Communal Spiritual Practices

Rev. Carmen Emerson
BBUUC’s Affiliated Community Minister
Presents Second Sunday Spirit in Practice:
“Communal Spiritual Practices”
Alyssa Halliday, Worship Leader
Eileen Morrison, Accompanist
Bill and Paula Prince (Keyboard and Sax), Guest Musicians

Our monthly sermon series continues with a consideration of the communal spiritual practice we share every week: our Sunday worship service. Our word “worship” comes from the Old English word, “weorthscippen,” meaning to consider things of worth, together. We’ll consider why we do what we do during UU worship services – the meanings behind our liturgical elements and UU sacraments and rituals, and why we need our worship services to be more than lectures or TED Talks! You’re encouraged to bring a journal and pen to our Second Sunday Spirit in Practice services.”

About Our Speaker:

Rev. Carmen Emerson is the Affiliated Community Minister in covenant with BBUUC. Her work as an ordained UU minister in full fellowship happens within the wider Jacksonville community as the Lead Chaplain for Baptist Medical Center Nassau. She is a BCCI/APC Board-Certified chaplain, and her experience as a parish minister includes ten years of full-time service to our UU congregations in Albuquerque, NM (contract); Meadville, PA (called); and Nashville, TN (called).

About Our Guest Musicians: 

Paula Prince is a graduate of the jazz studies program at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. In Cincinnati, she played saxophone and flute in various large and small bands. After relocating to Florida, she performed with various ensembles, including the First Coast Wind Symphony, the TBA Big Band, Swing and a Miss, and the North Florida Saxophone Quartet.

Bill Prince, a professor emeritus at the University of North Florida, has performed with numerous bands and orchestras, including Buddy Rich, the NORAD Band, and the American Wind Symphony Orchestra. He has performed on over 70 albums and can be heard on Buddy Rich’s Mercy Mercy and The Best of Buddy Rich. In more recent years, Bill developed a cabaret show that he performed on cruise ships worldwide. One of his unique talents is the ability to perform professionally on several instruments. Bill produced his own CD, “Happy Thoughts,” on which he composed, arranged and performed all parts. He also published a book on his musical life titled “Music Is My Ticket.” available on Amazon.