Recent Services
May 25
Reverend Ralph Hutchison
May 18
"A King of Shreds and
Patches" (Shakespeare),
Sean O'Sullivan
May 11
“Mother’s Day and Flower Service”
The Reverend Jacqueline Luck
Norbert Capek created a flower service before his arrest in 1941for
his Czechoslovakian Unitarian church of over 3,800 members. I invite you to
bring cut flowers to share with others in the congregation this Sunday as we
celebrate Mother’s Day with this beautiful service that has become Unitarian
Universalist liturgy for many.
May 4
“Nature Mysticism”
The Reverend Jacqueline Luck
Liberals
are often stereotyped as tree-huggers, and I imagine most of us are somewhat,
but perhaps our passion is something more than merely “hugging” trees? Join us
as we consider mysticism and in particular nature mysticism as a spiritual path
of Unitarian Universalists..
April 27
“Our Work Towards
a
HVUUC Senior Youth R.E. Service
The Senior Youth will present
their annual service which will focus on the work they have been doing to
further the dream of a US Department of Peace. Come and learn about this
effort and what you can do as well.
April 20
“Paul, NPR and Prayer”,
The Reverend Jacqueline Luck
This
service is one which explores "not praying" as prayer. Join us as we
think outside the box.
April 13
“Storytelling, etc.”
Joe Adams
April 6
“Vocabulary for Religious Liberals”
The Reverend Jacqueline
Luck
.
March 30
Justice Sunday and Ingathering of New Members
The Reverend Jacqueline
Luck
This Sunday
has been designated Justice Sunday by the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee.
The Justice Committee and I are gathering information about issues in the
Tri-Cities area, more than likely the sermon will focus on homelessness in this
area and the work of IHN (The Interfaith Hospitality Network) of which Holston
Valley has been working with for a long time
March 23
Easter
Sunday - “Ode to Joy”,
The Reverend Jacqueline
Luck
Coming out of the liturgical shadows of the past
week into the joy of new life, of resurrection from what is deadening to our
spirits and souls is the theme of this Easter Service. It would be wonderful if
some brought flowers for the sanctuary to further the theme of rebirth,
resurrection and great joy.
March 21
A
Special Tenebrae Service
The Reverend Jacqueline
Luck
I
experienced my first Tenebrae Services at First
Unitarian Society of San Francisco, one of our older congregations. The word Tenebrae is Latin, meaning shadows, and
Catholics and Protestants celebrate the service. The rites associated with Tenebrae may be derived from customs that are connected to
the Jewish fast day of Tisha B'Av
when Lamentations is read. It is a service in which a congregation
intentionally enters the shadow of the valleys of life. The music will be
classical, and candles will be extinguished one at a time until the sanctuary
is dark. (Childcare is available if requested in advance.)
March 16
“Palm Sunday - Turning Our Faces Toward
The
Reverend Jacqueline Luck
This image of Jesus turning his face toward
March 9
“How Coyote Lost His Song, Music and Dance…or How We All Need Each
Other”
This
Service will be presented by the Kindergarten through Junior Youth Religious
Education Classes.
March 2
“The
The
Reverend Jacqueline Luck
Part of
my sense of call is toward helping parents as I can. I remember well the
difficulties of the time, and plan to use sources helpful to me as well as my
learnings as we contemplate parenting for Unitarian Universalist parents, aunts
and uncles, grandparents and neighbors. In many ways our parenting is distinct
both in liberating and empowering ways, and other times somewhat limiting.
February 24
“Glimmers of Gold, Wealth in Your Dreams”
The Dream
Covenant Group
Please join us as members of the Dream Covenant
Group share how studying their dreams has impacted their lives. Also, we
will learn how dreams have played a role in religious history..
February 17
“Growing
in Love and Respect”
The Reverend Jacqueline
Luck
If you like stories, especially ones about your minister, some of them
embarrassing, some very poignant, as she learned to love and respect those with
sexual identities other than hetero, join us in worship as we caste an eye to
Saint Valentine's Day.
February 10
“Evolution
Sunday: Religion and Science”
The Reverend Jacqueline
Luck
Each year of my ministry I have participated in Evolution Sunday as it was
first called, and is now Evolution Weekend to be inclusive of those whose
services are on Friday and Saturday. The sermon is on the relationship of
religion and science.
