Sunday Morning Program Committee Resources
Sunday morning services are the most visible manifestation of the
ministry of the UUFA. The Sunday Morning Program Committee (SMPC)
supports the minister's responsibility for Sunday morning services. We
actively embody our Fellowship's tradition of shared ministry, and we
cherish James Luther Adams' famous concept of the "priesthood and
prophet-hood of all believers." Specifically, the SMPC aims to realize
the congregation's commitment to being "a beacon of social justice and
liberal religion" by providing collaborators, facilitators, ideas, and
feedback to support the minister's Sunday morning services and by
planning, shepherding, and implementing services when our minister is
not in the pulpit.
Governing Document
Best Practices (work in progress)
Past Programs in 2001-2012
UUFA Website
Committee Members
UUA Worship Web
Facilitator Workshop Notes (Brian Eslinger)
The Worship Service (Charlotte Cowtan)
Jen and Jim Coppoc's UUSundays Spreadsheet
Hymns Sung Between October 2008 and March 2010
Linked Resources for UUFA Sound Guys
Current Working Schedule Feb - Oct. 2012
February 2012
Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa
1 2 3 4 <-- PSD Annual Conference Planning in Bloomington MN
5 6 7 8 9 10 11 <-- Sunday Morning Program Committee Meeting
12 13 14 15 16 17 18
19 20 21 22 23 24 25
26 27 28 29
Feb 5 "Fellowship Forward" Speakers: Rev. Charlotte Cowtan [52,52]
[Pledge Drive Kickoff] Facilitators: Mary Richards, Amy Slagell
Accompanist: Anne Kimber
Special Music: Anne & Thea
Sound: Sam Wormley (both services)
The theme of the 2012-2013 Fund Drive is "Fellowship Forward" - but what
does that mean? Clearly it has different meanings for different people.
Today Rev. Cowtan will be exploring many of the possible meanings of
this theme.
Feb 12 "The Art of Lying: Speakers: Rev. Charlotte Cowtan [56,42]
To Speak the Truth in Love" Facilitators: Toby Ewing, Mark Witherspoon
[Fellowship Voices Rehearsal] Accompanist: Ginny Molgaard
Special Music: Recorder Consort
Sound: Dallas Thies, Greg Bruna
It has been said that honesty is the best policy--but is it always? Are
there times when it is best NOT to speak the truth--or even to tell a
little 'white lie'?
Feb 19 "Youth Service" Speakers: Fellowship Youth [72,65]
Facilitators: None Required
[Fellowship Voices Rehearsal] Accompanist: Mary Richards
Special Music:
Sound: Dallas Thies (both services)
Today the UUFA high school youth share their thoughts, music, and
reflections on a topic that occupies the minds of people of all ages.
Feb 26 "Religion as a Subversive Speakers: Paul Turner with Rev. Charlotte Cowtan [68,60]
Activity" Facilitators: Kay Puttock, Mary Richards?
[Fellowship Voices Rehearsal] Accompanist: Barb Evenson
[Chili Peper Cook Off] Special Music: Fellowship Voices: Shine on Me
Sound: Sam Wormley, Greg Bruna
Director of AMOS (A Mid-Iowa Organizing Strategy) All religious
traditions have a view of how human beings in the 'Perfect' world
operate. It's also true that although the Ideal World differs from one
tradition to another, all religious traditions are aware that humankind,
in their view, fall short of their ideal. This implies that all
religions are (or should be) subversive organizations attempting to
change the world brom what it is to what it, in their view, should be.
Today's Soup Lunch will provide an opportunity or focused discussion
about the changes we would like to see in ourcommunities.
March 2012
Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa
1 2 3
4 5 6 7 8 9 10 <-- Sunday Morning Program Committee Meeting
11 12 13 14 15 16 17 <-- Spring Break Mar. 10-18
18 19 20 21 22 23 24
25 26 27 28 29 30 31
Mar 4 "Politics and Religion" Speakers: Rev. Charlotte Cowtan [91,37]
Facilitators: Amy Slagell, Toby Ewing
[Fellowship Voices Rehearsal] Accompanist: Mary Richards
Special Music: Martin Runquist
Sound: Donald Lewis & Dallas Thies
Presidential Election years are always difficult times for Congregations
to navigate the fine line between 'voting our values' and engaging in
partisan politics. In our UU congregations, it is not uncommon for
Republicans to remain 'closeted' out of fear of being 'shunned' if the
congregation knew their political affiliation. It is good to be reminded
of our proud heritage of fighting for the separation of Church and
State, and how to both live and vote our values while honoring the
separation of religion and politics that we fought to bring into being.
