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March 21, 2010 - Sacred Wells, Holy Graves, Blessed Trees
Rev. Wendy Bell
This morning, during the liturgical season of Lent, we reflect on wilderness as
a metaphor in our own lives for those times when we have felt alone, tested, tempted,
and perhaps even lost. How do we survive in this wilderness? And how do we hope
to be changed when we emerge from its grasp.
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March 14, 2010 - All-Ages Religious Education Sunday
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March 7, 2010 - Into the Wilderness
Rev. Wendy Bell
This morning, during the liturgical season of Lent, we reflect on wilderness as
a metaphor in our own lives for those times when we have felt alone, tested, tempted,
and perhaps even lost. How do we survive in this wilderness? And how do we hope
to be changed when we emerge from its grasp.
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February 28, 2010 - Got Guilt?
Rev. Wendy Bell
All too often, we either "do good" out of a sense of guilt, or we become paralyzed
by guilt, and therefore do less than we otherwise might to help heal the world's
brokenness. This morning, as part of a national and interfaith event on Environmental
Stewardship, we consider what it might look like - and feel like - to be a Guilt-Free
Steward and to care for the earth instead out of a sense of joy and compassion.
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February 21, 2010 - Our Lives Are Building Stones
Rev. Catherine Senghas
How can we equip ourselves to serve as catalysts for understanding and change? What
do we need to do to be able to move toward the goal we affirm and promote in our
sixth principle—the goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for
all? As human beings we each crave that intuitive feeling that what we do matters.
Today’s sermon explores some questions we might ponder as we look for ways to spend
our own limited volunteer time and personal resources.
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February 14, 2010 - National Standing on the Side of Love Day
Rev. Wendy Bell
…Valentine’s Day Re-imagined. When religion is so often associated with the promotion
of guilt and shame, what does it mean for Unitarian Universalists to “Stand on the
Side of Love?”
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February 7, 2010 - Heart and Mind: Raising Kids Without Shame
Rev. Wendy Bell
We take an introductory look at guilt and shame, how they are the same and how they
are different. And we look at the devastating effects of shame on children…and the
adults they grow up to be.
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January 31, 2010 - Can UUs Believe Anything They Want?
Nannene Gowdy
To the world outside Unitarian Universalism, it is widely thought that we believe
in either everything or nothing. But what does it truly mean to be a Unitarian Universalist?
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January 24, 2010 - Why Faith Matters...to Us
Rev. Wendy Bell
Rabbi David Wolpe says that there are some beliefs we grow out of and others that
we grow into. This morning we'll consider the role of faith in our lives as individual
Unitarian Universalists.
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January 17, 2010 - Multigenerational Service in Honor of Martin Luther King,
Jr.
Rev. Wendy Bell
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January 10, 2010 - UUs and the Future of Faith
Rev. Wendy Bell
This morning we'll take a look at Harvey Cox's interpretation of the history and
future of religion...and at the role of Unitarian Universalism in that future.
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January 3, 2010 - Following the Pretense of Accident
Rev. Wendy Bell
When the Buddhist teacher Sharon Salzberg was about to leave on her first trip to
India to learn about meditation, she asked a great spiritual teacher for advice
about where to go. His answer: "I think you had perhaps best follow the pretense
of accident." As we begin a new year, we'll consider what this means for us.
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December 27, 2009 - Thought on Gifts
John Chapman
John Chapman, a new member of our community, will share his thoughts on "gifts"
with us. He will talk about "gift exchange and reativity, demonstrated through stories
and references to anthropological studies of gift economies as an alternative to
free market economies." A talented musician, he will also share his musical gifts.
Please join Kirsti Gamage and Chris Mohn from the Worship Team in welcoming John.
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December 24, 2009 - Christmas Eve Services
Rev. Wendy Bell
4:00 p.m. - This special 30-minute service for families with young children will
include familiar Christmas songs and a simple, age-appropriate retelling of a Christmas story.
6:00 p.m. - Tradional service of Lessons and Carols
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December 20, 2009 - Intergenerational Solstice Celebration with
Mummers Play
Rev. Wendy Bell
Come celebrate Yule, complete with Mummers and Dancers, on this morning before the
shortest day of 2009!
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December 13, 2009 - The Mad Farmer and the Maccabees
Rev. Wendy Bell
Hanukkah, which began as the sun set on December 11th, is a commemoration of the
resistance of the ancient Maccabees to the dominant culture within which they lived,
and to the brutal and repressive regime, which governed their lives. This morning
we consider some of those things in our own culture, which we are called to resist.
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December 6, 2009 - Resisting the Irresistible
Rev. Wendy Bell
We spend much of our time and energy trying to resist the irresistible, including
the aging process and the inevitability of our own deaths. This morning we consider
the freedom that comes, paradoxically, with surrender.
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November 29, 2009 - A Hidden Abundance
Rev. Wendy Bell
Experts claim that there is more than enough food to feed everyone, yet millions
go hungry, partly because of problems of distribution and economics. But it is also
true that much of our food is wasted. In fact, Americans waste up to 50% of our
edible food each year. This morning we take a spiritual look at the paradoxical
abundance and scarcity of food and at some potential solutions to the problem of
food waste.
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November 22, 2009 - Café Gratitude
Rev. Wendy Bell
During this multigenerational Thanksgiving service, we’ll talk about food, abundance,
and gratitude.
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November 15, 2009 - h² ---hope x humanity, happiness x harmony,
higher learning x health, heart x heritage, hard work x help
Helen Boxwill, President and Director of h² Empower Inc.
Ms Boxwill's presentations tie into the United Nations Millennium Goals and show
us how to support them. These goals are supported by the UUA.
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November 8, 2009 - Plenty of Time
Rev. Wendy Bell
November 8th is “Ample Time Day,” yet few of us feel like we have ample time. “Time
scarcity” can be defined as “the feeling that one lacks enough time to do all the
things that one would like to do.” This morning, as we try to gain a sense of abundance
relative to time, we look to the “Slow Movement” for ideas.
