Jim Wood “Lughnasadh—Festival of the First Harvest” Worship Leader: Meghan Kaminski Accompanist: Gary Smart Jim will present the history, folklore, and customs of this ancient Celtic Fire Festival and its relevance to today. Join us to explore our own personal “harvests” through ritual and guided meditation. About our Speaker: Jim Wood is an … Continue reading Lughnasadh—Festival of the First Harvest
Dr. Timothy Whelan “Idealism vs. Materialism in Emerson’s Transcendentalism” Worship Leader: Megan Kaminski Accompanist: Sydney Crisp This talk will discuss Emerson’s conflict with the materialism of Thomas Hobbes and John Locke and his counter to such views through the idealism of his Transcendentalist philosophy, especially his adaptation of Kant’s ideas concerning Reason and Understanding. Emerson’s … Continue reading Idealism vs. Materialism in Emerson’s Transcendentalism
Rabbi Merrill Shapiro “The Biblical Book of Exodus, Chapter 12, verse 49: ‘One law shall be to him that is homeborn, and unto the stranger that sojourneth among you.‘ ” Worship Leader: Carole Hawkins Accompanist: Dr. Gary Smart It’s nice and easy to be kind, generous and welcoming to people who are a lot like … Continue reading The Biblical Book of Exodus, Chapter 12, verse 49
Bruce McCormick “The Value of Being Different“ Worship Leader: Kris Kines Accompanist: Dr. Gary Smart As a continuation of his previous talk about the Jungian approach to personality, Bruce will go further by validating the evidence of the value of “different” — discussing real experiences resulting from knowing people and what they bring to the … Continue reading The Value of Being Different
David Dean will present a sermon written by Rev. Dr. Duncan Newcomer “Patriotism as a spiritual practice?” Worship Leader: Linda Mowers Accompanist: Marilyn Smart David Dean will share a sermon written by the Rev. Dr. Duncan Newcomer at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Castine (Maine) and the Unitarian Universalist Church of Belfast (Maine) in November of … Continue reading Patriotism as a spiritual practice?
Our society has gone viral, and our every move is scrutinized under a microscope. So how do we thrive and create inclusive spaces where individuality is also respected? This talk will walk us through history and contemporary ideas of achieving the egalitarian world we dream of. About our speaker: Vee Byrd is the Associate Director of … Continue reading Let Them Eat Salad!
The Beatitudes have something to say that few are willing to hear, and many are willing to misunderstand and misuse. They have been a concise teaching of the worlds wisdom traditions, informing Unitarian Universalism theologies, a practical spiritual roadmap for the mystic and an ultimate opiate for those pushing power. Come meet the Beatitudes and … Continue reading Meet the Beatitudes! What does it mean to be meek?
The “transcendent experience” is a universal human phenomenon foundational to the religions of people all across the world. In this sermon, we will examine both the positive and negative impacts on those who experience them. Phillip will also perform special music in honor of Father’s Day. About our speaker: Phillip Baber is the former pastor of the … Continue reading Two Sides of Transcendence
Perhaps our most intractable divisions reduce to this one: conservatives trust in the past; progressives trust in the future. What will it take for us, together, to secure from our past the best foundations to build a better future? Let’s turn from the reflexive oppositions of politics to reflective positions of philosophy on three crucial … Continue reading Life, Truth, and Spirit Beyond the Culture Wars
This year we celebrate Global LGBTQ+ Pride Celebrations, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the NYC Riots in 1969. We will reflect on how we arrived there in 1969. We will explore where we may be heading and what we can do to ensure the dignity and worth of all people. About our speaker: Manuel (Manny) … Continue reading Why is the Legacy of the Stonewall Riots Now More Important Than Ever?
