Web of Life? — 
Our 7th principle recognizes our part in the “interdependent web of life.” As we celebrate the 54th annual Earth Day, just what does that mean, and how do we act upon it in our lives? First UU member Anne-Marie McCartan proposes we find a deeper meaning in these words.  Members of the Earth Care Initiative will highlight ways we as a congregation can and are living out this principle.

April 14, 2024 — Holding Community When We Don’t Agree: Rev. Amy Russell with dialogue between Raidah Hudson and Joel Gottlieb —

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?