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November 1, 2009 - Enough is Enough
Rev. Wendy Bell
Scarcity is a basic economic problem – our resources are limited, while our desires
are infinite. But how much do we really need or even want? This morning we look
at both economics and spirituality, and reflect on when enough truly is enough.
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October 25, 2009 - The Now and the Not Yet
Rev. Wendy Bell
Although our historic roots stretch back hundreds of years, Unitarian Universalism,
as a unified, organized entity, is about to turn 50! This morning, with a sense
of both awe and humility, we look back at all that we have been able to accomplish
and we look forward at all that we have yet to do. This service will kick off our
annual Stewardship Campaign.
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October 18, 2009
Matt Meyer
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October 11, 2009 - Discovering and Recovering a Sense of Wonder
Rev. Wendy Bell
A sense of awe or wonder seems to be a natural part of childhood, and yet we often
lose touch with wonder as we grow into adulthood. How can we help our children retain
their sense of wonder and how can we recover a sense awe in our own lives?
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October 4, 2009 - Forgetting Our Place
Rev. Wendy Bell
As we begin our exploration of Awe and Humility, we look at what can go awry when,
through lack of both, we forget our place in the scheme of things. We’ll consider
the current environmental crisis as an example.
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September 27, 2009 - Lessons from the Road Not Taken
Rev. Marianne Power
For every hope or promise fulfilled, others remain unrealized, since making any
commitment means precluding other options. How we reflect upon the regrets that
often accompany our realization of "the road not taken" may offer growth and peace.
Rev. Marianne Power (HDS, '90) is the Minister Emerita of the U.U. Parish of Monson.
She is also a licensed social worker and the Coordinator of Social Services at the
Wilbraham Senior Center. She and her family live in Monson, where they are restoring
a 1795 farmhouse.
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September 20, 2009 - Why Not Jump In?
Rev. Wendy Bell
This morning we will begin with a playful Mary Oliver poem and use it to reflect on why we sometimes
hesitate to make promises. Why do we sometimes feel ambivalent about jumping into our commitments
with both feet?
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September 13, 2009 - Prayers and Promises
Rev. Wendy Bell
Multigenerational Ingathering Service.
In our first service of the year, as we celebrate being together again, we will reflect
on why we make promises to one another.
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Rev. Wendy Bell
Join us for this final worship service
of this church year! This is an all-ages service and the choir will sing.
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Rev. Wendy Bell
The church community will be celebrating its 275th
anniversary with a multi-media intergenerational service, touching on how we came
together, have experienced changes and endured. On October 10, 1733, thirty men
signed the Church Covenant declaring their desires for “conscientiously attending
the publick Worship of God . . . and watchfully avoiding sinfull stumbling blocks
and contentions as becomes a People whome the Lord has bound up together in the
bundle of life. . . .” We will begin the service in Colonial fashion, and then character
voices, music and images will be woven to tell the story of our living tradition.
We invite members of the congregation to dress according to their favorite time
period, any time from 1733 to the present.
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Rev. Wendy Bell
Join Rev. Wendy and this year’s Coming of Age participants
as we celebrate the completion of their program and hear them share their Credo
statements.
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Geoffrey Koetsch
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Rev. Wendy Bell
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Rev. Wendy Bell
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May 3, 2009 - War Lessons
John Merson
Our guest will be John Merson, author of War Lessons, the story of what
he learned as a foot soldier and from more than a decade of travel back to Vietnam.
John spent most of his career in the computer industry and now restores historic
homes on Nantucket. He was educated at Amherst College, the University of North
Carolina, and Harvard. Excerpts from War Lessons and his blog are at www.johnmerson.com.
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Rev. Wendy Bell
Join Rev. Wendy and Ted Johnson, the choir and orchestra for special music from
John Rutter’s Requiem and a reflection by Wendy on “Rest and Restoration.”
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Rev. Wendy Bell
We'll consider the poem "The Layers, " in which Stanley Kunitz wrote, "Though I
lack the art/ to deciper it,/ no doubt the next chapter/ in my book of transformations/
is already written/ I am not done with my changes.".
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April 12, 2009
9:30 a.m. - All-Ages Easter Service
Rev. Wendy Bell
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April 5, 2009 - Children's RE Sunday
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Rev. Wendy Bell
How do we cope when reality doesn't match our vision for how things ought to be.
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March 22, 2009 - Youth Sunday
The Senior High Youth Group
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March 15, 2009
David Rynick and Rev. Wendy Bell
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March 8, 2009 - International Women's Day
The Women's Alliance
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Service of the Living Tradition, Rev. Wendy Bell
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Rev. Wendy Bell
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Rev. Wendy Bell
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Rev. Wendy Bell
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February 1, 2009 - Giving and Receiving
Laurel Amabile
Generosity finds its inspiration in
the heart and is expressed through our hands. Whether it be in volunteer service, a handshake, writing a check, or a child’s
artwork, our hands are the messengers of our highest values and aspirations.
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Rev. Wendy Bell
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January 18, 2009 - All-Ages Service: Beloved Community
Rev. Wendy Bell
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Rev. Wendy Bell
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Rev. Wendy Bell
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December 28, 2008 - What is Required?
Gil Rosenberg
Gil Rosenberg, the social action intern with UU Mass Action and the Mass Day District,
will lead the service and preach this morning. We will consider the question "What
is Required?" when it comes to social action. We will reflect on the emotions and
motivations that we bring to our social action, and explore what this means for
how we think about and practice social action within UU congregations.
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Rev. Wendy Bell
4:00 p.m. - 30-minute service for families with young children. This special service
will include familiar Christmas songs and a simple, age-appropriate retelling of
the Christmas story.
6:00 p.m. - Tradional service of Lessons and Carols
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December 21, 2008 -
All-Ages Solstice Service with
Mummers Play
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December 7, 2008 - Service Is Our Prayer
Rebekah Ingram
Since the UU Urban Ministry is a shared social justice ministry, this sermon will
explore the sacred dimensions of social justice. What does it mean to serve? And
why does it matter?
