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.

 

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.

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.

Rev. Wendy Bell

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

Lisa and Tom Aciukewicz, Didi Chadran and Paige O'Brien

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.

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?

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?

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.

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.

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?

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."

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.

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.

An all-ages service to honor the memory and legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr.

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.

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.

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.

Rev. Wendy Bell.

  

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.

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?

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.

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.

  

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.

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.

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.”

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?”

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.

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! 

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?

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. 

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!"

Worship Committee

Senior High Youth Group

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?

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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?

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.

Rev. Marguerite Sheehan
How would we live our lives if we cut to the most essential? What are the "most essential" things for you?

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.

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.

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.

Rev. Marguerite Sheehan
Rev. Sheehan, our part-time sabbatical minister, will speak on the courage it takes to be vulnerable.

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.

Rev. Wendy Bell

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..

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.

Rev. Wendy Bell

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...

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

Senior High Youth Group

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?

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?

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?

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.

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 .

Rev. Wendy L. Bell
In which we re-claim and celebrate the silent spaces of our lives.

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.

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."

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Rev. Wendy L. Bell

Rev. Wendy L. Bell

Rev. Wendy L. Bell

Rev. Wendy L. Bell

Rev. Wendy L. Bell

Rev. Wendy L. Bell

Kit Jorrens and Jane Trask Rosen

Rev. Wendy L. Bell

Rev. Wendy L. Bell

Rev. Wendy L. Bell

Mission Centered Ministry Committee

Rev. Wendy L. Bell

Rev. Wendy L. Bell

Rev. Wendy L. Bell

Rev. Wendy L. Bell

Singer-Songwriter Jody Kessler

Rev. Wendy L. Bell

Rev. Wendy L. Bell

Rev. Wendy L. Bell

Kristine A. L. Tomlinson

This sermon, along with readings and bibliography, may be found at http://pages.prodigy.net/kaltomlinson/Labyrinth.htm.

Rev. Wendy L. Bell and Ms. Linda Berez

Rev. Wendy L. Bell

Michael Durall

Rev. Wendy L. Bell

Rev. Wendy L. Bell

Julia Goldberg, B.L.S.

Rev. Wendy L. Bell

Rev. Wendy L. Bell

Rev. Wendy L. Bell

Rev. Wendy L. Bell

Rev. Wendy L. Bell

Rev. Wendy L. Bell

Rev. Wendy L. Bell

Kit Jorrens, Jane Trask Rosen, and Eleanor Toth 

Rev. Wendy L. Bell

Sue Tokay, Middle School Youth Group, 5th/6th Grade Mummers and Friends

Rev. Wendy L. Bell

Rev. Wendy L. Bell

Jane Trask Rosen and Charlanne Van Wormer

Reflection for All Ages - The Table Where Rich People Sit

Rev. Wendy L. Bell

Rev. Wendy L. Bell

Dillon Bustin

Rev. Wendy L. Bell

Rev. Wendy L. Bell

Rev. Wendy L. Bell

Rev. Wendy L. Bell

Chris Mohn and Peter Calkins

Rev. Wendy L. Bell

Rev. Wendy L. Bell

Rev. Wendy L. Bell