Mar 11 "Survival of the Fittest" Speakers: Rev. Charlotte Cowtan [48,39]
Facilitators: Sarah Carlson
[Fellowship Voices Rehearsal] Accompanist: Jim Coppoc
[Spring Break Mar. 10-18] Special Music: Martin Runquist, Jim and Jen Coppoc
Sound: Sam Wormley
As some of you are aware, I am an avid Women's basketball fan. And the
play-offs for NCAA Division 1 start next week -- right here in Ames, IA.
What's that got to do with religion? Come to the service and find out!
Mar 18 "A Time of Balance" Speakers: Rev. Charlotte Cowtan & Toby Ewing [82,30]
[All Congregational] Facilitators: Crystal Tice
Accompanist: Ginny Molgaard
[Spring Equinox Mar 20 5:14 UTC] Special Music:
Sound: Sam Wormley and Greg Bruna
The Vernal Equinox is a time of balance between light and dark. The
Earth responds to the lengthening days, and so do we. Elements from
nature gathered during the March 11 nature walk will adorn our chalice
table. Celebrate the season of rebirth and participate in a Seed
Communion. Immediately following the 9:15 service, there will be a multi-
generational nature hunt (aka Easter Egg Hunt) for all ages.
Mar 25 "Theology in Driftwood" Speakers: Rev. Charlotte Cowtan [78,43]
Facilitators: Amy Slagell, Sam Wormley
Accompanist: Peggy Earnshaw
Special Music: Jim Coppoc
Sound: Donald Lewis & Dallas Thies
One of the most precious gifts I ever received is a piece of driftwood
given to me by my minister almost 50 years ago. That simple gift changed
my world view - and my life.
April 2012
Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
8 9 10 11 12 13 14 <-- PSD Conference in Bloomington, MN
15 16 17 18 19 20 21 <-- Sunday Morning Program Committee Meeting
22 23 24 25 26 27 28
29 30
Apr 1 "Keep a Green Tree in your Speakers: Linda Barnes, Sarah Carlson [72,53]
Heart and Perhaps a Singing Faculitators: Andrew Williams, Sarah Carlson
Bird will Come" Accompanist: Mary Richards
[Fellowship Voices Rehearsal] Special Music:
Sound: Greg Bruna, Sam Wormley
"Keep a Green Tree in Your Heart and Perhaps a Singing Bird will Come"
This Chinese proverb encourages us to maintain a positive outlook. This
service will explore the bright side of disappointment. Difficult times
in one's personal life, one's family, and even in one's congregation
often offer unexpected opportunities.
Apr 8 "The Promise and the Passion" Speakers: Rev. Charlotte Cowtan [92,75]
Facilitators: Toby Ewing
[Fellowship Voices Rehearsal] Accompanist: Barb Evenson
Special Music: Fellowship Voices: Ubi Caritas
Sound: Dallas Thies
A celebration of Passover and Easter. How do these religious stories
inform us as Unitarian Universalists today?
Apr 15 "RE Sunday" Speakers: Rev. Charlotte Cowtan, RE Committee [98,70]
Facilitators: Kay Puttock
[Fellowship Voices Rehearsal] Accompanist: Peggy Earnshaw
Special Music:
Sound: Dallas Thies
Apr 22 "Earth Day Awareness and Speakers: Lee Molgaard, Sue Jarnigan, Jim Murdock [76,53]
Celebration" Facilitators: Sam Wormley, Toby Ewing
[Yucutan Trip Reflections] Accompanist: Mary Richards
[Fellowship Voices Rehearsal] Special Music: Jim Coppoc
Sound: (Donald Lewis, Greg Bruna)
On April 22, more than one billion people of all nationalities and
backgrounds will voice their appreciation for the planet and demand its
protection. Together we will stand united for a sustainable future and
call upon individuals, organizations, and governments to do their part.