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Rev. Wendy Bell
Along with the Bible, the other main focus of this year's Religious Education program
is World Religions, and in conjunction with that theme, Rev. Wendy will be preaching
a series of sermons throughout the rest of this church year on the major world religions.
One of the sources of our UU tradition is "wisdom from the world's religions, which
inspires us in our ethical and spiritual life." This morning we will be reflecting
on some of the wisdom of the Islamic tradition as many Muslims prepare to make hadj
or "pilgrimage" to Mecca.
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November 23, 2008 - All-ages service of Thanksgiving
Rev. Wendy Bell
This morning we give thanks for all that we have and all that we are!
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November 16, 2008 - God Makes No Mistakes: Creating Beloved Community for All
Our Children
Rev. Wendy Ball and Sally Patton
Rev. Wendy will lead the service this morning and welcome Sally Patton as our guest
preacher. Sally has advocated and worked for children with special needs for over
35 years. For the past several years, she has written and conducted workshops on
ministering to children with special needs in faith communities and on spiritual
parenting of children who have been labeled.
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November 9, 2008 - Money, Like Water...
Rev. Wendy Bell
During this Stewardship Sunday, we will be reflecting on our relationships with
money and with the notions of scarcity, sufficiency, and abundance.
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November 2, 2008 - Quantum Physics and the Spirituality of Interconnection
Peter Freedman Bowden
Our UU principles highlight our interconnection and the web of all existence. A
growing body of research in the areas of Quantum Physics and consciousness suggest
that we may be more connected than we realize. This service explores the spiritual
implications of our most advanced and mystical of sciences. Our worship leader will
be Peter Freedman Bowden, a lifelong UU, working with Unitarian Universalist congregations
specializing in small group ministry, UU evangelism, and UU television and media
production. Peter and his wife Amy live in Newport, where she serves as the minister
of Channing UU Church.
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Rev. Wendy Bell
One of the sources on which Unitarian Universalism draws is "Jewish and Christian
teachings which call us to respond to God's love by loving our neighbors as ourselves."
This year, the Bible is one focus of the Religious Education program. This morning
we will use the Bible as a starting place for a consideration of what it means to
love our neighbors today. This is UN Sunday, during which UUs across the world are
celebrating the them of "Human Rights: Dignity and Justice for All.".
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October 19, 2008 - Worship Committee
Guest speaker: Michael Hall, student at Andover-Newton Theological School
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Rev. Wendy Bell
We conclude our 4-part reflection on “our great covenant,” by considering how we can be of help to one another in the context of this religious community. There will be a ceremony of child dedication as part of this morning’s service.
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Rev. Wendy Bell
This morning, during the High Holy Days of Judaism, we will be reflecting on the third promise of “our great covenant.” What exactly does it mean “to speak the truth in love?” What does it not mean? Whose truth? How do we share our truths lovingly and how to we “receive” the “truth” spoken by others?
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Sepember 28, 2008 - Hymn Sing
Ted Johnson
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Rev. Wendy Bell
The second in a series of reflections on “our great covenant.” We promise one another that we will seek truth. But what happens when the truths that we “discover” differ from one another? And what does it mean to allow others the freedom to seek anyway? This morning’s service will include the annual commissioning of our RE teachers and advisors.
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Rev. Wendy Bell
This morning begins a four-part series of reflections on “our great covenant,” which we recite most Sundays as part of our Unison Affirmation. What does it mean to promise one another that we will “dwell together in peace?"
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Sepember 7, 2008 - Ingathering
Rev. Wendy Bell
Welcome! And welcome back! Come join us as we gather for the first Sunday of a new church year after a summer apart. This will be a special year during which we will celebrate the 275th anniversary of this congregation! This is an All-Ages service, so bring the whole family.
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June 8, 2008 - All-Ages Service
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June 1, 2008 - Children's RE Sunday
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May 25, 2008 - War and Service
Liam Madden
Our guest will be Liam Madden, a young Iraq war veteran
who will share his experience in Iraq and his subsequent experience as a founding
member of the Boston chapter of IVAW, Iraq Vets Against The War. There will be a
brief question and answer period after the service. Worship Committee member Kirsti Gamage will lead
the worship service.
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Rev. Wendy Bell
Appreciative Inquiry can be defined as a tool for discovering and focusing on the
best – in people, in organizations, and in the world – rather than on the worst,
the “broken,” or the “problematic.” This morning we will explore the theory and
practice of Appreciative Inquiry and its use in our own individual lives as well
as in our congregational life.
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May 11, 2008 - Senior High Youth Service
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Rev. Wendy Bell
This morning, we will explore what it is that separates "liberal religion" from
other religions, using the framework of the late James Luther Adams, preeminent
Unitarian Universalist theologian of the 20th century. Adams' model of the "five
smooth stones" is based on the bibical story of David and Goliath, and that will
be our text, as well.
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Rev. Wendy Bell
This morning, as we celebrate earth
day and mourn the deterioration of the environment, we will consider what it might
mean to “restore the balance” both within ourselves and in our relationships with
one another and with the earth itself.
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Rev. Wendy Bell
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Rev. Wendy Bell
Rev. Wendy and members of the Worship Committee join together to lead us all in an
exploration of the different ways we are fed and nourished by worship and to reflect
on differences in “taste” and worship style
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March 30, 2008 - Credo Service
Lisa and Tom Aciukewicz, Didi Chadran and Paige O'Brien
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Rev. Wendy Bell
This morning as we gather to hear a retelling of the ancient Easter story, we look
at it again from a very different and radical perspective, exploring the fundamental
message of nonviolence for which, some scholars say, Jesus lived and died.
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Rev. Wendy Bell
Building on last week's service and sermon, we continue to reflect on peacemaking
and begin to look outward from the heart and home. What might a "culture of peace"
look and feel like? How might it manifest itself? How possible might it be to achieve?