February 3
“The
Sacrament of Giving”
The Reverend Jacqueline
Luck
This congregation gathers in the Tri Cities area thankful for this diverse and
progressive congregation; it is a valuable part of our lives. This service will
focus on the sacrament of giving to your church and its message of faith with
reason, that truth is not sealed, that embraces diversity, and the
interdependence of all life.
January 27
“Small Group Ministry Possibilities”
The Reverend Jacqueline Luck
Come hear
about possibilities for you to become a member of a small group, or covenant
group, at
January 20
“Without Vision the People Will Perish”
The Reverend Jacqueline Luck
Come hear
the inspiring story of The Little Professor of Piney Woods, an African
American who started a school for African American children in
January 13
“The
Many Meanings of Music”
HVUUC’s Music Covenant
Group
We
would like to invite anyone with drums to bring them and come about 10
minutes early on that Sunday.
January 6
“Looking Ahead”
The Reverend Jacqueline
Luck
We’ll
begin with the Dedication of the
December 30
“Call
Me Ishmael - An Exploration of the
Voice of Ishmael from the time of Abraham, in Moby Dick, and from a Modern Perspective”
Allen Dyer
Allen Dyer,
MD speaks at HVUUC from time to time. He is a Professor of
Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Quillen College
of Medicine, ETSU.
December 24
Christmas
Eve Candle Light Service
The Reverend Jacqueline
Luck
Join
us in this most beautiful of traditional services for Christmas Eve. Bring the
children and the visiting relatives, or a neighbor. This is an
intergenerational and family oriented worship service.
December 23
“The
Birth”
The Reverend Jacqueline
Luck
In
this service we will explore birthing of that which gives us hope and makes
life worth living in mythology and as personal spiritual practice
.
December 16
“Festival of Lights”
December 9
“Prepare a Room “
The
Reverend Jacqueline Luck
Preparation is fundamental to any endeavor, and for this fecund season
preparations need to be made for the birthing of new life. Join us as we
prepare room within our lives for what is good, true and holy..
December 2
“People, Look East “
The Reverend
Jacqueline Luck
This is a season when it is so easy to get caught up in what is really not
important at all. This service will offer spiritual grounding as we move into
this season of hope and joy on this first Sunday of Advent.
November 25
“Giving
Thanks “
HVUUC Members and Friends
November 18
“Thanks
Living “
The Reverend Jacqueline
Luck
Gratitude,
perhaps the most important spiritual practices, cannot be practiced too often.
Join us in a communal giving of thanks and reminder to thanks living
through out the year.
November 11
“Veteran’s
Reflections “
The Reverend Jacqueline
Luck
It is my hope that
those of you within the congregation who are veterans will let me know so we
can plan a service around what serving in the military meant for you and its
consequences in your lives.
November 4
“Michael
Servetus, A Liberal
Religious Heretic and Martyr “
Ingathering for new members
The Reverend Jacqueline Luck
Plan to be at church to
welcome Holston Valley Unitarian Universalist Church’s newest members. Since
the first of November is All Soul’s Day, a Christian holy day for remembering
the saints of the faith, I plan to speak on the life and influence of Michael Servetus on your liberal religion.
October 28
“Life Transitions”
CUUPS Service
Please
bring a photo or small item for a special altar for the dead and extended
candles of community to our ancestors and those who have passed away this year.
October 21
“The Great Divide II: Change within Theism”
The Reverend Jacqueline
Luck
Unitarian Universalist congregations often seem to be
divided between humanist and theist theological lines, each holding at various
times that they are being marginalized. Each side of this divide seems to view
the other side suspiciously; each regards the other as non-changing. Let's look
at Theism this Sunday to see if it is indeed concretized
October 14
“Association Sunday”
The Reverend Jacqueline
Luck
This Sunday is being referred to as Association Sunday
throughout the UU world. We in
October 7
“The
Great Divide: Humanism”
The Reverend Jacqueline Luck
Unitarian Universalist congregations often seem to be
divided between humanist and theist theological lines, each holding at various
times that they are being marginalized. Each side of this divide seems to view
the other side suspiciously; each regards the other as non-changing. Let's look
at Theism this Sunday to see if it is indeed concretized.
