Beloveds, I have written no less than fifteen almost-sentences to begin this message, and none have quite worked as intriguing or gentle entries into our topic today – which I am taking (finally) as a sign that it’s time for bluntness. Anti-semitism is alive and well and living in the world – both around the …
This Sunday’s musical selections invite us to ponder centered and marginalized artistic legacies, including the work of Unitarian composers Edvard Grieg and Béla Bartók. Dead white European men may dominate the musical canon, but the music of Margaret Bonds and Scott Joplin remind us of the abundant contributions of women composers and composers of African …
Curiosity is on my mind this week. I remember as a child, whenever a question came up at the dinner table – about history, or science, or art, or just about anything that wasn’t “how was school today?” – my father would send me to the book-lined living room with the words “go look it …
Islam and Christianity were strongly dichotomized polarities during the Spanish reconquista of 711-1492 C.E. While there were real territorial struggles and marginalization of religious minorities, it’s important to remember the times of covivencia, or cultural plurality, which characterized much of the period. This Sunday’s musical selections include works evocative of Al-Andalus, the Muslim-ruled territories of …
Solo piano works about animals, people, and their interconnectedness are featured this Sunday morning, along with an Offertory from the dynamic Forces (Christian and Kim, that is)! Feel free to lend your voices to the Postlude, too, with its vision of “harmony and understanding.” Read on for programming details. Gathering Music: Adam Kent, piano Butterfly, …
We’ve been talking about belonging this month, so of course the Dunning-Kruger effect means I keep seeing articles and memes about belonging. I ran across a blog post by consultant Julian Stodd, who works with organizations around strategy, collaboration, and social leadership. In his post, Stodd shared some questions that we might take up when …
We’re pleased to welcome back violinist Elena Peres for a performance of Kol Nidre, the traditional prayer of Yom Kippur Eve services. Read on for more programming information. Prelude: Adam Kent, piano From Fiddler on the Roof ~ Jerry Bock“Sabbath Prayer”“Sunrise, Sunset” Anthem: CUUC Choir directed by Lisa N. Meyer, accompanied by Georgianna Pappas “Draw …
Serene, turbulent, purifying – this Sunday’s musical selections celebrate water in all its manifestations and the ways we wallow in it or bridge over it. Read on for programming details and stay tuned for spoken introductions. Gathering Music – Adam Kent, pianofrom Poems of the Sea ~ Ernest Bloch“Waves”“At Sea” Meditation:Deep River ~ Traditional Spiritual, …
One of the things I love about Facebook is the parade of “first day of classes” photos – from the littlest children to the grown adults – the celebration of the first day is something special. Similarly, I love the parade of Ingathering photos from our congregations – showing off the decorated tables and the …
It is such an honor to be back amongst you – the 2019-20 sabbatical seems so long ago and like just yesterday. My ministry with you this time is different: instead of holding Rev. Meredith’s ministry while he took a restorative sabbatical, I am working as part of a beautiful ministry and staff team to …