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Rev. Wendy Bell
The ancient Taoist philosopher Lao Tzu once wrote, "If there is to be peace between
neighbors, theser must be peace in the home. If there is to be peace in the home,
there must be peace in the heart." This morning we look at these first building
blocks of peacemaking. How might we achieve peace in the heart and in the home?
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This morning we welcome new members who have joined inthe past year and we honor
those members who have died in the past year. We will also reflect briefly on finding
balance in congregational life between our individual needs, our community responsibilities,
and our call to serve the larger world.
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February 24, 2008 - Worship and Music with Matt Meyer
Matt's worships provide a dynamic and varied experience of rhythm's enduring power
to teach us about ourselves and each other. As one fan says, "His drumming displays
that unbeatable combination of rigorous training, talent, and genuine emotion.
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Rev. Wendy Bell
This morning as we continue to reflect on the practice of "radical hospitality,"
we consider our own boundaties. How do we welcome others while at the same time
maintain a sense of safety and integrity?
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Rev. Wendy Bell
One dictionary definition of hospitality refers simply to the "generous reception
of guests." The practice of "radical hospitality," on the other hand, can be much
more challenging that that definition implies, challenging us to open our hearts
and lives to those we might not choose as "guests."
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Rev. Wendy Bell
Francis David, founder and first bishop of the Unitarian Church in Transylvania,
one siad, "You need not think alike to love alike." This morning we will take a
closer look at some of the traditions of our Unitarian sisters and brothers in Romania,
including those of our Partner church in Magyarandrasfalva. A Hungarian potluck
lunch will follow the service.
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January 27, 2008 - Living the Covenant
Georgia Sassen, PhD.
Georgia Sassen will help us think (and sing) about how we can bring the ideals of
the UU covenant into our lives. She will talk briefly about her work with children
in the cities and how it relates to the covenant.
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January 20, 2008 - Martin Luther King Sunday
An all-ages service to honor the memory and legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr.
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Rev. Wendy Bell
Wendell Barry has asked, "Does Community Have a Value?" This morning we will look
at Berry's understanding of community, at what it takes to make communities "sustainable."
and at the oft-neglected notion of the Common Good.
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Rev. Wendy Bell
This morning we will looki at the modern "diet" — both in terms of our food consumption
and our energy use — and the relationship between the two — and begin to reflect
on an ethic of sustainability.
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December 30, 2007 - Called to Community
Dan Kane
Dan Kane, a senior from Starr King Theological School in Berkley, California, and
ministerial intern at the Arlington STreet Church and the Church of the Larger Fellowship,
will lead worship.
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Rev. Wendy Bell.
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December 23, 2007 -
All-Ages Solstice Service with
Mummers Play
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December 9, 2007 - Welcoming What Comes
Rev. Wendy Bell
Through stories, readings, and a brief reflection on one lesson she learned at a
Zen Buddhist Monastery, Rev. Wendy will lead us in considering how we prepare ourselves
to welcome what comes – whatever it may be. The choir will perform Daniel Pinkham’s
Christmas Cantata.
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Rev. Wendy Bell
Advent marks the beginning of th enew year in the Christian tradition. This morning
we will consider Advent from a UU perspective. How do we make ourselves ready for
th winter holidays? And for what, exactly, are we waiting?
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November 25, 2007 - When Receiving is Giving
Kelly Cummins
As children, we are often and regularly reminded to say “please” and “thank you”
and as adults, these “thank you’s” are for those who help us, serve us, treat us
well and are kind. Yet, saying thank you isn’t always as easy as it may seem, particularly
when we are called to humble ourselves. There is extreme beauty in the signs of
thanks that we can offer one another. We must learn, or rather, we must be reminded,
to give to others by receiving what it is they may offer.
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Rev. Wendy Bell
We will explore the ritual of saying grace before meals as a spiritual practice
and a means of offering thanks for all that we have.
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November 11, 2007 - Worship Committee Service
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November 4, 2007 - Coming of Age Credo Service
Rev. Wendy Bell
Come join the participants of this year's Coming of Age program as they lead us
in reflecting about our lifelong spiritual/religious journeys.
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Rev. Wendy Bell
This morning we explore the work of anti-racism and anti-oppression and reflect
on why we are called to do this work in our own lives, as individuals and as a community.
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Rev. Wendy Bell
Come learn more about the theology that undergirds the work of Habitat for Humanity
and how others have "made manifest their convictins.”
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Rev. Wendy Bell
This morning, all across the country, Unitarian
Universalists will be celebrating the first annual Association Sunday. Rev. Wendy will offer one good answer to the question, What binds us together as Unitarian Universalists?
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Chris Mohn
Chris Mohn, a member of our Mission-Centered Ministry Committee, will offer a personal
reflection on this year’s all-church theme, A Call to Action, and invite you to consider
how this theme might "play itself out" in your life and in the life of our
faith community.
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Rev. Wendy Bell
William James once said, "The great use of a life is to spend it for something that
outlasts it." This morning we'll explore that idea as we celebrate the beginning
of our Building for Fellowship Capital Campaign. You won't want to miss this one!
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Sepember 23, 2007 -
Sabbatical Reflections
Rev. Wendy Bell
This morning, David Rynick will join us once more to lead us in some final reflections
about our very successful sabbatical period this past spring. Rev. Wendy, Betsy
Williams, and Piali De will share their perspectives. Following the service, you
are all invited to join us for a light lunch and a workshop led by David. What songs,
new or old, are YOUR hearts singing these days?
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Rev. Wendy Bell
As our Jewish friends celebrate their New Year, we will explore the timely theme
of forgiveness—of ourselves and of others. Rosh Hashanah begins at sunset on September
12 and Yom Kippur begins at sunset on September 21.
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Sepember 9, 2007 -
Called to Action!
Rev. Wendy Bell
Welcome! And welcome back! Come join us as we gather for the first Sunday of a brand
new church year! This is an All-Ages service, so bring the whole family. We will
share in a "Pennies for Peace" "communion" and celebrate this year's all-church
theme: "A Call to Action!"
