Kris Kines presents
A sermon written by
Rev. Gretchen Haley,
Senior Minister of Foothills Unitarian in Ft. Collins, CO
“Limitless Light:
A Hanukkah Reflection”
Donna Zimmerman, Worship Leader
Dr. Gary Smart, Accompanist and Special Music
Rev. Haley says, “I think it’s important that we remember, and what makes this story especially important for us today – is that there’s something else miraculous that happened… something that made the eight nights possible in the first place. Which was the choice that was made to light the lamp in the first place, even though everything seemed hopeless. Even though it seemed like their effort could not be enough… To wake up and take the risk of leaning into love, learning something new, relieving ourselves of some old fear or prejudice, trusting that grace will show up, that a way is still being made where it seems there is no way…”
We will also be acknowledging World AIDS Day (which is observed on December first) with a special story for all ages.
Don’t forget to bring your loose change (paper bills also accepted) for our first-Sunday Pennies from Heaven collection benefiting The Clara White Mission.
About Our Speaker:
Kris Kines has been a member of BBUUC for over 20 years. She’s served on the Board and the Council multiple times, and is currently a member of the Nominating Committee, but her passion has always been with the Worship Committee. Usually seen at the pulpit as the Worship Leader, she is expanding her role to deliver Sermons written by UU ministers.
About the Sermon Author
Rev. Gretchen Haley is the Senior Minister of Foothills Unitarian in Ft. Collins, CO. She is relentlessly curious about most things, especially the big stuff of theology, the beauty of creation, the magic of collaboration, and the great joy of pop culture. She has an audacious ambition for the liberal church, believing in its capacity to transform lives and our world by way of hyper-local relationships and partnerships that inspire the unleashing of courageous love. She’s all in on adrienne maree brown’s emergent strategy, and finds solace in the trails in and around Fort Collins. She and her amazing partner of over 20 years, Carri, have two children, Gracie (16) and Josef (14), who keep her grounded, frustrated, inspired, and humbled, everyday. She adores her dog Charlie, who smiles and gives out hugs, and finds her oversized dog Archer endlessly amusing.
Special Music by BBUUC Member Dr. Gary Smart
Dr. Smart is a Presidential Professor of Music at the University of North Florida. His career has encompassed a wide range of activities as composer, classical and jazz pianist, and teacher. He composes and improvises music that reflects an abiding interest in Americana, jazz, world music, and Western classical tradition. He has performed in major venues in the United States, Europe, and Asia. His “Concordia” for orchestra won the Concordia Jazz Competition Award and premiered at Lincoln Center, New York. Dr. Smart has spent two residencies in Japan, teaching programs at Osaka University and Kobe College. He has also taught in Indonesia as a “Distinguished Lecturer” for the Fulbright program.