September 30
“Water Ceremony “
Intergenerational
Service
September 23
“New Beginnings “
The Reverend Jacqueline
Luck
There has been much change in
September 16
“Divine Uncertainties:
Doubt as a Sacrament in a Liberal Religion“
HVUUC Member Charlie Mattioli
In our
search for spiritual wisdom that relates to Life's Great
Mysteries, uncertainty and doubt may serve to deepen our search for
truth while bringing us humility and reverence. But our openness and
liberalness can only serve us well if a sense of the sacred commits us to
a loving, compassionate life.
September 9
“The Storm“
The Reverend Jacqueline
Luck
”There was a time in this country when each generation expected to have more than
their parents, but that is no longer a realistic expectation," the
reporter said, Success must be On this Sunday between August 29 and
September 11, Thomas Jefferson District Executive, Annette Marquis will join me
in the pulpit to share some narratives of Katrina and insights we have drawn
about the aftermath of trauma.
September 2
“Redefining "Success“
The Reverend Jacqueline
Luck
”There was a time in this country when each generation expected to have more
than their parents, but that is no longer a realistic expectation," the
reporter said, Success must be redefined.
August 26
“Great Expectations”
Reverend Jacqueline Luck
August 19
“In Beauty It Is Begun”
Reverend Jacqueline Luck
With this sermon delivered on the first Sunday of a new ministry may we begin
in Beauty.
August 12
Joe Adams
Aug 5
"All the Women in Me" - an honoring of the women
who make us who we are.
HVUUC Women’s Service
July 29
"Human Creativity through the eyes of a Quantum Mechanic"
Gerald Keep
July 22
“Delivering the Goods”
Randy Sanders
July 15
CUUPS Service (Covenant of Unitarian Universalist Pagans)
July 8
“Respect”
Brita Clark
July 1
“A Little Lower than the
Angels”
Joe Adams
June 24
“The Search for Wisdom: a Dark
Commentary”
Jeff Gold
I’ve always been a
searcher after wisdom, a passionate seeker. Socrates has been my role model in
what I took to be a noble calling. I’ve studied and taught some of the great
works of philosophy for 30-40 years. Now, at the end of my career, I face some
dark and embarrassing questions. Perhaps what I thought was going on was not
what was really going on.
Jeff
Gold is a professor of philosophy at
June 17
“Music from the Heart”
HVUUC members and friends
June 10
“Reflections on Our Shared Interim Ministry”
Rev. Christine Riley
This will
be my last Sunday with this remarkable congregation.
This
morning I share my reflections on our time together in shared Interim Ministry,
and offer my reflections around this faith community’s growing edges, its
challenges, and its’ many accomplishments and strengths. This Interim Ministry period has been
challenging but productive in so many areas. A time for closure, fellowship,
and well-earned celebration
June 3
“Delineating
Congregational Character”
Rev.
Christine Riley
Unitarian Universalist Churches which successfully navigate the
dynamic changes that accompany growth have several characteristics in common.
Embracing the blessings; while concurrently addressing the challenges, of a
growing congregation are essential components of a fruitful shared ministry.
This morning we reflect on the qualities of liberal faith communities which are
truly transformative in the lives of their members and which impact society.
May 27
“The James Reeb
Story: An Ordinary Man, An Extraordinary Sacrifice”
Rev. Christine Riley
James
Reeb’s life was very similar to many of ours. He was married, pursued his vocation, and had
a family. His commitment to social
justice activism called him to work in the civil right’s movement in this
country in the 1960’s. Sadly he became a
martyr to this cause. What
can we learn today from his life, and
his choices ? Come learn more about this remarkable
Unitarian Universalist.
May 20
Rev.
Christine Riley
May 13
“An Epic Journey into the
Abyss of Sub-consciousness: A Philosophical Evaluation of the Random Firing of
Neurons”
Senior Youth Group
May 6
“How exactly did we get here? A look at the evolution debate today.”