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May 27, 2007 - Peace Service
Worship Committee
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May 20, 2007 - On Stereotyping
Senior High Youth Group
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Rev. Marguerite Sheehan
How do we welcome and nurture those who dare to enter our
doors? Is there really a place at the table for everyone?
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May 6, 2007 - Human Rights and Economic Justice
Johanna Chao Rittenburg
Johanna Chao Rittenburg is the manager of the UUSC's Economic Justice Program.
In the newsletter Rights Now there is an article writeen by her on
UUSC's wage justice work, among other initiatives mobilizing to advance minimum
wages in this country.
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April 29, 2007 - Youth Sunday
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April 22, 2007 - Fauré’s Requiem
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April 15, 2007 - The Seven Deadly Sins of Unitarian
Universalism
HUU Sabbatical and Renewal Team (SART)
We do ot do a lot of talking about 'sin' in the UU community. Today, however,
we will consider the thought-provoking message of UU minister Rev. John Gibb
Millspaugh, and his suggestion that there just might be some trends within our
faith of which we should be aware. he calls these "the seven deadly siins" to
which Unitarian Universalism is prone.
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April 8, 2007
9:30 a.m. - All-Ages
Easter Service
Liza Spisto, DRE
11:00 a.m. - Oh Jesus, Is It You
Again?
Rev. Beth Graham
These
are difficult days for our country and our world. Let's join together to find
out what the story of Easter, the teachings of Jesus, the music of the season,
and our religious belief in hope in humanity can say to us this
year.
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March 25, 2007 - Here It Is And This Is It
David Rynick, PCC, CPCC
Most of us have an ongoing argument with reality. It's too hot or too cold.
We're too thin or too fat. Our partners and children and friends don't always
do what we think they should. We get upset, hurt, and stressed out. How do we
learn to live with greater ease in the midst of a life beyond our control? How
do we find ways to appreciate what is already here rather than suffer with the
idea that things should or could be different?
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Rev. Kristine A. L. Tomlinson
Regardless of where you are in your life's journey and
whether you remember your dreams or not, this sermon proposes practical tools
for realizing a future that is limitless in possibility and that seeks to
balance our dreaming (unconscious/emotional) and waking (conscious/rational)
lives.
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March 11, 2007 - The Service of the
Living Tradition
This morning we gather for our annual celebration of
membership, which includes the welcoming of any new members who have joined
since last year's service.
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Rev. Marguerite Sheehan
It has been said that hope is not the opposite of despair but is the
denial of indifference. It embraces despair and looks straight intot he eyes of
the world. How can we, as a community of faith, kindle hope in these times?
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Febuary 11, 2007 - Reconciliation as a Spiritual
Practice
Paula Cole Jones
What does it mean to truly live the Golden Rule? Paula Cole Jones is a
life-long UU, currently a lay leader in the UU All-Soul's Church in Washington,
D.C., and an anti-racism, anti-oppression consultant for the UUA.
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Rev. Marguerite Sheehan
How would we live our lives if we cut to the most essential? What are
the "most essential" things for you?
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January 28, 2007 - Our Spiritual Journeys
Alice Rennie and the Worship Committee
Come hear church members talk about their spiritual odysseys. Sharing
our personal religious stories is an important way to live our mission and
covenant statement.
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January 21, 2007 - Earth and Spirit
A worship service with musician Jim Scott
Jim intersperses original songs and readings in a celebration of earth,
with reflections on the diversity, abundance, and relative health of life
systems that we might say comprise the spirit of our small planet. His
uplifting songs provide the balance to the wake up call, leaving participants
with a vision and inspiration to take the healing into our own hands.
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January 14, 2007 - Touching the Heart's Longing
David Rynick, PCC, CPCC
David will be exploring how we listen to the "still small voice" inside
and how we might say "yes" to who we are called to be. This important and
dangerous work is at the heart of our faith journey.
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Rev. Marguerite Sheehan
Rev. Sheehan, our part-time sabbatical minister, will speak on the
courage it takes to be vulnerable.
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December 31, 2006 - All-Ages New Year's Eve Service
Rev. Wendy Bell
Come join the celebration as we head into a new year. This will be Rev.
Wendy's final service before her sabbatical begins on January 1.
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December 24, 2006 - Christmas Eve Morning Service
Rev. Wendy Bell
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December 17, 2006 - All-Ages Solstice Service with
Mummers Play
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Rev. Wendy Bell
This morning we will reflect on the Buddhist notion of
“taking refuge” and how it might serve us in this busy holiday time..
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Rev. Wendy Bell
The Zen Master, Suzuki Roshi, once told his students,
“All of you are perfect, and you could use a little improvement.” This morning
we examine that paradox and its truth in our lives. We will also share in a
ceremony of Child Dedication.
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November 19, 2006 - All-Ages Thanksgiving Service
Rev. Wendy Bell
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Rev. Wendy Bell
There was one thing that I learned in church school that
was far more dangerous than anything else they ever tried to teach me…this
morning we’ll talk about what it was and why...
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Rev. Wendy Bell
Depending on whom you talk to, you might have heard
either that Jesus was utterly apolitical or that he would have cared about only
one or two political issues at most. This morning – the Sunday before Election
Day - we’ll take a look back at Jesus’ teachings and reflect on their
implications for our political lives today.
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October 29, 2006 - What a Journey!
Ellen Iorio
Dag Hammarskjold suggests that "The longest journey is
the journey inward." This morning Ellen Iorio will share her recent six-month
'journey' in Iraq, working for the US Army Corps of Engineers overseeing
reconstruction projects in the Babil Province. The experience was indeed a
surprising/unexpected 'inward' journey, with much to be shared.
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Rev. Wendy Bell
In and of itself, money is neither good nor bad; it is a
tool and a symbol. But what we do with it and, even more fundamentally, how we
think and feel about it, does matter immensely. This morning we will begin to
grapple with our own relationships with money.
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Rev. Wendy Bell
After the brutal murder of Amish schoolchildren, the
victims' families forgave the killer and reached out to his widow. That radical
act of forgiveness – it was something we may have admired, but for many of us,
it was also something that we could not then, and perhaps cannot now,
understand. This morning, we will wrestle with it together.
