“The Will to Mutuality” – Rev. Eileen Wiviott

The Will to Mutuality: Reflecting on the book, After the Good News, by Nancy McDonald-Ladd. The liberal protestant view of human perfectibility, the notion of human development onward and upward forever, unchecked and unexamined leads to a myopic, self-satisfied and exclusive entitlement revealed in such things as the doctrine of Manifest Destiny and the many examples of failed utopian societies. What if the salvation of the world and our own souls was found, not in our perfectibility, but in our profound reliance on one another and our ability to share power?

“Patience: Is it always a virtue?” – Rev. Eileen Wiviott

Patience is a virtue, except when it’s not. As the world moves ever faster and we, its inhabitants, are more instantly gratified, it seems increasingly challenging to ask for and practice patience. We will explore the virtue and vice of patience and how we might practice it with one another, while navigating and responding to the urgency of our times. Bridget Wild and Ben Kornfeld are the recipients of this auction sermon.

Claiming a Mission: Can “We” be “One”? – Rev. Karen Gustafson

There is an old sentiment, often expressed, that Unitarian Universalist Congregations are like “Herds of cats” (or maybe squirrels!). This implies that it is hard to get a group of UUs headed or organized around a common idea or purpose in ways that could make actually make a difference. Yet, UCE has a Mission Statement which is, “Nurturing the human spirit for a world made whole.” How does the common energy fuel the work of the many? Could common understanding lead to shared action? As you move toward the calling of your next minister this bears consideration.

“Our Annual Fire Communion”

We begin the new year by releasing whatever has held us back – regret, fear, resentment. Letting go of burdens of the spirit makes room for wholeness and integrity to enter in. Rev. Eileen leads the service with Robb Geiger as Worship Associate. 9:15 is a Worship for All Ages. 11 a.m. children begin in the service and then head to religious education in the lower level. We will also be collecting our Guest At Your Table boxes for UUSC.

“On Not Waiting to Be the Hummingbird” – Rev. Karen G. Johnston

All of us must die. It is written in our blood and bones. How might we befriend this fact, rather than turn away? Hear the story of the life and death of Lee Hawkins, a Unitarian Universalist who lived her long life facing her death.

Reverend Karen G. Johnston is the settled minister at The Unitarian Society, which is located in East Brunswick, NJ. She grew up in Oregon, lived in Western Massachusetts for a couple of decades raising her children, and now finds herself in Central Jersey. She is the recipient of the 2018-19 Dana Greeley prize for a sermon she wrote on the migrant crisis (which is not the one she will be giving). Her mother, brother, step-daughter and grandchildren live in Chicago, so she’s thrilled to be able to preach nearby.

“Keeping the fire burning: collectively sustaining resistance” 

Hanukkah reminds us of the miracle of the sacred oil that lasted, long past expectation, long enough to be renewed. Collectively, we find renewal in community and kindle the flame of faith together. Rev. Eileen Wiviott leads the service. John LaPlante is our Worship Leader. Childcare is available for infants through 1st grade 9 am – noon. Religious Education for 2nd grade – High school at the 11 a.m. hour, beginning in the worship service.

“Light in the Darkness”

This time of year is rich with the symbolism of casting light into the growing darkness. The season of Advent with its candles of anticipation, hope, peace and love; preparing for the winter solstice; Christmas Eve; Hanukkah…all evolved out of the need for light as days grow shorter. But what of the value of darkness, the need for rest, the peace of shadowed stillness? We’ll explore the embedded meanings of light and dark, and share some new ways of celebrating both. Rev. Eileen leads the service and Heike Eghardt is our Worship Associate.