Alyssa Halliday presents a sermon by
Rev. Dr. Sandra Fees,
Retired UU Minister, Poet, Spiritual Teacher and Facilitator
“Hope’s Inward Path”
Elizabeth DeCoux, Worship Leader
Gary Smart, Accompanist
Timothy Edwards, Violin, Guest Musician
“So the winter season comes along and invites us to descend into our own bodies. We don’t know what we will find there. We suspect that if we get quiet and journey inward, we might come face to face with our unfulfilled dreams, heartaches, and deep-seated fears. Those fears stem from our wondering: Will the light in the world return? Will the light in my life return?… For all of us, this time of wintering speaks to what it means to seek the light, to hold out hope. That is profound spiritual work. Even a few minutes each day to breathe, to listen, to be with our own inner self, to light a candle, to say a prayer, to offer thanks—these can enable us to grow in courage and hope…”
About Our Speaker
Alyssa Halliday has been attending BBUUC since 2017. After joining in 2018, she has served on various committees, including her favorite Worship Committee. She also served as a Board Trustee. She enjoys leading worship and appreciates the opportunity to share a sermon written by a UU minister.
About Our Sermon Author
Rev. Dr. Sandra Fees is a poet and minister. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature from Shippensburg University, a Master of Arts degree from Syracuse University where she studied creative writing, and Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry degrees from Lancaster Theological Seminary. Her passion is fostering connections between writing and spirituality. Sandra loves exploring our own inner wisdom, connecting more deeply with others in small groups and expanding our creative capacities. She has published several of her poetry collections and is past poet laureate of Berks County (PA). As a Unitarian Universalist minister, Sandra has served two Pennsylvania congregations in Reading and Harrisburg. She currently offers ministry services, such as preaching, officiating at weddings and funerals, and other programs, on a consulting basis.
About our Guest Musician
Timothy Edwards began his violin studies in the public schools of Detroit before studying at the Interlochen Arts Academy. He holds degrees from the Eastman School of Music (BM) and the University of Michigan (MM). He has performed extensively, holding positions as section performer, principal, and concertmaster at the Des Moines Metro Opera, Flint Symphony, and Toledo Symphony, with substitute positions with the Detroit Symphony and Jacksonville Symphony. Timothy enjoys a vibrant teaching studio and has served as a Humanities Adjunct Professor at the Florida State College of Jacksonville.