Dave Calvert
When
the aliens land on our planet and begin to quiz us, the first question they
will ask is “have you figured out evolution yet?’ And we might answer
proudly “yes we have – but a whole lot of us are sore troubled by the idea” 150 years ago Charles Darwin wrote “ There is a
grandeur in this view of life” (that life designed itself). The
Fundamentalists say the grandeur belongs only to a supernatural creator (who
did all the designing or just the big parts – opinions vary). Mainstream
religion tries to agree with both camps – looking clumsy doing it.
Discovering evolution brought us an incredible piece of information
about ourselves. What are we doing with it?
April 29
“Living
the UU Principles”
Children’s
Service (1st grade thru Jr. Youth)
April 22
“There Is
Rev.
Jacqueline Luck
April 15
“Ones Like
Us”
Rev. Jacqueline Luck
April 8
“Jesus and the Easter Bunny: What they have in common. What we can learn from them.”
Reverend Christine Riley, Interim
Minister
This Easter
morning we consider how “resurrection” can be meaningful for all Unitarian Universalists, regardless of our personal theological
perspective. Together we will reflect on
how this powerful message is one which we are called to share with the
world. Come celebrate Easter in a way
that is congruent with our liberal religious faith.
April 1
"Is
Christianity Bad for the Environment?"
Kevin O’Donnell
March 25
“What is a Unitarian?”
Gail Stenstad
Dr. Stenstad has long been a favorite speaker at HVUUC. She is
a member of the Philosophy and the Religious Studies departments at ETSU. Today
she will examine this question from linguist and religious perspectives.
March 18
“Reflections on “Moral Values”: A Unitarian Universalist
Perspective”,
Reverend
Christine Riley, Interim Minister
Over the past decade the public arena has been dominated by
the religious conservative version of “moral values”. As religious liberals we have too often endured
the insidious consequences of this reality across the spectrum of our daily
lives. This morning we reflect on how we
as individuals, and as faith communities, might become more effective in
discerning and sharing our liberal religious perspectives. We are challenged to share our Unitarian Universalist based moral
values in a manner that offers legitimate hope of shaping a more
compassionate and more just world. Yes, we UU’s DO have “moral values”, too.
March 11
“Giving Up Me for Lent”
Bill Kirkwood
For Christians
Lent is supposed to be a time to practice self-sacrifice and self-discipline,
but all great religions teach these virtues. In this sermon we’ll explore
the meaning of self-sacrifice and how to practice it wisely.
March 4
“My Melungeon
Odyssy?”
Lisa Alther
Lisa Alther will discuss the
journeys she took to archeological digs and historical sites around the
Southeast in her attempt to discover
the origins of the Melungeons.
She will also summarize the findings presented in her new memoir
KINFOLKS: THE SEARCH FOR MY MELUNGEON
ANCESTORS, and the impact they had on her own sense of identity.
February 25
“Regrets”
Reverend Christine Riley, Interim
Minister
I suspect that each of us have more
than a few regrets. How do they originate? Are they innate or learned? Are regrets rooted in morality and
spirituality, or embedded in psychology and logic? Together we discern how Unitarianism and
Universalism both offer us resources for living better with our regrets
February 18
“It’s All About Love”
Reverend Christine Riley, Interim
Minister
Love, we all know what love is, ... or do we?
We can sense when it is present and we yearn for its return when it is
absent. Yet love is unexpectedly challenging to define, frustratingly difficult
to hold on to, and too often bewilders our abilities to give it freely. Today we reflect on this elusive yet
essential element of our lives. How
might Unitarian Universalism shape our capacity to nurture love, and to more
often be capable of extending love without “strings attached”? How does our
individual theological stance influence how we love, and what/whom we love in
this life?
February 11
“Recognizing Abundance”
Reverend Christine Riley, Interim
Minister
This morning we explore the wisdom of the world’s great faith traditions theological perspectives with respect to “living from an attitude of abundance”. Discerning how our personal history and contemporary western world society impact our beliefs, emotions, and decisions around abundance vs. neediness can be challenging, but our liberal faith offers us guidance. February 4
“Minding Dementia”
Felicia Mitchell.