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Rev. Wendy Bell
The word “minister” comes from the Latin word
ministrare, which means, “to serve.” This morning we will consider the
sense in which we are all called to minister to and with one another and what
it is that we as Unitarian Universalists might be called to serve.
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October 1, 2006 - Holding Hands, Walking With the Wind
Rev. John E. Hickey, Senior Minister and Executive
Director of the Unitarian Universalist Urban Ministry
With increasing violence in the inner city, UU's are
making a significant contribution with programs for at-risk youth and those
suffering from domestic violence. John will share his thoughts about what it
means for Unitarian Universalists to engage in justice work - in a theological,
spiritual, and everyday context
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Rev. Wendy Bell
This morning we will reflect on how “goodness” and
“kindness” are webs woven of all the little – sometimes seemingly insignificant
– deeds we carry out; and consider our own role in the weaving of those web.
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Rev. Wendy Bell
As humans, we are all broken in some
way...imperfect...wounded. According to Henri Nouwen, our great challenge is to
learn to embrace our brokenness and the brokenness of others so that we can, in
turn, come to bless the world.
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Rev. Wendy Bell
This morning, we come together to celebrate our annual
Service of Ingathering! Welcome back to this fresh, new, and promising church
year! Come join us!
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June 11, 2006 - End of Year All-Ages Celebration
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June 7, 2006 - Children's Sunday
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May 28, 2006 - Service of Memory
Kit Jorrens and Carl Hein
The service will be presented by the Worship
Committee. It will be devoted to the memory of the victims of War and
will feature poetry and prose readings, followed by memorial candles.
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Rev. Wendy Bell
Do you ever feel like you are? This morning we will
reflect on those busy, fragmented, harried times of our lives and consider what
we may most need to in order to keep moving through them.
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May 14, 2006 - The Spiritual Practice of Hospitality
Rev. Wendy Bell
This morning, Rev. Wendy will be joined by David Rynick,
a Unitarian Universalist, Zen practitioner, Life Coach and Consultant, who led
a workshop here in September on the Spiritual Art of Welcoming. This morning
David will preach and also lead an abbreviated workshop during coffee hour.
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May 7, 2006 - Lux Aeterna
Rev. Wendy Bell
Annual Music Sunday with Rev. Wendy leading
worship and Ted Johnson, our Music Director, our Choir, and other
musicians performing. The congregation will be treated to the gorgeous ethereal
music of Morten Lauridsen. Lux Aeterna is a 27-minute work for chorus
and small orchestra - flute, bassoon, clarinet, oboe, horns, and strings.
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Senior High Youth Group
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Rev. Wendy Bell
This morning, as we celebrate Earth Day, we’ll consider
the Jewish concept of Tikkun Olam, which means, “to repair the world.”
What in our world is broken? What is our role in healing the brokenness?
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April 16, 2006
9:30 a.m. - All-Ages
Easter Service
Rev. Wendy L. Bell and Liza Spisto, DRE
Rev. Wendy L. Bell
According
to the account of the “first” Easter in Luke’s Gospel, the disciples were
despairing as they trudged along the road to Emmaus, after Jesus’ death. Then a
stranger joined them and walked with them for a while before they recognized
him as an apparition of Jesus. “And their eyes were opened and they
recognized him; and he vanished out of their sight.” What could it mean for us
– contemporary Unitarian Universalists - to have our eyes opened and to see
with “Easter eyes?”
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Rev. Wendy Bell
At
last year’s auction, one lucky bidder claimed the privilege of putting a
question to the minister for a future sermon. Here it is: “Does the idea of
progressive religion imply progress from one stage of development to another
stage that is superior in some way? Is Unitarian Universalism a “better”
religion than some others?
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Mission Centered Ministry Committee
What makes our hearts sing? do we really hear each
other's "song?" And how does this faith community sustain us in calling out
that "music" of our spirit?
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Rev. Wendy L. Bell
We gather in spirit with other Unitarian Universalists across the world to
celebrate the UU Service Committee's annual Justice Sunday event. This year's
focus will be on economic justice, labor rights, and a living wage.
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Rev. Wendy L. Bell
Our Unitarian Universalist tradition draws from many sources, including
"spiritual teachings of earth-centered traditions." This morning we consider
those teachings as we prepare to celebrate the rebirth of spring. We will also
share in a cermony of Child Dedication .
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Rev. Wendy L. Bell
In which we re-claim and celebrate the silent spaces of our lives.
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March 5, 2006 - The Service of the
Living Tradition -
Milestones
Rev. Wendy L. Bell
This morning we gather for our annual celebration of membership, which includes
the welcoming of any new members who have joined since last year's service.
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February 26, 2006 - Partakers
Sunday
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Rev. Wendy L. Bell
In wrapping up our short series on the Beatitudes, this morning we'll consider
the issues of wealth and poverty and wrestle with the notion that "the poor we
will always have with us."
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Rev. Wendy L. Bell
This morning - on "Souper Bowl Sunday" - we take another look at both what it
means to be blessed and at the problem of hunger.
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Rev. Wendy L. Bell
Most of us have aspects of ourselves about which we are not always terribly
proud. Sometimes we call these part of our "shadow side." This morning we
consider how we can face up to our shadows without being scared back into our
holes.
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Rev. Wendy L. Bell
This morning we’ll revisit and explore the notion of spiritual gifts…how we
discover them and how we use them in the service of others, and how - through
that use - we grow.
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Rev. Wendy L. Bell
As we honor the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., we’ll consider what it
really means to be a peacemaker, and the relationship between peacemaking and
pacifism.
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Rev. Wendy L. Bell
In this season of Epiphany, we’ll consider what may be the three most important
“gifts” for living in the world and in religious community.
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December 25, 2005 - Christmas Morning
Service
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December 24, 2005 - Christmas Eve
Service of Lessons and Carols
Rev. Wendy L. Bell
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December 18, 2005 - All-Ages Solstice
Service
Rev. Wendy L. Bell
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Rev. Wendy L. Bell
Thich Nhat Hanh has written, "Sometimes your joy is the
source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy."
