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

       ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
       Transition to single 10am service from two services at 9:15 a.m. and 11 a.m.
       ----------------------------------------------------------------------------

       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

       ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
       Summer Themes(2) Spiritual Inspiration from Nature, Being in Community
       ----------------------------------------------------------------------------



       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:
                                             Special Music:
                                             Sound:

       Jul  22                               Speakers:
                                             Facilitators:
                                             Accompanist:
                                             Special Music:
                                             Sound:

       Jul  29                               Speakers:
                                             Facilitators:
                                             Accompanist:
                                             Special Music:
                                             Sound:


                 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:
                                             Sound:

       Aug  26                               Speakers: Rev. Kent McKusick?
               [Summer Picnic - Moore Park]  Facilitators:
                                             Accompanist:
                                             Special Music:
                                             Sound:


                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:

       ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
       Transition from single 10am service to two services at 9:15 a.m. and 11 a.m.
       ----------------------------------------------------------------------------

       Sep   9  "Ingathering"                Speakers: Rev. Kent McKusick?
                                             Facilitators:
                                             Accompanist:
                                             Special Music:
                                             Sound:

       Sep  16                               Speakers:
                                             Facilitators:
                                             Accompanist:
                                             Special Music:
                                             Sound:

       Sep  23                               Speakers:
                                             Facilitators:
                                             Accompanist:
         [Fall Equinox  Sep 22 14:49 UTC]    Special Music:
                                             Sound:

       Sep  30                               Speakers:
                                             Facilitators:
                                             Accompanist:
                                             Special Music:
                                             Sound:



                 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:
                                             Facilitators:
                                             Accompanist:
                                             Special Music:
                                             Sound:

       Oct  14                               Speakers:
                                             Facilitators:
                                             Accompanist:
                                             Special Music:
                                             Sound:

       Oct  21                               Speakers:
                                             Facilitators:
                                             Accompanist:
                                             Special Music:
                                             Sound:

       Oct  28                               Speakers:
                                             Facilitators:
                [Iowa Meal]                  Accompanist:
                                             Special Music:
                                             Sound:




  

       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


406107