In
this talk, I look at some of the common metaphors for dementia that we find in
popular culture and selected books, as I contrast them with my own private and
poetical metaphors and invite others to think of their own. How we talk about
dementia can affect the way we perceive people with it, and it can also affect
our own relationships with our minds. Acknowledging that dementia is not a
monolithic disorder and that it presents itself in diverse ways, including
profoundly troubling ways, I am interested in exploring particularly how
something like Alzheimer's Disease can teach us more about what it means to be
essentially human. What is left when the ability to add numbers or read books
or communicate clearly is gone? The answer to that question is profoundly
personal, yet I share my own modest answers as I invite a reflection intended
as much for the spirit as for the mind.
January 28
Dr. Stephen Fisher
January 21
“Guidelines To
Live By”
Reverend Riley
As we move
into this bright New Year it is an appropriate time to pause and to reflect
upon what are our personal guidelines by which we shape our lives, make our
daily choices, come to determine what we believe about family or world
events. What criteria do we use ? Do we
have concise, readily employable guidelines which we have discerned well, and
which support us as we are confronted by ever-more complex ethical questions
and encounter those inevitable individual life challenges? Where and how does
our liberal Unitarian Universalist faith fit into all this?
January 14
"A Unitarian
Universalist Perspective on Eco-Spirituality"
Rev. Christine Riley
Many
Unitarian Universalists affirm a connection with The
Sacred through a relationship with what our Seventh Principle names as “the
interdependent web of existence”. From a purely anthropocentric
orientation, discerning how we might better integrate our liberal faith’s
tenets with our daily choices is both challenging and essential. Whether
our personal theology is theist, Christian, Hindu, Pagan, or other,
understanding our relationship with all life forms with which we share this
planet is an essential component of our spiritual maturation. Together we will
explore this timely topic
January 7
"Confronting Our Dragons"
Rev. Christine Riley
On this
first Sunday of the New Year we will reflect on how we might more productively
confront that which challenges us most in our lives. As we go about the process
we call “living” most of us inevitably accumulate things which distress or
frighten us. This morning we will consider how our Unitarian Universalist
faith can support us in living this year with greater courage.
December 31, 2006
“As Time Goes By”
Rev. Joe Adams
December 24
Join us for
an intergenerational service full of Christmas carols and music. There will not be an evening service on
Christmas Eve, so this Sunday morning service will be like those we typically
have on Christmas Eve. Stay after the
service and join us for a Christmas potluck luncheon.
December 17
“Rescuing
Christmas”
Reverend Christine Riley, Interim
Minister
A look at
the Jungian Shadow: The part of ourselves we don’t know or try to hide.
Maura Ubinger is a member of the Unitarian Universalist Church of
the Highlands in
December 10
Festival of Lights
An
Intergenerational Service
December 3
“More
Than We Think We Are: How Self-Identity Impacts Our Faith”
Reverend Christine Riley, Interim
Minister
Self-identity and self-esteem inform our every moment. How do they shape our theological beliefs and
influence our spiritual lives? Come explore
how our internal messages about ourselves mold our view of our role in this
life, our destiny, and our religious beliefs.
November 26
“A Bounty of Blessings”
Reverend Christine Riley, Interim
Minister
On this
Thanksgiving Sunday we reflect on the abundance which we live immersed
in. Why is it that we so often more readily dwell on the negative and
take for granted our blessings? Discerning ways to bring greater awareness of
all that we each have to be thankful for is this morning’s focus
November 19
“Gibberish”
Reverend Christine Riley, Interim
Minister
Our
contemporary world persistently bombards us with a deluge of information and mis-information. The language of the post-modern society is
stuffed with techno-speak and double talk. Sorting out what is important
to ourselves, relevant to our lives, and influential
in our spiritual maturation is a daunting task. This morning we reflect
on the intellectual and spiritual challenges resulting from living in this
reality.
November 12
"The Evolution of the Idea of
God from the Hindu Perspective"
Jay Mehta
November 5
Me and My Shadow”
Maura Ubinger
A look at
the Jungian Shadow: The part of ourselves we don’t know or try to hide.
Maura Ubinger is a member of the Unitarian Universalist Church of
the Highlands in
October 29
CUUPS Service
October 22
“Anger as Spiritual Path”
Reverend Christine Riley
Can it be that emotion, which is so often destructive and
hurtful, might be harnessed and employed as an aid to spiritual maturation?
