Services for November

Sunday 10:30 - 11:30 am
Childcare 10 - noon

Compassion. During last Sunday’s service of remembrance, those gathered in the sanctuary assembled a collective mandala (photo right) as an act of honor and affection for loved ones who have passed away. Children participated alongside adults, remembering their grandparents, parents, pets, and friends who have died. This shared act of memory and love binds us in community—and evokes compassion for the losses that others have experienced. In the wider world, America is entering the fifth week of a government shutdown. Federal employees have already been struggling. As of Saturday, when SNAP benefits expire, millions of people, including children, will go hungry. (So far, no billionaires have come forward to donate funds.) At UUFHC, let’s start bringing in nonperishable food items that our volunteers will distribute to local food pantries. Love is at the center of our values and Love propels us to act with compassion for people in need. If anyone within UUFHC is experiencing food shortages, please get in touch with me or the Compassion Team. This community will do our best to help.

~ Rev. Jaye

Lift My Lamp Beside the Golden Door

Worship Committee
November 2

The stories of immigrants, refugees, and exiles can tell the history of a nation. Join members of the Worship Team as we share evocative poems and writings of deeply American immigrants and celebrate the 142nd Anniversary of the first reading of Emma Lazarus’s poem, The New Colossus. The poem is cast on a plaque bearing on the inner wall of the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty.

Attitude of Gratitude

Rev. Jaye Brooks
November 9

Gratitude doesn’t always come easy. Life is full of challenges, demands, distractions, sorrows. Yet to thrive in the midst of too much is possible only if we experience both joy and gratitude. Often both are discovered in community. In the words of poet Gwendolyn Brooks, We are each other’s harvest; we are each other’s business; we are each other’s magnitude and bond. Today, as Veterans Day nears, we extend special gratitude for those who have served our country.

Second Sunday Community Outreach Collection
A potluck luncheon follows the service

Interpretation of Grace

Rev. Mitra Rahnema
November 16

Grace could be a description, a characteristic, a name, a divine gift, or an extension of love and trust we offer one another. Today we examine the many ways we come to know grace and how grace is a foundation of gratitude.

Rev. Mitra Rahnema is a lifelong Unitarian Universalist and has served congregations in Missouri, Michigan and California. Rev. Mitra is the editor of Centering: Navigating Race, Authenticity, and Power in Ministry (2017), a UUA Common read that explores the complexities of identity and power within Unitarian Universalist ministry. Most recently, she completed a successful two-year interim ministry in Grosse Pointe, Michigan. She is committed to nurturing vibrant, engaged, and counter-oppressive communities. Outside of her ministry, Mitra enjoys cooking and making her home in Portland, Oregon.

The Bread on Our Table

Rev. Jaye Brooks
November 23

In this service for all ages, families are invited to bring their favorite bread—including rolls, bagels, muffins, tortillas, biscuits, lavash, baguettes, pretzels, naan, focaccia, pineapple buns, poori, pupusas, injera—whatever is in your family tradition. There will be a time in the service for adults and children to say what kind of bread they’ve brought and why. A story weaves this service together, with volunteers taking key rolls. As a loving religious community, we will find many reasons to be grateful. Please bring and plan to share your family’s favorite or traditional bread.

And the Table Will Be Wide

Worship Committee
November 30

We will gather to hear stories of hope, share bread and wine (aka apple cider) and be together in holy communion. Join us in the spirit of thanksgiving and generosity at out annual Guest at Your Table service.