Apr 29 "Democratic Method" Speakers: Rev. Charlotte Cowtan [60,44]
Facilitators: Amy Slagell,
Accompanist: Barb Evenson, Ginny Molgaard
Special Music: Fellowship Voices: "Uma Familia"
Sound: Dallas Thies
As a member congregation of the UUA, we 'Covenant to Affirm and promote
the democratic method in our congregations and in society at large'.
But nothing in the principles or the UUA guidelines gives us specific
direction on what that means -- or how we are to do it. Today I'll look
for lessons to be learned from our history.
May 2012
Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa
1 2 3 4 5
6 7 8 9 10 11 12 <-- Sunday Morning Program Committee Meeting
13 14 15 16 17 18 19
20 21 22 23 24 25 26
27 28 29 30 31
May 6 "Transitions" Speakers: Lori Allen, Fellowship Youth [112]
[Bridging Ceremony] Facilitators: Sam Wormley
[Annual Meeting] Accompanist: Ginny Molgaard
Special Music: Fellowship Youth, Jim & Jen
Sound: Dallas Thies, Sam Wormley
Lori Allen will emcee this service of children's music and arts
performances, the high school seniors' bridging ceremony, and the
recognition of volunteers. There will also be a special celebration of
Anne Tepper, our nursery childcare provider.
May 13 "Honoring our (For-)Mothers" Speakers: Rev. Charlotte Cowtan [48,45]
Facilitators: Amy Slagell
Accompanist: Larry Burkhalter
Special Music: Larry Burkhalter and Ann Kimber
Sound: Donald Lewis and Dallas Thies
In the late 19th century, a group of Unitarian ministers that became
known as the Iowa Sisterhood, established Unitarian congregations
throughout this state. The legacy of their ministries remains strong in
our congregations.
May 20 "Celebration of Covanent Speakers: Rev. Charlotte Cowtan
and Community" Facilitators: Mark Witherspoon, Paul Ferrone
Flower Communion Accompanist: Peggy Earnshaw
[Solar Eclipse hour before Sunset] Special Music:
Sound: Sam Wormley
Flower Communion. (Bring a flower to add to the communal vase) Today we
will recognize and celebrate our communal life. Volunteers will be
recognized and The new Board will be formally installed.
May 27 "Candidating Week" Speakers: Rev. Kent McKusick (Sam will shephard)
Facilitators: Andrew Williams, Sam Wormley
Accompanist: Mary Richards
Special Music:
Sound:
June 2012
Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa
1 2
3 4 5 6 7 8 9 <-- Sunday Morning Program Committee Meeting
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
17 18 19 20 21 22 23 <-- GA (Phoenix) Jun 20-24
24 25 26 27 28 29 30
Jun 3 "Candidating Week" Speakers: Rev. Kent McKusick
Facilitators: Sarah Carlson, Andrew Williams
Accompanist: Peggy Earnshaw
Special Music:
Sound: Donald Lewis and Greg Bruna
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Transition to single 10am service from two services at 9:15 a.m. and 11 a.m.
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Jun 10 "TBD" Speakers: Rev. Charlotte Cowtan
Facilitators:
Accompanist: Mary Richards
Special Music:
Sound:
Jun 17 "The Best of Goodbyes" Speakers: Rev. Charlotte Cowtan, Deb Kline, Steve Martens
[Celebration Picnic for Charlotte] Facilitators: Mark Witherspoon, Sarah Carlson
[Fathers Day] Accompanist: Ginny Molgaard
[Summer Solstice Jun 20 23:09 UTC] Special Music:
Sound: Sam Wormley
Jun 24 "Why the UUFA?" Speakers: (shepards Amy, Mark and Sarah Carlson)
[similar to "This I Believe"] Facilitators: Sarah Carlson, Amy Slagell
Accompanist: Peggy Earnshaw
Special Music:
Sound:
July 2012
Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
8 9 10 11 12 13 14 <-- Sunday Morning Program Committee Meeting
15 16 17 18 19 20 21
22 23 24 25 26 27 28
29 30 31
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Summer Themes(2) Spiritual Inspiration from Nature, Being in Community
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Jul 1 "Lessons from the Flying Speakers: Toby Ewing and others
Spaghetti Monster" Facilitators: Liz Rohret, Crystal Tice, Sam Wormley
Accompanist:
Special Music:
Sound: Sam Wormley
Jul 8 "Freedoms that Make Us Speakers: Mark Witherspoon
Who We Are" Facilitators:
Accompanist:
Special Music:
Sound:
Jul 15 Speakers:
Facilitators:
Accompanist:
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Jul 22 Speakers:
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Jul 29 Speakers:
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August 2012
Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa
1 2 3 4
5 6 7 8 9 10 11 <-- Sunday Morning Program Committee Meeting
12 13 14 15 16 17 18
19 20 21 22 23 24 25 <-- Ames Schools and Iowa State start classes this week
26 27 28 29 30 31
Aug 5 "TBD" Speakers: Deb Kline
Facilitators:
Accompanist:
Special Music:
Sound:
Aug 12 "TBD" Speakers: Linda Barnes
Facilitators: Sam Wormley
Accompanist:
Special Music:
Sound:
Aug 19 Speakers:
Facilitators:
Accompanist:
Special Music:
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Aug 26 Speakers: Rev. Kent McKusick?