Anger is generally perceived as a negative power. However, we will reflect
together on its immense potential for positive outcomes. By more deeply
understanding the true nature of anger we move towards deeper fellowship and
personal spiritual growth.
October 15
October 8
"Being Good for
Nothing"
Rev. Sarah York
As religious liberals, we are not motivated toward
moral behavior by the fear of everlasting punishment or the hope of heavenly reward.
What is it in our faith, then, that calls us toward goodness?
Sarah York (formerly Sara Moores
Campbell) is a Unitarian Universalist minister and author of four books,
including Remembering Well: Rituals for Celebrating Life and Mourning Death.
She has a Bachelor's degree from
October 1
“The Van Gogh Cafe - Beyond
Categorical Thinking”
Keith Kron
“Will the
new minister hear me? Will my concerns and needs be met? Will the
minister understand what I’m living with? How will the community respond to our
minister? ’In answering these questions, a picture of the “ideal minister”
(categorized by age, gender, gender identity, nationality, physical ability,
race, and sexual orientation) comes to mind. With this picture in place, it can
be easy to unintentionally exclude ministers who fall into certain categories.
At times, as we get caught up in comparing candidates to our “picture,” we can
even forget what it is we hoped for in a minister.
On the weekend of October 1st, HVUUC will participate in the Beyond Categorical Thinking workshop offered by the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) for congregations involved in the search for a new minister. The Search Committee invites all congregational leaders, members, and friends to participate in this workshop.
September 24
“In Our Own Best Interest: A Perspective Rooted Our Unitarian
Universalist Faith”
Reverend Christine Riley
Whether the
focus is inter-national, national, personal life-related, or congregational,
comprehending how to best insure “our own rights” are safeguarded is more
complicated than ever before. This morning we reflect on how a Unitarian
Universalist based orientation supports a world view which is at once humane
and optimistic, while also being both realistic and pragmatic. Yes, we can simultaneously uphold personal
rights and those of society or the congregation, and remain in harmony with our
faith.
September 17
“Covenantal Sharing”
Reverend Christine Riley.
***Covenant Group
Worship Service***
This
morning we consider what it means to be in a covenantal relationship. Universalist faith. Last Spring we launched HVUUC’s
first Covenant Groups, which were enthusiastically embraced. Today we will
begin sign up for Covenant Groups for this church year. Some Covenant Groups
will meet for a pre-determined number of sessions, while others will be
on-going. All Covenant Groups will be limited in enrollment.
Sign up
early!
Please come
hear the details regarding participating
in this spiritually and intellectually enlivening process. I will share why
Covenant Groups have been tremendously successful in many UU congregations and
how they empower individuals and are supportive of more meaningful fellowship.
The Covenant Group Facilitators and I believe that Covenant Groups at HVUUC
will be avenues to deeper fellowship and will also offer opportunities to
strengthen our shared understanding regarding our role as people of liberal
faith in today’s challenging world.
As a part
of today’s Worship Service each Small Covenant Group Facilitator will offer their
personal perspective on what covenantal sharing in our Unitarian Universalist
religion means to them, and what their hopes are for the Covenant Group which
they will facilitate. I urge you not to
miss this hearing from our Facilitators.
TODAY WILL BE
OPENING DAY FOR COVENANT GROUP SIGN UP.
September 10
“Mentoring”
Reverend Christine Riley
*** Religious
Education Teacher Dedication Ceremony ***
Today
Religious Education Classes for our children and all youth will begin
meeting. After we celebrate our RE
Teacher Dedication Ceremony we will reflect on the crucial need for mentoring
of our children. Today’s reality is one which frequently sends both adults and
children conflicting messages about morals, life priorities, and how we should
shape our relationships in this life.
What is
this congregation’s appropriate role in mentoring in this challenging
reality? What is our personal
responsibility in this area, as Unitarian Universalists?
September 3
“Stories from the Heart of
Community”
Doc and Guerry McConnell
Doc and Guerry McConnell will share their gift of stories with the
congregation.
