Services for June

Pluralism. Our learning and worship theme for the month of May is Pluralism. Here's a very loose, not-at-all-academic definition: Pluralism is the willingness to allow multiple beliefs and opinions to co-exist. Naturally we prefer our own beliefs and opinions—and, if we work at being good people who grow and learn throughout life, we are willing to adapt those beliefs when we learn something that offers a new perspective. The essence of this kind of pluralism is the openness to new ideas and new information. Embedded in it is the assumption that outside the experiences we've had so far are the experiences of others—experiences that may be different and may offer us new perceptions, new learning. This Sunday we take up an old idea in Unitarian Universalism, unity in diversity. It's the essence of our tradition—the idea that we can be united by our values even though the specifics of our beliefs, and our life experiences, may be quite different. As the French phrase goes, Vive la différence.

~ Rev. Jaye

Healing

Rev. Jaye Brooks
June 2

On this Sunday when we begin our month-long learning and worship theme of Renewal, we consider all the ways that healing may occur: physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. The service features poetry by Wendell Berry. The auction winners of choice of a sermon topic are Russ Poulsen and Nyla Mueller—they chose Healing, with all its resonance for our lives and our times.

Here in This Place

Worship Committee
June 9

This beautiful chalice lighting, written by Dana Knighten, a member of UUFHC, is the inspiration for this year’s Poetry Service. We will share music and poetry that evoke the realities of being fully present in our own lives.

Here in this place, the chalice flame calls to mind and heart:
be here now, awake to this moment, open to joy, grief, love and anger, fear and comfort ... life.

A potluck luncheon follows the service.

Beginners

Rev. Jaye Brooks
June 16

Renewal of heart, mind, and spirit is essential to human health and happiness. From small yet significant actions like spiritual practice to big changes like a new job, we find renewal constantly in our lives. There's an underlying reality to each type of renewal: that we begin again. To make the most of any change in our lives, it's helpful to adopt the Buddhist attitude of beginner mind. We are always beginners, novices, newcomers—by events or by intention. When we claim the status of beginner, no matter the expertise we may have, we open mind, heart and spirit to renewal.

The One Thing Necessary for Happiness

Rev. Amanda Aikman
June 23

Really? Just one thing? Well, yes. And it's fairly simple—can be described in five words. Come find out what that one thing is from our beloved returning guest minister, the Rev. Amanda Aikman.

Rev. Aikman has served Unitarian Universalist churches since 1994. She retired in June, 2016, but continues speaking to and serving a number of UU congregations.

Beginner Again

Jenn Blosser and Youth
June 30

One experience common to every child or youth is the constant need to begin again. In this youth-led service, the Fellowship's youth share their feelings and sources of inspiration as they cope with the ever-recurring challenge of beginning again.