As the darkest days of the year draw near, we'll consider the prospect of Joy.
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Rev. Wendy L. Bell
Is "faith" a thing for which you hunger? Do you know what
you mean when you say "faith?" This morning we'll look at faith from the
perspective of Buddhism and Christianity and try to get a handle on it.
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November 20, 2005 - All-Ages
Thanksgiving Service
Rev. Wendy L. Bell
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Rev. Wendy L. Bell
We all suffer losses, both public and private. This morning
we will consider the grieving process and the journey of healing our hearts
from hurt.
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November 6, 2005 - Darwin's Ark
Kit Jorrens and Jane Trask Rosen
The Noah's Ark story is retold in a poem by Philip
Appleman, professor at Indiana University, who conceives of Charles Darwin
falling asleep and dreaming that he is Noah. Imagine the animals that walk
aboard if the ark is Darwin's! This service celebrates the multitudinous and
beautiful array of animal life with which we share our planet.
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Rev. Wendy L. Bell
TAKE BACK YOUR TIME is a major U.S./Canadian initiative to
challenge the epidemic of overwork, over-scheduling and time famine that now
threatens our health, our families and relationships, our communities and our
environment. This morning we will consider what we can do to take back our
time! Don't forget to change your clocks!—"Fall Back!"
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Rev. Wendy L. Bell
This morning we will consider the nature of Stewardship.
What does is mean to be a steward? Come be surprised!
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Rev. Wendy L. Bell
This morning, on the United Nations' World Food Day, we
will reflect on the varied meanings of the Christian sacrament of Communion.
What does it mean to break bread together? How can we reclaim some of the power
and meaning of this ritual as Unitarian Universalists? Or can we? This sermon
is part of a periodic series on "scary words." An informal conversation about
communion will follow the service.
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Mission Centered Ministry Committee
In the context of our UU lives today, let us consider this
challenge of William James, a psychologist and philosopher at the turn of
the 20th century. What matters most? Does the truth of our
lives affirm our beliefs .... and our Mission and Covenant?
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Rev. Wendy L. Bell
Tent of Abraham, an interfaith group of Jews,
Muslims, and Christians, recently called on "all communities of faith and
ethics to observe a Nationwide Fast for Reflection, Repentence, Reconciliation,
and Renewal, from sunrise to sunset on October 13th." This morning we will
consider this call. This sermon is part of a periodic series on "scary words,"
and as such we will be wrestling with the very notion of repentence itself. An
informal conversation about repentence will follow the service.
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Rev. Wendy L. Bell
As Unitarian-Universalists,we covenant with one another to
"promote and affirm the inherent worth and dignity of every person." This
morning we will consider our First Principle and the very real challenges
inherent in such a promise.
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Rev. Wendy L. Bell
Each week we say these words as part of our Unison
Affirmation, perhaps without really stopping to think about their implications.
This morning we will consider more carefully our words and the promiseswe make.
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Rev. Wendy L. Bell
This morning, as we come together once again after a summer
apart, we will consider what it means to come home and what it means to both
welcome and be welcomed.
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June 5, 2005 - Children's Sunday
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May 29, 2005 - Interbeing: We Are All Connected
In this service, Rev. Jody Kessler invites us to look
deeply at the interconnectedness of all humanity, and explores how we can move
beyond our apparent separateness. Drawing upon the teachings of Thich Nhat
Hanh, Gandhi, and Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., her presentation weaves
together inspirational words and songs, simple ceremony, and guided meditation.
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Rev. Wendy L. Bell
This morning we will be considering what it means to be a
"gracious" church in an often-ungracious world.
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Rev. Wendy L. Bell
Choir with guest soloists and musicians performing Bach Cantata #4.
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Rev. Wendy L. Bell
Many of us sometimes feel "haunted" by the religious
traditions we've left behind. This morning we will begin to reflect on some of
the difficult religious words or concepts with which we still find ourselves
struggling.
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Rev. Wendy L. Bell
This morning is Project Bread's annual Walk for Hunger, and
while many of our youth are participating in the walk, we will be reflecting on
hunger.
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April 24, 2005 - Navigating Life's Labyrinths:
Personal and Cultural Journeys Into the Unknown
Kristine A. L. Tomlinson
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Rev. Wendy L. Bell and Ms. Linda Berez
Linda Berez is a ministrerial student, currently serving as
intern for the Arlington Street Church and the Church of the Larger Fellowship.
Linda and Rev. Wendy will share the pulpit to relect on death and the sanctity
of life.
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Rev. Wendy L. Bell
This morning we will reflect on the very human needs from
which this year's proposed Study/Action issues were developed and consider
where we might have the most impact as Unitarian Universlists in our service to
the larger world. A special Congregational Meeting will be held after the
service to help select the issues that will be considered by the General
Assembly in June.
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April 3, 2005 - Annual Youth Service
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March 27, 2005
5:30 a.m. - Ecumenical Easter
Sunrise Service
Don Jackson’s home, 81 Slough Road
9:30 a.m. - All-Ages Easter
Service
Rev. Wendy L. Bell and Deborah Levering,
DRE
Rev. Wendy L. Bell
The Reverend George K. Beach has written,
"The central biblical values of justice and love are also the central values of
our humanity. That is the biblical humanism that I affirm. . ." This morning we
will consider the Easter Story through the dual lenses of Progressive
Christianity and Biblical Humanism.
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March 20, 2005 - The Almost Church
Michael Durall
Mr. Durall is principal of the CommonWealth Consulting
Group ( www.vitalcongregations.com)
and the author of three books about congregational life.
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Rev. Wendy L. Bell
This is Justice Sunday – a program of the Unitarian
Universalist Service Committee – and we will reflect the basic human right of
equitable access to clean, affordable water – a right that is under threat in
this country and abroad.
