“Even in the darkest of times we have the right to expect some illumination… Such illumination may well come less from theories and concepts than from the uncertain, flickering, and often weak light that some men and women, in their lives and works, will kindle under almost all circumstances and shed over the time-span that … Continue reading Pastoral Care and Connections
A big thank you to the wonderful artists who played music in the garden and on the front lawn during the reception following Reverend Kate’s Installation on May 15. We are blessed to have these talented musicians as members and friends in our congregation:Kate SnowDanny RechtenwaldA String Band (Deb Byrum, Mary Denison, Dave McLaughlin, Martin … Continue reading Memories from Installation Sunday
Saturday, June 18, 2022, 10 am – 12 pm via Zoom: Register here The pressing issue of food inequality and insecurity and how it relates to race and ethnicity is of importance to UUs. Hunger and the ability to purchase/obtain food — especially nutritious food — affects many segments of our society, but especially persons of … Continue reading Exploring Food Inequality and Insecurity as They Relate to Race
Saturday, June 25, 7:30 pm The Early Mays create Appalachian-inspired songs built on deep country sensibilities, masterful singing, and a sweet old-time sound. They burst onto the folk scene in 2014 with a #2 debut on the National Folk-DJ Charts: an album where fiddle, banjo, and guitar are the swirling backdrop to heart-melting vocal harmonies. … Continue reading SongSpace at First Unitarian Presents The Early Mays with special guest Ol Whitetail
Our culture can get obsessed with boxes, with little reflection on the value of what is in the box. Office supply stores, “Big Box” stores, moving companies, and home décor stores all seem to focus on the container, with little emphasis on the contents. Yet, it’s what is in the box that has the real … Continue reading Pastoral Care and Connections Message
For over two years we have existed in a world pandemic on top of political turmoil, war, rising prices, gun violence, racism, and climate crisis. It’s an understatement to say ministering to each other has gotten particularly stressful as we tend to the loss and anxiety in our community. For many people, there is an … Continue reading Pastoral Care and Connections Message
Beloved long-time church member and renowned poet Christine Doreian Michaels presented a poem during the Presentation of Gifts at the Installation Service for Reverend Dr. Kate Walker on Sunday, May 15. Reprinted here are Christine’s words from the service, along with her poem ‘Shall We Dance?’ Reverend Kate, our Reverend Kate, you put passion into … Continue reading Memories from Installation Sunday
“I’ve got you!” she said, again, “I’ve got you!” I still hear her words in my ears as they distilled their way into my heart and weary muscles. She tightly gripped my hands, holding me upright as I adjusted my feet and weight. My friend and beloved UU colleague, Nancy, was counterbalancing my body as … Continue reading Pastoral Care and Connections Message
In recognition of the indigenous spring festival that our Khasi Unitarian sisters and brothers in India celebrate, the Khasi Hills Partnership is sharing a traditional recipe from our school contact as well as a brief video clip from this year’s Shad Suk Mysiem Festival. This can give a feel for how the Northeast India region … Continue reading Khasi Festival Video and Rice Recipe
“Let gratitude be the pillow upon which you kneel to say your nightly prayer. And let faith be the bridge you build to overcome evil and welcome good.” ― Maya Angelou I choose to orient my life around gratitude. I lay my head down with gratitude for another day on this earth, and lament that … Continue reading Pastoral Care and Connections Message
Worship Service May 15, 2022Livestreamed at 10:30 a.m. (prelude begins at 10:25) “Mystery” A multi-generational service of stories and music that celebrates our experience of life’s great mysteries and the Mystery that some call God. This is a service for all ages, and children will remain in the service for its entirety. Erica Shadowsong and Ellen … Continue reading The Installation of Reverend Dr. Kate Walker