August 27
Annual
Homecoming and Water Ceremony
"Sustaining The Living Waters"
Rev. Christine Riley
This morning we gather to share our lives
and liberal faith through participating in a uniquely Unitarian Universalist
worship tradition, Water Ceremony. Please remember to bring your saved water
from this past year’s travels (or from a special place near home) and share why
this place was/is meaningful for you.
As people of liberal religious
faith we come together for a multitude of reasons. Ours is not a religion which
seeks to homogenize the religious journey, but rather one which empowers each
of us to discern our own truths. A key component is honing our willingness to
be aware and to be open to the voice of our own truest conscience, The Sacred,
The Great Mystery of which we are a part. Today we reflect together on where
HVUUC has been as a congregation and why remaining open to new potential in the
year ahead is essential. Together we sustain the “Living Waters” of fellowship
and the future of liberal religion here in
August 20
"A Time for Impertinence and
Irreverence: The Liberal Religious Imperative in Times Such As These"
Rev. Christine Riley
Today we consider why the current world situation is especially abundant with
peril to those of liberal faith. We will also reflect together on how our
present national status quo continues to undermine religious freedom. Let us
pause and ask ourselves what is our proper role as Unitarian Universalists in this time rife with complexities and
challenges.
August 13
"The Art of Being a Supportive Person”
Rev. Erin Swenson
The Reverend Dr. Erin
Swenson is an ordained Presbyterian minister (PCUSA) and a licensed marriage
and family therapist. In 1996 she became the first known mainstream Protestant
minister to make an open gender transition while remaining in ordained office.
She provides counseling for individuals with gender identity issues and their
families from her office at Morningside Presbyterian Church in midtown
August 7
"More than Your Mother, More than Your Father:
Self-discipline—the need and the challenge" – Dr. William Kirkwood
Dr. William
Kirkwood earned the Ph.D., M.S. and B.S. degrees from
July 30
“Laughter Yoga: Modern Innovations & Applications
of an Ancient Technique”, Sharmi Mehta
Laughter Yoga is a
mixture of yogic stretches, laughter exercises and synchronized breathing. The
presentation will explore spiritual, empowering and therapeutic aspects of
Laughter Yoga. If feasible we will enjoy simple Laughter Yoga exercises.
July 23
A Retrospective Glance Regarding a 25 year Meditation
Practice – Dr. Jeff Gold
“I have been
meditating daily for the past 25 years. In this talk, I will present my
observations based on my personal practice: the joys, the
disappointments, the frustrations, the magical moments, the boring moments, and
the times of disillusionment. I have found that most presentations on
meditation stress the peaks and overlook the valleys. I will try to be
totally honest about my experiences as a long time meditator.”
July 16
"Honoring the Divine Masculine", HVUUC
CUUPS
Join CUUPS as they honor
the Divine Masculine in song and poem.
July 9
"Lessons from a Galilean Jew", Rev. Joe Adams
July 2
"Jingoism v. Gentle Statesmanship: Considering
Patriotism on the 4th of July." Katie Doman,
HVUUC Member
What does being a patriot
really entail? Are we hawks or doves (or Dixie Chicks)? If we don't
fit neatly into a specific category, how do we navigate the gray area? Can we
still build national community, even if we disagree? This is one woman's
attempt to find some answers based on our UU principles.
June 25
Wire Kwire
Wire Kwire
is an eclectic music group made up of three women: Ellen Matthews and Linda Waltner of HVUUC and Tammy Davis. They perform on a variety
of instruments --hammered dulcimers, guitar, fiddle, viola, and banjo. They
sing in three-part harmony as well. They have performed at HVUUC a number of
times in the past.
June 18
“Arguments With My Father”, Dave Calvert
June 11
“Re-Thinking Prayer”, Reverend Christine Riley
“Prayer”, this word can
conjure up a variety of responses in us all.
As Unitarian Universalists what place does
prayer have in our lives? This morning
we consider the potential for redefining prayer in a way that can be more
personally meaningful, authentic, and relevant.
June 4
“Transitions”, Reverend Jennifer Slade
Transitions are part of what it means to be alive. This is true in our personal lives and in the life of a church community. How can we navigate the transitions in our lives with love and grace?