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Rev. Wendy L. Bell
This morning we celebrate the Service of Our Living
Tradition and welcome those who have become members of our church
in the last year. Having begun to consider the purposes of our individual
lives, we will begin to consider the purpose of our communal lives.
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February 27, 2005 - The Humanness of the Other
Julia Goldberg, B.L.S.
Our guest speaker is a Boston University administrator, a
former inmate, and a board member of Partakers, Inc. March 1st being Social
Justice Day, we will continue our exploration of Criminal Justice and Prison
Reform and consider the relationship between prisoners and ourselves from the
unique perspective of a former inmate at MCI Framingham.
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Rev. Wendy L. Bell
Zora Neale Hurston once wrote, “I have been in Sorrow’s
kitchen and licked out all the pots.” This morning, we will consider grief and
depression – how they can sometimes feed on us, and also how we can be fed by
them.
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Rev. Wendy L. Bell
The UUA Commission on Social Witness has just published a
draft of a new Statement of Conscience on Criminal Justice and Prision Reform
to be considered by the General Assembly in June. We will begin to look at some
of the issues involved from a spiritual and religious perspective.
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Rev. Wendy L. Bell
We will look more deeply a the purpose of our individual
lives.
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Rev. Wendy L. Bell
We will reflect on the spiritual and emotional impacts of
addiction on all who are in any way effected by it.
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January 23, 2005 - Lay Service and Choir
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Rev. Wendy L. Bell
This morning we will begin again to look at issues of race
and racism and at how we are impacted by them.
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Rev. Wendy L. Bell
The 4th Principle of the Unitarian Universalist Association
commits our congregations “to affirm and promote” “a free and responsible
search for truth and meaning.” This morning we will consider how we – as
individuals and as a community – can fulfill that promise to ourselves and to
the wider association.
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Rev. Wendy L. Bell
On this first Sunday of the New Year, we will consider how
guilt and shame and an inability to forgive ourselves gets in the way of our
truly being able to begin again.
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December 26, 2004 - Music and Poetry
Kit Jorrens, Jane Trask Rosen, and Eleanor
Toth
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Rev. Wendy L. Bell
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December 19, 2004 - All-Ages Solstice
Service and Mummers Play
Sue Tokay, Middle School Youth Group, 5th/6th Grade
Mummers and Friends
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Rev. Wendy L. Bell
This morning, we will consider fear and the courage
required to break free of its grip.
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Rev. Wendy L. Bell
This morning, on the second Sunday of the liturgical season
of Advent, we will slow down in order to reflect on those things for which our
longing is the greatest, those things for which we wait.
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November 28, 2004 - Thanksgiving
Communion Service
Jane Trask Rosen and Charlanne Van Wormer
To extend the season of joy and thanksgiving, we will
celebrate together with a UU-inspired ritual – a communion service that
features the sharing of a common meal of bread and (non-alcoholic) wine.
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November 21, 2004 - All-Ages
Thanksgiving Service -
The Long Walk
Rev. Wendy L. Bell
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Rev. Wendy L. Bell
This morning we will look at the war and peace from the
perspective of different religions, including our own.
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November 7, 2004 - Thoughts on
Longfellow’s Poem A Psalm of Life
Dillon Bustin
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow is a subject of renewed interest
lately due to The Dante Club, an improbable mystery novel by Matthew
Pearl that has been on the bestseller lists this past year. Lay speaker Dillon
Bustin will present his thoughts on Longfellow’s poem A Psalm of Life,
or, What the Young Man Said to the Psalmist
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Rev. Wendy L. Bell
Wendy will be joined this morning by the Rev. Ms. Tricia
Newport Hart, UUA Fundraising Consultant. We will consider how each of us is
called to support the congregation that support us.
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Rev. Wendy L. Bell
After Constantine prevailed in a battle at the Milvian
Bridge on October 28, 312 of the Common Era (c.e.), Christianity became the
legal religion of the Roman Empire. This morning we will consider the
separation of church and state and the role of religion in civil society.
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Rev. Wendy L. Bell
The bibical figure Abraham has been called “the father of
all nations” and a “model of faith.” Judaism, Christianity, and Islam all
recognize him as the founding father of their religion. This morning we will
consider the relationship of Abraham to the three so-called “religions of the
book” and look at how he has been and might continue to be a source of unity
among Jews, Christians, and Muslims.
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Rev. Wendy L. Bell
In the introduction to her book, What is Marriage For?,
E. J. Graff compares marriage to “an archeological site on which the present is
constantly building over the past...” This morning we will consider the complex
history of marriage and the current debate on the legitimacy of same-gender
marriage.
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Chris Mohn and Peter Calkins
This year’s UUA General Assembly, held in Long Beach, CA,
featured inquiries from Bill Sinkford on how the UUA can best help our church
be all we want it to be, a focus on mission-centered ministry, and our own Rev.
Wendy Bell attaining full fellowship as a minister of the UUA. Join us as we
bring home some reflections on this gathering of Unitarian Universalists from
around the world.
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Rev. Wendy L. Bell
During the Jewish festival of Sukkot, observant Jews build
and then dwell in temporary shelters in order to commemorate the 40 years
during which their ancestors wandered in the desert, trusting that God would
provide for their needs. This morning we will reflect on faith and trust in the
midst of change and transience.
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Rev. Wendy L. Bell
During Judaism’s Days of Repentance — the ten
days between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur — observant Jews traditionally
confess the sins they’ve committed against others in the past year in
preparation for the next. This morning we will consider lashon ha-ra or
“the evil tongue”, the category of sin into which most sins are said to
fall.
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September 12, 2004 - Service of
Ingathering
Rev. Wendy L. Bell
An “altar” is a table that serves as the
center of worship. To “alter” is “to make different without
changing into something else.” This morning we will reflect together on how we
are changed through our encounters with those things we hold sacred.
Please bring a small object or symbol representative of that which is most
sacred to you, worthy of reverence and respect. Our “communion” this
morning will be the building of a communal altar of these sacred
things. Bring the whole family and join once again with the community as
we celebrate the beginning of a new church year!
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