[Summer Picnic - Moore Park] Facilitators:
Accompanist:
Special Music:
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September 2012
Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa
1
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 <-- Sunday Morning Program Committee Meeting
9 10 11 12 13 14 15
16 17 18 19 20 21 22 <-- Fall Equinox Sep 22 9:49am CDT
23 24 25 26 27 28 29
30
Sep 2 "Random and Reason?" Speakers: Toby Ewing & Sam Wormley
[Science with Humor] Facilitators:
Accompanist:
Special Music:
Sound:
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Transition from single 10am service to two services at 9:15 a.m. and 11 a.m.
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Sep 9 "Ingathering" Speakers: Rev. Kent McKusick?
Facilitators:
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Sep 16 Speakers:
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Sep 23 Speakers:
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[Fall Equinox Sep 22 14:49 UTC] Special Music:
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Sep 30 Speakers:
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October 2012
Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa
1 2 3 4 5 6
7 8 9 10 11 12 13
14 15 16 17 18 19 20
21 22 23 24 25 26 27
28 29 30 31
Oct 7 Speakers:
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Oct 14 Speakers:
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Oct 21 Speakers:
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Oct 28 Speakers:
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[Iowa Meal] Accompanist:
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Stonetree Congregational Resources
Backup ("hip pocket") Programs
o Singing Sunday (congregational member choose their favorites)
o Congregational Sharing (topical)
Potential Program Ideas
o Greta Anderson
-Integrating Cultures
-AIDS Program
o Sarah Carlson
-Living our Values When We Disagree: As UUs we are often
skeptics, independent thinkers and have conflicting
opinions. How can we affirm each other's dignity and
show respect and compassion when opinions diverge and
emotions heat up?
-Healing relationships: Reconciliation is the
prerequisite for the deepest of spiritual journeys.
What does this mean?
-Prayer: What's In It For Me? A different look at what
prayer is, how various religious traditions, including
humanist and non-theists view prayer, what do people
actually do when they pray and how does it give meaning
to people's lives.
-Facing death: The Journey with a Terminal Illness
-How do we deal with economic and educational diversity?
Are we welcoming of people just as they are? What
judgments are made when a non-immigrant lives in chronic
poverty, do not speak with proper grammar, and do not
look to improve their education and economic status?
-The Baha'i Faith: As UUs we seek to learn more of other
faith traditions. Learn more about the Baha'i faith
tradition.
-The Mindfulness of Breathing
-Turning the Wheel of Dhamma-Buddhist tradition
-Mandala: A Sanskrit word meaning "circle" and a sacred
art across religious traditions. The circle is a
spiritual symbol of wholeness.
-Chanting and spirituality
-Sacred Art
-UUSC Environmental Justice Access to safe, affordable
water is a human right.
-Jesus Before Easter
-The Concept of Sheol
-Stirrings of Compassion: Ability to enter the passion
of another. It is a deep and intimate engagement with
"the other." How do we go beyond writing a check to
support social justice to experience real engagement
with real people? How does compassion transform us?
Where does our community lack compassion?
-Spiritual Development Across the Lifespan
o Jim Coppoc
-Music Programs
o Paul Ferrone
-Music Program (200th B'day Felix Mendelssohn, F. Chopin and/or
Robert Schumann)
o Ginny Molgaard
-Gardening, the spirituality of
-Poetry (organized by subject matter)
o Amy Slagell
-Nature Focus